The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 vs Premier Boats SunSation 180 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 — Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 at 15,0 ft versus Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 tips the scales at 875 lbs — 862 lbs more than the Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 at 13 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 Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 tops out at 75 hp. Engine specs for the Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 could be the deciding factor.
The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats SunSation 180 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.