Matching a flat Lowe L1648 2010 against a modified vee Lowe L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 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 L1648 2010 at 15,8 ft versus Lowe L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 at 15,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe L1648 2010 tips the scales at 275 lbs — 230 lbs more than the Lowe L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 at 45 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 — 35 hp for the Lowe L1648 2010 and 35 hp for the Lowe L1652MT Jon Boat 2008. 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 L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Lowe L1648 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 L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 8 lbs per hp for the Lowe L1648 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe L1652MT Jon Boat 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 15,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe L1648 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.