The Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 2022 vs Lowe FM175DC 2011 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 Skorpion SS 2022 at 16,0 ft versus Lowe FM175DC 2011 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 2022 tips the scales at 900 lbs — 787 lbs more than the Lowe FM175DC 2011 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 FM175DC 2011 has a 65-hp advantage over the Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 2022'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 FM175DC 2011 carries 27 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 2022. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lowe FM175DC 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 2022 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lowe FM175DC 2011 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lowe FM175DC 2011 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 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 Skorpion SS 2022 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The Lowe FM175DC 2011 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.
Bottom line: Choose the Lowe FM175DC 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lowe Boats Skorpion SS 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.