Both the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 and the Lund Mr. Pike 18 2005 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Lund Mr. Pike 18 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund Mr. Pike 18 2005 tips the scales at 1 330 lbs - 145 lbs less than the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 at 1 185 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 Mr. Pike 18 2005 has a 60-hp advantage over the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 32 gal and 32 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 6 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 Mr. Pike 18 2005 comes in at 9 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006. 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 Mr. Pike 18 2005 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.