The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2009 vs Premier Boats Legend 235 ES 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 Legend 235 ES 2006 measures 23,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 21,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats Legend 235 ES 2006 tips the scales at 235 lbs — 214 lbs less than the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2009 at 21 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 135 hp, the Premier Boats Legend 235 ES 2006 has a 45-hp advantage over the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2009's 90-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 Legend 235 ES 2006 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Premier Boats Explorer 201 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats Legend 235 ES 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats Legend 235 ES 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Explorer 201 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.