The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 vs Premier Boats Explorer 221 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 221 2006 measures 22,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 at 17,0 feet (2009). At 15 lbs and 21 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 100 hp, the Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006 has a 40-hp advantage over the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009'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 Explorer 221 2006 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 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 Explorer 221 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.