The Lowe Boats LS 170 2022 vs Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 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 Boats LS 170 2022 at 17,1 ft versus Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 at 17,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Boats LS 170 2022 tips the scales at 1 713 lbs — 1 600 lbs more than the Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 at 113 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 115 hp, the Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 has a 55-hp advantage over the Lowe Boats LS 170 2022's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 27 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe Boats LS 170 2022 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 29 lbs per hp for the Lowe Boats LS 170 2022. 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.

The Lowe Boats LS 170 2022 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The Lowe FM175 Pro WT 2012 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.