Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Lowe L1648M 2009 vs Lowe Stinger 18HP 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a flat Lowe L1648M 2009 against a modified vee Lowe Stinger 18HP 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Lowe Stinger 18HP 2011 measures 18,2 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Lowe L1648M 2009 at 15,0 feet (2009). At 42 lbs and 106 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Lowe Stinger 18HP 2011 has a 80-hp advantage over the Lowe L1648M 2009's 35-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 4 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.
Bottom line: The Lowe Stinger 18HP 2011 at 18,2 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Lowe L1648M 2009 at 15,0 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.
General Boat Info
ModelL1648M
ModelStinger 18HP
Model Year2009
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in. (1.77 m)
Beam85 in. (2.15 m)
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches85
Depth - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Depth - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters60.96
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inches24
Weight - Detail420 lbs. (190 kg)
Weight - Detail1,060 lbs. (481 kg)
Weight - kg190.51
Weight - kg480.81
Weight - lbs.42
Weight - lbs.106
Height [transom]15 / 20 in. (0.38 / 0.5 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Length - Meters4.82
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet18.17
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in. (4.82 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 2 in. (5.54 m)
Length overall - Meters4.83
Length overall - Meters5.54
Length overall - Inches19
Length overall - Inches218
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.52 m) bottom
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.072 in. (1.83 mm)
Hull thickness0.100 in. (2.5 mm)
Hull typeFlat
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max35 hp (26 kw)
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal19
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity973 lbs. (441 kg)
Maximum capacity1,340 lbs. (608 kg)
Maximum people4 / 555 lbs. (252 kg)
Maximum people4 / 600 lbs. (272 kg)
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 6.09 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailPainted bunk trailer