Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005
2005
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VS
Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005
2005
View full specs →

Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 vs Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 vs Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 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 2005 at 15,0 ft versus Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 at 15,0 ft. At 875 lbs and 875 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats are rated for 7 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.

Both are inflatable designs, which means they pack down for compact storage, can be carried in a bag, and are dramatically lighter than equivalent rigid hulls. The trade-off is setup time and the need to monitor tube pressure regularly.

Bottom line: The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 and Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakePremier Boats
MakePremier Boats
Model160 Explorer
Model160 SunSation RE
Model Year2005
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 2 in.
Beam8 ft. 2 in.
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches98
Weight - Detail875 lbs.
Weight - Detail875 lbs.
Weight - kg396.89
Weight - kg396.89
Weight - lbs.875
Weight - lbs.875
Length [deck]15 ft. 0 in.
Length [deck]15 ft. 0 in.
Length - Feet15
Length - Feet15
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Meters4.72
Length overall - Meters4.72
Length overall - Inches186
Length overall - Inches186
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in.
Tube diameter23 in.
Tube gauge0.08
Tube gauge0.08
Number of tubes2
Number of tubes2
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard50 hp
Engine/s standard50 hp
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,226 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,226 lbs.
Maximum people7
Maximum people7

Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 vs Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 or the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005?
The Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 is the longer of the two at 15,0 feet overall. The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 or the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005?
For trailering, the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 has the edge at 875 lbs dry weight versus 875 lbs for the Premier Boats 160 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 is certified for 7. 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 Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 and Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 share an 8 ft. 2 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 Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 and Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Premier Boats 160 Explorer 2005 and the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 are built by Premier Boats. 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.