The Premier Boats Explorer 171 2012 vs Premier Boats Legend 210 RE 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 171 2012 measures 17,4 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 15,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Legend 210 RE 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). At 16 lbs and 22 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 Legend 210 RE 2006 has a 40-hp advantage over the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2012'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 171 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Premier Boats Legend 210 RE 2006 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Premier Boats Legend 210 RE 2006 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the Premier Boats Explorer 171 2012. 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.