Matching a tunnel Lowe R1760CJ 2011 against a modified vee Lowe ST170 2010 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 R1760CJ 2011 at 17,5 ft versus Lowe ST170 2010 at 17,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe ST170 2010 tips the scales at 995 lbs — 156 lbs less than the Lowe R1760CJ 2011 at 839 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 — 80 hp for the Lowe R1760CJ 2011 and 75 hp for the Lowe ST170 2010. 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 carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 gal and 2 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe R1760CJ 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe ST170 2010 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe R1760CJ 2011 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe R1760CJ 2011 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lowe ST170 2010. 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.