Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 vs Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 vs Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 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 135 hp, the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2008 has a 60-hp advantage over the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2008 carries 31 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004. 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2008 and its 135-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Sylvan 1600 Explorer SC 2004 with its 75-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model1600 Explorer SC
ModelExplorer 1700 SC
Model Year2004
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.08
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches82
Beam - Inches91
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Detail23 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Inches21
Depth - Inches23
Weight - Detail765 lbs
Weight - Detail1,130 lbs
Weight - kg347
Weight - kg512.56
Weight - lbs.765
Weight - lbs.113
Width [transom] - Detail77 in
Width [transom] - Detail90 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 - Detail17 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Meters4.93
Length overall - Meters5.21
Length overall - Inches194
Length overall - Inches205
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.080 Side: 0.070 Rib: 0.08
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 Side: 0.086 Rib: 0.08
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Engine max75 hp
Engine max135 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 capacity1,350 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5