Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 vs Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 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 150 hp, the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004's 125-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 1700 Explorer DC 2004 carries 31 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8522 LZ 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 23,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan 1700 Explorer DC 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model1700 Explorer DC
ModelMirage Cruise 8522 LZ
Model Year2004
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches102
Depth - Detail27 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters68.58
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches27
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1240 lbs
Weight - Detail2,295 lbs
Weight - kg562.45
Weight - kg1040.99
Weight - lbs.124
Weight - lbs.2295
Width [transom] - Detail83 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
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 - Detail23 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters7.26
Length overall - Inches21
Length overall - Inches286
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet23.83
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 Side: 0.086 Rib: 0.1
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Engine max125 hp
Engine max150 hp
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Engine modelnot available
Engine model60 ELPT EFI
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1560 lbs
Maximum capacity2,200 lbs
Maximum people7
Maximum people12