The Lowe L1652MT 2005 vs Lowe ST170 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe L1652MT 2005 at 15,0 ft versus Lowe ST170 2009 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe ST170 2009 tips the scales at 995 lbs — 959 lbs less than the Lowe L1652MT 2005 at 36 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 75 hp, the Lowe ST170 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Lowe L1652MT 2005's 50-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 L1652MT 2005 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Lowe ST170 2009 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 2005 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1652MT 2005 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lowe ST170 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.