The Lowe FS165 2013 vs Lowe Stinger 170 2006 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 2013 at 16,4 ft versus Lowe Stinger 170 2006 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Stinger 170 2006 tips the scales at 1 095 lbs — 970 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 Stinger 170 2006. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lowe FS165 2013 carries 26 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Lowe Stinger 170 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FS165 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe Stinger 170 2006 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 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 15 lbs per hp for the Lowe Stinger 170 2006. 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.