Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004
2004
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VS
Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005
2005
View full specs →

Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 vs Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 vs Premier Boats 240 Explorer 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 240 Explorer 2004 at 23,0 ft versus Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 at 23,0 ft. At 2 375 lbs and 2 375 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 12 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.

The Premier Boats 240 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 240 Explorer 2005 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.

Bottom line: The Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 and Premier Boats 240 Explorer 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
Model240 Explorer
Model240 Explorer
Model Year2004
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,375 lbs. (3 tubes)
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,375 lbs. (3 tubes)
Weight - kg1077.28
Weight - kg1077.28
Weight - lbs.2375
Weight - lbs.2375
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet23
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Meters7.16
Length overall - Meters7.16
Length overall - Inches282
Length overall - Inches282
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]22 ft. 7 in
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter23 in
Number of tubes2
Number of tubesnot available
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge.08
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard120 hp (2 tubes) 175 hp (3 tubes - 25 in.)
Engine/s standard120 hp (2 tubes) 175 hp (3 25 in. tubes)
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,850 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,347 lbs. (3 tubes)
Maximum capacity2,272 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,347 lbs. (3 tubes)
Maximum people12
Maximum people12

Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 vs Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 or the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005?
The Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 comes in at 23,0 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 240 Explorer 2004 or the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005?
For trailering, the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 has the edge at 2 375 lbs dry weight versus 2 375 lbs for the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004. 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 240 Explorer 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 is certified for 12. 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 240 Explorer 2004 and Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 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 240 Explorer 2004 and Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 2004 and the Premier Boats 240 Explorer 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.