Matching a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1860 2012 against a deep vee Lowe FS165 2009 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 2012 at 18,0 ft versus Lowe FS165 2009 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Frontier 1860 2012 tips the scales at 601 lbs — 600 lbs more than the Lowe FS165 2009 at 1 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 90 hp, the Lowe FS165 2009 has a 30-hp advantage over the Lowe Frontier 1860 2012's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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 FS165 2009 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Lowe Frontier 1860 2012. 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.