Matching a pontoon Lowe GS202 2012 against a flat Lowe L1032 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lowe GS202 2012 measures 17,9 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 16,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lowe L1032 2013 at 1,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe GS202 2012 tips the scales at 1 508 lbs — 1 500 lbs more than the Lowe L1032 2013 at 8 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 60 hp, the Lowe GS202 2012 has a 57-hp advantage over the Lowe L1032 2013's 3-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 GS202 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Lowe L1032 2013 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe GS202 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1032 2013 comes in at 3 lbs per hp versus 25 lbs per hp for the Lowe GS202 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe GS202 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 17,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe L1032 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.