Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 boat specs
Sylvan
Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004
2004
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VS
Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 boat specs
Sylvan
Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008
2008
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Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 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 Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 has a 35-hp advantage over the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008's 40-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 Explorer DC 2004 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSylvan
MakeSylvan
Model1600 Explorer DC
ModelSuper Snapper 1600 TL
Model Year2004
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam82 in
Beam70 in
Beam - Meters2.08
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Inches82
Beam - Inches7
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Detail22 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inches22
Weight - Detail785 lbs
Weight - Detail460 lbs
Weight - kg356.07
Weight - kg208.65
Weight - lbs.785
Weight - lbs.46
Width [transom] - Detail77 in
Width [transom] - Detail63 in
Height - Detail35 in
Height - Detail31 in
Height - Meters0.89
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Inches35
Height - Inches31
Height [transom]LS
Height [transom]LS
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches197
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.080 Side: 0.070 Rib: 0.08
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.064 in. Side: 0.060 in. Rib: 0.064 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 max75 hp
Engine max40 hp
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines1
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1275 lbs
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5

Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 or the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008?
For trailering, the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 has the edge at 46 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 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 Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 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 1600 Explorer DC 2004 measures 82" wide, compared to 7" for the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008. 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 Explorer DC 2004 and Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Sylvan 1600 Explorer DC 2004 and the Sylvan Super Snapper 1600 TL 2008 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.