Matching a modified vee Lowe RV170 Bay 2010 against a pontoon Lowe SF194 2013 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 RV170 Bay 2010 at 17,3 ft versus Lowe SF194 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe SF194 2013 tips the scales at 1 795 lbs — 1 006 lbs less than the Lowe RV170 Bay 2010 at 789 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 — 75 hp for the Lowe RV170 Bay 2010 and 60 hp for the Lowe SF194 2013. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe SF194 2013 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Lowe RV170 Bay 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 SF194 2013 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe RV170 Bay 2010 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 30 lbs per hp for the Lowe SF194 2013. 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.