When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Lowe R1455 2011 and the Lowe RV170 2011 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lowe R1455 2011 at 14,6 ft versus Lowe RV170 2011 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe RV170 2011 tips the scales at 739 lbs — 688 lbs less than the Lowe R1455 2011 at 51 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Lowe R1455 2011 and 60 hp for the Lowe RV170 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe R1455 2011 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Lowe RV170 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.
Bottom line: The Lowe RV170 2011 at 17,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Lowe R1455 2011 at 14,6 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.