Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 2004 vs Sylvan Mirage 8520 F-RE 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 2004 vs Sylvan Mirage 8520 F-RE 2007 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 SC 2004 has a 35-hp advantage over the Sylvan Mirage 8520 F-RE 2007's 90-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 SC 2004 carries 31 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Sylvan Mirage 8520 F-RE 2007. 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 8520 F-RE 2007 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 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 8520 F-RE 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Mirage 8520 F-RE 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 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 SC
ModelMirage 8520 F-RE
Model Year2004
Model Year2007
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 - Detail1,775 lbs
Weight - kg562.45
Weight - kg805.13
Weight - lbs.124
Weight - lbs.1775
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 - Detail20 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters6.17
Length overall - Inches21
Length overall - Inches243
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches3
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 - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Engine max125 hp
Engine max90 hp Tri Toon (Max): 135 hp
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines1
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1560 lbs
Maximum capacity2,000 lbs
Maximum people7
Maximum people12
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter25 in
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge0.080 in
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes2