The Lowe FS165 2012 vs Lowe Stinger 170WV 2005 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 FS165 2012 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe Stinger 170WV 2005 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe FS165 2012 tips the scales at 955 lbs — 944 lbs more than the Lowe Stinger 170WV 2005 at 11 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 135 hp, the Lowe Stinger 170WV 2005 has a 45-hp advantage over the Lowe FS165 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 27 gal and 27 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FS165 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe Stinger 170WV 2005 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FS165 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe Stinger 170WV 2005 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Lowe FS165 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.