The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2006 vs Premier Boats SunSation LTD 160 RE 2011 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 Explorer 171 2006 at 17,0 ft versus Premier Boats SunSation LTD 160 RE 2011 at 16,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2006 tips the scales at 875 lbs — 730 lbs more than the Premier Boats SunSation LTD 160 RE 2011 at 145 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 60 hp for the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2006 and 50 hp for the Premier Boats SunSation LTD 160 RE 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Premier Boats SunSation LTD 160 RE 2011 comes in at 3 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2006. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Premier Boats SunSation LTD 160 RE 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.