Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 boat specs
Lund
Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006
2006
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VS
Lund U1860DSD 2004 boat specs
Lund
Lund U1860DSD 2004
2004
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Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 vs Lund U1860DSD 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 vs Lund U1860DSD 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 and 80 hp for the Lund U1860DSD 2004. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U1860DSD 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 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lund U1860DSD 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
MakeLund
Model1800 Explorer Tiller
ModelU1860DSD
Model Year2006
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in. Stern: 95 in
Beam81 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches81
Depth - DetailAmidship: 36.5 in. Bow: 42 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters106.68
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches42
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,185 lbs
Weight - Detail900 lbs
Weight - kg537.51
Weight - kg408.23
Weight - lbs.1185
Weight - lbs.9
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters5.51
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches217
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
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 - Detail32 gal. built-in tank
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal32
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max90 hp
Engine max80 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people6
Maximum peoplenot available
Options / Other
Optionsnot available
OptionsSide Mount Gun Box Side Storage Box

Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 vs Lund U1860DSD 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 or the Lund U1860DSD 2004?
For trailering, the Lund U1860DSD 2004 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 1 185 lbs for the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 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 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund U1860DSD 2004 tops out at 80 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 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U1860DSD 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 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 measures 96" wide, compared to 81" for the Lund U1860DSD 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 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 and Lund U1860DSD 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Lund 1800 Explorer Tiller 2006 and the Lund U1860DSD 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.