Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006
2006
View full specs →
VS
Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005
2005
View full specs →

Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 vs Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 vs Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 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 201 2006 at 19,0 ft versus Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 at 17,0 ft. At 11 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 Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 carries a rated maximum of 75 hp. Engine data for the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

Both boats are rated for 9 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.

Both are inflatable designs, which means they pack down for compact storage, can be carried in a bag, and are dramatically lighter than equivalent rigid hulls. The trade-off is setup time and the need to monitor tube pressure regularly.

Bottom line: The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 and Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakePremier Boats
MakePremier Boats
ModelExplorer 201
ModelSport Dek CL 18
Model Year2006
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,100 lbs
Weight - Detail2,100 lbs
Weight - kg498.95
Weight - kg952.54
Weight - lbs.11
Weight - lbs.21
Length [deck]17 ft. 9 in
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet17
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches5
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters5.99
Length overall - Meters5.31
Length overall - Inches236
Length overall - Inches209
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameternot available
Number of tubes2
Number of tubes2
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max75 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard115 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Maximum capacity1,269 lbs
Maximum people9
Maximum people9

Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 vs Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 or the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005?
The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 or the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005?
For trailering, the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 has the edge at 11 lbs dry weight versus 21 lbs for the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 has a documented max rating of 75 hp. Engine specifications for the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 and Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 and Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2006 and the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 are built by Premier Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.