Matching a modified vee Explorer Coastal Vee 2012 against a tunnel Explorer Tunnel Vee 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 — Explorer Coastal Vee 2012 at 18,0 ft versus Explorer Tunnel Vee 2013 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Explorer Coastal Vee 2012 tips the scales at 125 lbs — 117 lbs more than the Explorer Tunnel Vee 2013 at 8 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 140 hp, the Explorer Coastal Vee 2012 has a 40-hp advantage over the Explorer Tunnel Vee 2013's 100-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 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 Explorer Tunnel Vee 2013 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Explorer Coastal Vee 2012. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Explorer Coastal Vee 2012 and its 140-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Explorer Tunnel Vee 2013 with its 100-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.