When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Lowe L1236 2012 and the Lowe L1436 2009 are flat designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe L1236 2012 at 11,8 ft versus Lowe L1436 2009 at 14,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe L1436 2009 tips the scales at 145 lbs — 131 lbs less than the Lowe L1236 2012 at 14 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 — 10 hp for the Lowe L1236 2012 and 20 hp for the Lowe L1436 2009. 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.
Both boats are rated for 3 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1236 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 7 lbs per hp for the Lowe L1436 2009. 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: The Lowe L1436 2009 at 14,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Lowe L1236 2012 at 11,8 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.