The Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 vs Premier Boats SunSation 180 RE 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 Sport Dek CL 180 2005 at 17,0 ft versus Premier Boats SunSation 180 RE 2011 at 18,3 ft. At 21 lbs and 15 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 SunSation 180 RE 2011 tops out at 60 hp. Engine specs for the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Premier Boats SunSation 180 RE 2011 carries 21 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Premier Boats SunSation 180 RE 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 could be the deciding factor.
The Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Premier Boats SunSation 180 RE 2011 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats Sport Dek CL 180 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats SunSation 180 RE 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.