Matching a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1756 2012 against a deep vee Lowe FS185 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe Frontier 1756 2012 at 16,8 ft versus Lowe FS185 2013 at 18,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Frontier 1756 2012 tips the scales at 545 lbs — 528 lbs more than the Lowe FS185 2013 at 17 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Lowe FS185 2013 has a 100-hp advantage over the Lowe Frontier 1756 2012's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FS185 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lowe Frontier 1756 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FS185 2013 could be the deciding factor.