Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 vs Lund UR1648MSD 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 or the Lund UR1648MSD 2004?

For trailering, the Lund UR1648MSD 2004 has the edge at 42 lbs dry weight versus 108 lbs for the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005. 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 2005 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund UR1648MSD 2004 tops out at 35 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund UR1648MSD 2004 is certified for 4. 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 2005 measures 92" wide, compared to 7" for the Lund UR1648MSD 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 2005 and Lund UR1648MSD 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 and the Lund UR1648MSD 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 2005 vs Lund UR1648MSD 2004

Lund

Lund 1700 Explorer 2005

2005

View full specs →

Lund

Lund UR1648MSD 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 vs Lund UR1648MSD 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 vs Lund UR1648MSD 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 2005 has a 90-hp advantage over the Lund UR1648MSD 2004's 35-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 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund UR1648MSD 2004 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 UR1648MSD 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeLund

Model1700 Explorer

ModelUR1648MSD

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91.5 in

Beam70 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Inches91.5

Beam - Inches7

Weight - Detail1,080 lbs. (SS) 1,035 lbs. (Tiller)

Weight - Detail420 lbs

Weight - kg489.88

Weight - kg190.51

Weight - lbs.108

Weight - lbs.42

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]not available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters4.83

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches19

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

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

Engine max125 hp (SS) 75 hp (Tiller)

Engine max35 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,600 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people6

Maximum peoplenot available

Options / Other

Optionsnot available

OptionsTrolley Motor Mount

Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 vs Lund UR1648MSD 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 or the Lund UR1648MSD 2004?

For trailering, the Lund UR1648MSD 2004 has the edge at 42 lbs dry weight versus 108 lbs for the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005. 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 2005 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund UR1648MSD 2004 tops out at 35 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund UR1648MSD 2004 is certified for 4. 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 2005 measures 92" wide, compared to 7" for the Lund UR1648MSD 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 2005 and Lund UR1648MSD 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Lund 1700 Explorer 2005 and the Lund UR1648MSD 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 2005 full specs ← Lund UR1648MSD 2004 full specs