Matching a flat Lowe L1440M 2012 against a modified vee Lowe R1760CJ 2009 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 L1440M 2012 at 14,0 ft versus Lowe R1760CJ 2009 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe R1760CJ 2009 tips the scales at 839 lbs — 634 lbs less than the Lowe L1440M 2012 at 205 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 — 20 hp for the Lowe L1440M 2012 and 40 hp for the Lowe R1760CJ 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe R1760CJ 2009 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe L1440M 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe R1760CJ 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1440M 2012 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 21 lbs per hp for the Lowe R1760CJ 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: Choose the Lowe R1760CJ 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe L1440M 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.