Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 vs Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 or the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004?

For trailering, the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 has the edge at 255 lbs dry weight versus 900 lbs for the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 tops out at 40 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 is certified for 6. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 measures 82" wide, compared to 67" for the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 and Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 and the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 are built by Starcraft Marine. 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.

Boat Comparison

Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 vs Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004

Starcraft Marine

Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013

2013

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Starcraft Marine

Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 vs Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 vs Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 has a 35-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004's 40-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 Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeStarcraft Marine

ModelExplorer 160 DC

ModelSeaFarer 16 L

Model Year2013

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam82 in.

Beam67 in.

Beam - Meters2.08

Beam - Meters1.7

Beam - Inches82

Beam - Inches67

Deadrise19°

Deadrise8℃

Depth - Detail21 in.

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches21

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail900 lbs.

Weight - Detail255 lbs.

Weight - kg408.23

Weight - kg115.67

Weight - lbs.900

Weight - lbs.255

Width [transom] - Detail77 in.

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Length - Feet16.17

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in.

Length overall - Meters4.93

Length overall - Inches194

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail29 in.

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.74

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches29

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in.

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.080 in. bottom and rib 0.070 in. side

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury

Engine makenot available

Engine model50ELPT

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max75 hp

Engine max40

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,275 lbs.

Maximum capacity1220 lbs.

Maximum people5

Maximum people6 persons

Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 vs Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 or the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004?

For trailering, the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 has the edge at 255 lbs dry weight versus 900 lbs for the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013. 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 Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 tops out at 40 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 Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 is certified for 6. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 measures 82" wide, compared to 67" for the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 and Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 and the Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 are built by Starcraft Marine. 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.

← Starcraft Marine Explorer 160 DC 2013 full specs ← Starcraft Marine SeaFarer 16 L 2004 full specs