Matching a modified vee Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 against a deep vee Lund 1810 Predator SS 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 — Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 at 17,0 ft versus Lund 1810 Predator SS 2013 at 18,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 1810 Predator SS 2013 tips the scales at 965 lbs — 857 lbs less than the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 at 108 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 125 hp for the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 and 125 hp for the Lund 1810 Predator SS 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 carries 27 gallons versus 19 gallons in the Lund 1810 Predator SS 2013. 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 Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund 1810 Predator SS 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 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 1810 Predator SS 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.