The Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009 vs Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009 at 18,0 ft versus Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 at 19,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 tips the scales at 1 900 lbs — 1 886 lbs less than the Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009 at 14 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 200 hp, the Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 has a 50-hp advantage over the Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 carries 41 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Lund 189 Pro V GL Sport 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 19,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lund 1825 Explorer SS 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.