The Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006 vs Premier Boats SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 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 221 2006 at 22,0 ft versus Premier Boats SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 at 24,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 tips the scales at 265 lbs — 244 lbs less than the Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006 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 140 hp, the Premier Boats SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 has a 40-hp advantage over the Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006's 100-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 SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006 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 SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats SunSation LTD 225 RF 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 24,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats Explorer 221 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.