Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 boat specs
Lowe
Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013
2013
View full specs →
VS
Lowe R1652SS 2005 boat specs
Lowe
Lowe R1652SS 2005
2005
View full specs →

Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 vs Lowe R1652SS 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 vs Lowe R1652SS 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 at 17,0 ft versus Lowe R1652SS 2005 at 16,0 ft. At 73 lbs and 43 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 has a 35-hp advantage over the Lowe R1652SS 2005's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe R1652SS 2005. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Lowe R1652SS 2005 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeLowe
MakeLowe
ModelFrontier 1756 SC
ModelR1652SS
Model Year2013
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam80 in. (2.03 m)
Beam75 in. (1.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.03
Beam - Meters1.91
Beam - Inches8
Beam - Inches75
Depth - Detail23 in. (0.58 m)
Depth - Detail21 in. (.53 m)
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches23
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail730 lbs. (331 kg)
Weight - Detail430 lbs. (195 kg)
Weight - kg331.12
Weight - kg195.04
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.43
Width [transom] - Detail56 in. (1.42 m) bottom
Width [transom] - Detail55 in. (1.52 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (.50 m)
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail17 ft. (5.18 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (4.87 m)
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches192
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters4.87
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in. (2.54 mm)
Hull thickness.100 in. (.25 cm)
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max75 hp (56 kW)
Engine max40 hp (30 kw)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,260 lbs. (572 kg)
Maximum capacity1,103 lbs. (591 kg)
Maximum people5 / 700 lbs. (318 kg)
Maximum people5

Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 vs Lowe R1652SS 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 or the Lowe R1652SS 2005?
The Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Lowe R1652SS 2005 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 or the Lowe R1652SS 2005?
For trailering, the Lowe R1652SS 2005 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 73 lbs for the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lowe R1652SS 2005 tops out at 40 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Lowe R1652SS 2005 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe R1652SS 2005. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Lowe R1652SS 2005 measures 75" wide, compared to 8" for the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 and Lowe R1652SS 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Lowe Frontier 1756 SC 2013 and the Lowe R1652SS 2005 are built by Lowe. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.