Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 vs Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 or the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012?

For trailering, the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 has the edge at 75 lbs dry weight versus 725 lbs for the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012. 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 Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 tops out at 60 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 Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 is certified for 5. 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 Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 measures 81" wide, compared to 9" for the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 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 Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 and Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 and the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 are built by Sylvan. 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

Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 vs Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012

Sylvan

Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004

2004

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Sylvan

Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 vs Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 vs Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 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 90 hp, the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 has a 30-hp advantage over the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeSylvan

Model1600 Expedition DC

ModelSelect Series - 1600 SC

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam90 in

Beam81 in

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Meters2.06

Beam - Inches9

Beam - Inches81

Depth - Detail25 in

Depth - Centimeters63.5

Depth - Inches25

Weight - Detail750 lbs

Weight - Detail725 lbs

Weight - kg340.19

Weight - kg328.85

Weight - lbs.75

Weight - lbs.725

Width [transom] - Detail87 in

Width [transom] - Detail74 in

Height - Detail34 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.86

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches34

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]LS

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Detail16 ft

Length overall - Meters4.9

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches193

Length overall - Inches192

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.080 Side: 0.076 Rib: 0.08

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.08 in. Side: 0.064 in. Rib: 0.08 in

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

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

Engine max90 hp

Engine max60 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercury

Engine modelnot available

Engine model40 ELPT EFI

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1300 lbs

Maximum capacity1,200 lbs

Maximum people5

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailYes

Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 vs Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 or the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012?

For trailering, the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 has the edge at 75 lbs dry weight versus 725 lbs for the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012. 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 Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 tops out at 60 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 Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 is certified for 5. 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 Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 measures 81" wide, compared to 9" for the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 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 Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 and Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 and the Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 are built by Sylvan. 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.

← Sylvan 1600 Expedition DC 2004 full specs ← Sylvan Select Series - 1600 SC 2012 full specs