Matching a modified vee Lowe Frontier 1860 2012 against a deep vee Lowe FS185 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 2012 at 18,0 ft versus Lowe FS185 2011 at 18,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Frontier 1860 2012 tips the scales at 601 lbs — 466 lbs more than the Lowe FS185 2011 at 135 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 2011 has a 90-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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FS185 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lowe Frontier 1860 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FS185 2011 could be the deciding factor.