Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Jon 1436 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Jon 1436 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 125 hp, the Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 has a 105-hp advantage over the Sylvan Jon 1436 2012's 20-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Sylvan Jon 1436 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan Jon 1436 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model1700 Explorer DC
ModelJon 1436
Model Year2004
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters1.45
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches57
Depth - Detail27 in
Depth - Detail18 in
Depth - Centimeters68.58
Depth - Centimeters45.72
Depth - Inches27
Depth - Inches18
Weight - Detail1240 lbs
Weight - Detail185 lbs
Weight - kg562.45
Weight - kg83.91
Weight - lbs.124
Weight - lbs.185
Width [transom] - Detail83 in
Width [transom] - Detail56 in
Height - Detail39 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.99
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches39
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]LS
Height [transom]not available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail14 ft
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters4.27
Length overall - Inches21
Length overall - Inches168
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet14
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 Side: 0.086 Rib: 0.1
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.064 in. Side: 0.064 in. Rib: 0.064 in
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Engine max125 hp
Engine max20 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1560 lbs
Maximum capacity650 lbs
Maximum people7
Maximum people3