The Premier Boats Elite 250 2013 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 Elite 250 2013 measures 25,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 6,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 at 19,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats Elite 250 2013 tips the scales at 415 lbs — 404 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 Elite 250 2013 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 Elite 250 2013 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 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 Elite 250 2013 could be the deciding factor.
The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Premier Boats Elite 250 2013 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 Elite 250 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 25,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.