When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Lowe RV170 Bay 2011 and the Lowe ST160 2010 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 RV170 Bay 2011 at 17,3 ft versus Lowe ST160 2010 at 16,0 ft. At 789 lbs and 865 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Lowe RV170 Bay 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Lowe ST160 2010's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lowe ST160 2010 carries 13 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Lowe RV170 Bay 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 RV170 Bay 2011 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Lowe ST160 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.