The Premier Boats Boundary Waters 310 Widedeck 2006 vs Premier Boats Explorer 171 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Premier Boats Boundary Waters 310 Widedeck 2006 measures 31,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 15,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2008 at 16,0 feet (2008). At 52 lbs and 9 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Premier Boats Boundary Waters 310 Widedeck 2006 has a 340-hp advantage over the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2008's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Premier Boats Boundary Waters 310 Widedeck 2006 is rated for 23 passengers, while the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2008 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats Boundary Waters 310 Widedeck 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats Boundary Waters 310 Widedeck 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 23 passengers and at 31,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.