The Lowe Boats FS 1700 2021 vs Lowe Boats L1448M Jon 2022 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe Boats FS 1700 2021 at 16,1 ft versus Lowe Boats L1448M Jon 2022 at 13,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Boats FS 1700 2021 tips the scales at 1 265 lbs — 1 005 lbs more than the Lowe Boats L1448M Jon 2022 at 260 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 115 hp, the Lowe Boats FS 1700 2021 has a 90-hp advantage over the Lowe Boats L1448M Jon 2022's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 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 Boats L1448M Jon 2022 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Lowe Boats FS 1700 2021. 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.

Both the Lowe Boats FS 1700 2021 and Lowe Boats L1448M Jon 2022 are trailerable, which is a big part of the appeal at this size. You can store either at home, hitch up on a whim, and launch wherever the water looks good.