The Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 vs Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 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 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 at 18,0 ft versus Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 tips the scales at 846 lbs — 811 lbs more than the Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 at 35 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 40 hp for the Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 and 40 hp for the Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008. 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 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 21 lbs per hp for the Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021. 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.
The Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 is trailerable — a genuine lifestyle advantage at this size. The Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 isn't listed as trailerable, which may mean a permanent berth or mooring is required.
Bottom line: Choose the Lund 1870 Predator Tiller Tiller/SS/CC 2021 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Lund SSV 16 Tiller 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.