Matching a pontoon Lowe GS202 2012 against a modified vee Lowe ST160 2010 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 GS202 2012 at 17,9 ft versus Lowe ST160 2010 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe GS202 2012 tips the scales at 1 508 lbs — 643 lbs more than the Lowe ST160 2010 at 865 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 — 60 hp for the Lowe GS202 2012 and 50 hp for the Lowe ST160 2010. 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 GS202 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Lowe ST160 2010 caps at 4. 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 ST160 2010 comes in at 17 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.