The Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 vs Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 measures 19,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 at 15,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 tips the scales at 875 lbs — 864 lbs more than the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 at 11 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 Explorer 201 2006 tops out at 75 hp. Engine specs for the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 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 Explorer 201 2006 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 could be the deciding factor.
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: Choose the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats 160 SunSation RE 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.