Both the Sundance SV171 2012 and the Sundance SV186 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Sundance SV171 2012 at 17,1 ft versus Sundance SV186 2011 at 18,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sundance SV186 2011 tips the scales at 1 450 lbs - 200 lbs less than the Sundance SV171 2012 at 1 250 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 150 hp, the Sundance SV186 2011 has a 35-hp advantage over the Sundance SV171 2012's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sundance SV186 2011 carries 40 gallons versus 34 gallons in the Sundance SV171 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.