Matching a flat Lowe L1436 2011 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 L1436 2011 at 14,0 ft versus Lowe ST160 2010 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe ST160 2010 tips the scales at 865 lbs — 720 lbs less than the Lowe L1436 2011 at 145 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 50 hp, the Lowe ST160 2010 has a 30-hp advantage over the Lowe L1436 2011's 20-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 ST160 2010 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Lowe L1436 2011 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe ST160 2010 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1436 2011 comes in at 7 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Lowe ST160 2010. 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.