Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 vs Lund U2070VD 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 or the Lund U2070VD 2004?

For trailering, the Lund U2070VD 2004 has the edge at 975 lbs dry weight versus 1 240 lbs for the Lund 1800 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 1800 Explorer 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund U2070VD 2004 tops out at 60 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 1800 Explorer 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U2070VD 2004 is certified for 6. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and Lund U2070VD 2004 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and Lund U2070VD 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and the Lund U2070VD 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 1800 Explorer 2005 vs Lund U2070VD 2004

Lund

Lund 1800 Explorer 2005

2005

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Lund

Lund U2070VD 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 vs Lund U2070VD 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 vs Lund U2070VD 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 150 hp, the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 has a 90-hp advantage over the Lund U2070VD 2004's 60-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Lund U2070VD 2004 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeLund

Model1800 Explorer

ModelU2070VD

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in.

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Weight - Detail1,240 lbs. (SS) 1,185 lbs. (Tiller)

Weight - Detail975 lbs.

Weight - kg562.45

Weight - kg442.25

Weight - lbs.1240

Weight - lbs.975

Height [transom]20 in. (25 in. optional on SS)

Height [transom]21 in.

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 1 in.

Length overall - Detail20 ft.

Length overall - Meters5.51

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Inches217

Length overall - Inches240

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

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

Engine max150 hp (SS) 90 hp (Tiller)

Engine max60 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,700 lbs.

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people6

Maximum peoplenot available

Options / Other

Optionsnot available

OptionsNavigational Lighting Side Mount Gun Box Trolling Motor Mount Tunnel

Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 vs Lund U2070VD 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 or the Lund U2070VD 2004?

For trailering, the Lund U2070VD 2004 has the edge at 975 lbs dry weight versus 1 240 lbs for the Lund 1800 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 1800 Explorer 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Lund U2070VD 2004 tops out at 60 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund U2070VD 2004 is certified for 6. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and Lund U2070VD 2004 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and Lund U2070VD 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Lund 1800 Explorer 2005 and the Lund U2070VD 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 1800 Explorer 2005 full specs ← Lund U2070VD 2004 full specs