Matching a flat Lowe L1652MT 2012 against a modified vee Lowe R1655SC 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 L1652MT 2012 at 15,8 ft versus Lowe R1655SC 2009 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe R1655SC 2009 tips the scales at 752 lbs — 707 lbs less than the Lowe L1652MT 2012 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Lowe R1655SC 2009 has a 25-hp advantage over the Lowe L1652MT 2012's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1652MT 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Lowe R1655SC 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Lowe R1655SC 2009 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Lowe L1652MT 2012 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.