Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe FS175 Fish & Ski 2007 vs Lowe R1860 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Lowe FS175 Fish & Ski 2007 vs Lowe R1860 2011 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 FS175 Fish & Ski 2007 at 17,0 ft versus Lowe R1860 2011 at 18,4 ft. At 115 lbs and 85 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Lowe FS175 Fish & Ski 2007 has a 55-hp advantage over the Lowe R1860 2011'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 R1860 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lowe FS175 Fish & Ski 2007 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe R1860 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe R1860 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe FS175 Fish & Ski 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelFS175 Fish & Ski
ModelR186
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam92 in. (2.33 m)
Beam83.5 in. (2.12 m)
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches83.5
Weight - Detail1,150 lbs. (522 kg)
Weight - Detail850 lbs. (386 kg)
Weight - kg521.63
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - lbs.115
Weight - lbs.85
Width [transom] - Detail80 in. (2 m)
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.52 m) bottom
Height - Detail40 in. (1.01 m)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.02
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches4
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in. (.5 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.51 m)
Length - Meters5.53
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet18.42
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in. (5.53 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length overall - Meters5.26
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches207
Length overall - Inches221
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail25 in. (0.64 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters63.5
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches25
Body / Hull
Hull thickness.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull thickness0.110 in. (2.8 mm)
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (102 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Engine max60 hp (45 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs. (725 kg)
Maximum capacity1,680 lbs. (762 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people7 / 1,078 lbs. (489 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailLB-2600-82BL - painted bunk trailer w/ swing tongue (16.5 in.)
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over allTongue in: 20 ft. 11 in. (6.4 m)
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 2 in. (6.45 m)
Trailer - Width102 in
Trailer - Widthnot available