Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008
2008
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VS
Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 boat specs
Premier Boats
Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006
2006
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Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 vs Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 vs Premier Boats Legend 225 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 at 19,0 ft versus Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 tips the scales at 235 lbs — 221 lbs less than the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 at 14 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 120 hp, the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 has a 30-hp advantage over the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 12 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.

Bottom line: The Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 at 22,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 at 19,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakePremier Boats
MakePremier Boats
ModelExplorer 201
ModelLegend 225 RE
Model Year2008
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,100 lbs. (2 tubes) 1,400 lbs. (3 tubes)
Weight - Detail1,980 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,350 lbs. (3 tubes)
Weight - kg635.03
Weight - kg1065.94
Weight - lbs.14
Weight - lbs.235
Length [deck]19 ft. 0 in
Length [deck]22 ft. 0 in
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet22
Length - Inches4
Length - Inches9
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.89
Length overall - Meters6.93
Length overall - Inches232
Length overall - Inches273
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.090 gauge (with 0.100 nosecones)
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typePontoon
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max90 hp (2 tubes) 125 hp (3 tubes)
Engine max120 hp (2 tubes) 175 hp (3 tubes) 200 hp (PTX)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,250 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,550 lbs. (3 tubes)
Maximum capacity2,272 lbs. (2 tubes) 2,347 lbs. (3 tubes)
Maximum people12 (2 tubes) 13 (3 tubes)
Maximum people12

Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 vs Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 or the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006?
The Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 comes in at 19,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 or the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006?
For trailering, the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 has the edge at 14 lbs dry weight versus 235 lbs for the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 is rated to a maximum of 120 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 is certified for 12. 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 2008 and Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 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 2008 and Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2008 and the Premier Boats Legend 225 RE 2006 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.