Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 vs Lund U1860VD 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 or the Lund U1860VD 2004?

For trailering, the Lund U1860VD 2004 has the edge at 64 lbs dry weight versus 108 lbs for the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund U1860VD 2004 tops out at 50 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U1860VD 2004 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 measures 92" wide, compared to 87" for the Lund U1860VD 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 and Lund U1860VD 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 and the Lund U1860VD 2004 are built by Lund. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 vs Lund U1860VD 2004

Lund

Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006

2006

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Lund

Lund U1860VD 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 vs Lund U1860VD 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 vs Lund U1860VD 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 125 hp, the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 has a 75-hp advantage over the Lund U1860VD 2004's 50-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 1700 Explorer SS 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U1860VD 2004 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lund U1860VD 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLund

Model1700 Explorer SS

ModelU1860VD

Model Year2006

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91.5 in. Stern: 87 in

Beam86.5 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.21

Beam - Inches91.5

Beam - Inches86.5

Depth - DetailAmidship: 34 in. Bow: 37 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters93.98

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches37

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1,080 lbs

Weight - Detail640 lbs

Weight - kg489.88

Weight - kg290.3

Weight - lbs.108

Weight - lbs.64

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]21 in

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches216

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessFreeboard: .063 in. Bottom: .080 in. Twin Hull Plate: .080 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. built-in tank

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal27

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max125 hp

Engine max50 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,525 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people6

Maximum peoplenot available

Options / Other

Optionsnot available

OptionsNavigational Lighting Side Mount Gun Box Trolling Motor Mount Tunnel

Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 vs Lund U1860VD 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 or the Lund U1860VD 2004?

For trailering, the Lund U1860VD 2004 has the edge at 64 lbs dry weight versus 108 lbs for the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund U1860VD 2004 tops out at 50 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U1860VD 2004 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 measures 92" wide, compared to 87" for the Lund U1860VD 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 and Lund U1860VD 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 and the Lund U1860VD 2004 are built by Lund. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Lund 1700 Explorer SS 2006 full specs ← Lund U1860VD 2004 full specs