Matching a tunnel Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2013 against a modified vee Lowe Stinger 17HP 2011 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 1860 Tunnel Jet 2013 at 18,0 ft versus Lowe Stinger 17HP 2011 at 17,2 ft. At 95 lbs and 99 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 — 90 hp for the Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2013 and 90 hp for the Lowe Stinger 17HP 2011. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 19 gal and 19 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lowe Stinger 17HP 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 2013 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Stinger 17HP 2011 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Lowe Frontier 1860 Tunnel Jet 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.