Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 boat specs
Sylvan
Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004
2004
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VS
Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 boat specs
Sylvan
Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004
2004
View full specs →

Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 75 hp for the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and 75 hp for the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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: The Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeSylvan
MakeSylvan
Model1600 Explorer DC
Model1600 Explorer SC
Model Year2004
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam82 in
Beam82 in
Beam - Meters2.08
Beam - Meters2.08
Beam - Inches82
Beam - Inches82
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail785 lbs
Weight - Detail765 lbs
Weight - kg356.07
Weight - kg347
Weight - lbs.785
Weight - lbs.765
Width [transom] - Detail77 in
Width [transom] - Detail77 in
Height - Detail35 in
Height - Detail35 in
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches35
Height [transom]LS
Height [transom]LS
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches194
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.080 Side: 0.070 Rib: 0.08
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.080 Side: 0.070 Rib: 0.08
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Engine max75 hp
Engine max75 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1275 lbs
Maximum capacity1275 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5

Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 or the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004?
For trailering, the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 has the edge at 765 lbs dry weight versus 785 lbs for the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 share an 82 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 24 gallons and 24 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 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.