Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe FS185 2011 vs Lowe R1652VPT 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Lowe FS185 2011 vs Lowe R1652VPT 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 FS185 2011 at 18,3 ft versus Lowe R1652VPT 2005 at 16,0 ft. At 135 lbs and 43 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 150 hp, the Lowe FS185 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the Lowe R1652VPT 2005's 50-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 FS185 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Lowe R1652VPT 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FS185 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe FS185 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe R1652VPT 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model Year2011
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in. (2.41 m)
Beam75 in. (1.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters1.91
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches75
Weight - Detail1,350 lbs. (612 kg)
Weight - Detail430 lbs. (195 kg)
Weight - kg612.35
Weight - kg195.04
Weight - lbs.135
Weight - lbs.43
Width [transom] - Detail83 in. (2.1 m) bottom
Width [transom] - Detail55 in. (1.52 m)
Height - Detail41 in. (1.04 m) bow
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters1.04
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches41
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]25 in. (0.64 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (.50 m)
Length - Feet18.25
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 3 in. (5.56 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (4.87 m)
Length overall - Meters5.56
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches219
Length overall - Inches192
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21 in. (.53 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters4.87
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull thickness.100 in. (.25 cm)
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail38 gal. (144 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal38
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp (111 kW) 9.9 hp (7.5 kW) Kicker motor
Engine max50 hp (37 kw)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,759 lbs. (798 kg)
Maximum capacity1,145 lbs. (519 kg)
Maximum people7 / 1,115 lbs. (506 kg)
Maximum people5
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailPainted bunk trailer with swing tongue
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 7 in. (6.9 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width102 in. (2.59 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available