Matching a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1756SC 2012 against a deep vee Lowe FS165 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 1756SC 2012 at 16,8 ft versus Lowe FS165 2013 at 16,4 ft. At 73 lbs and 125 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 75 hp for the Lowe Frontier 1756SC 2012 and 90 hp for the Lowe FS165 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FS165 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe Frontier 1756SC 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 FS165 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Frontier 1756SC 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe FS165 2013. 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: Choose the Lowe FS165 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 16,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe Frontier 1756SC 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.