Matching a flat Lowe L1652MT 2012 against a modified vee Lowe ST170 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe L1652MT 2012 at 15,8 ft versus Lowe ST170 2011 at 17,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe ST170 2011 tips the scales at 995 lbs — 950 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 ST170 2011 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe L1652MT 2012 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Lowe ST170 2011 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 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe L1652MT 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lowe ST170 2011. 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.