The Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 vs Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023 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 — Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023 at 17,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 tips the scales at 1 035 lbs — 560 lbs more than the Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023 at 475 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 90 hp, the Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 has a 45-hp advantage over the Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023's 45-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 12 lbs per hp for the Lund 1600 Explorer 2005. 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 Lund 1852MT Tiller 2023 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The Lund 1600 Explorer 2005 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.