Matching a modified vee Lund 1800 Explorer SS 2007 against a flat Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 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 1800 Explorer SS 2007 at 18,0 ft versus Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 tips the scales at 475 lbs — 351 lbs less than the Lund 1800 Explorer SS 2007 at 124 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 150 hp, the Lund 1800 Explorer SS 2007 has a 85-hp advantage over the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012's 65-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 Lund 1800 Explorer SS 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 7 lbs per hp for the Lund 1852MT Jon 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 Lund 1800 Explorer SS 2007 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Lund 1852MT Jon 2012 with its 65-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.