Matching a deep vee Lowe FS165 2013 against a modified vee Lowe R1655CC 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 FS165 2013 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe R1655CC 2011 at 16,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe R1655CC 2011 tips the scales at 769 lbs — 644 lbs less than the Lowe FS165 2013 at 125 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Lowe FS165 2013 and 75 hp for the Lowe R1655CC 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FS165 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe R1655CC 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FS165 2013 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe FS165 2013 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Lowe R1655CC 2011. 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.