Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 2004 vs Sylvan Viper 180 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 2004 vs Sylvan Viper 180 2010 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 175 hp, the Sylvan Viper 180 2010 has a 50-hp advantage over the Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 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 Viper 180 2010 carries 37 gallons versus 31 gallons in the Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 2004. 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 1700 Explorer SC 2004 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Sylvan Viper 180 2010 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan 1700 Explorer SC 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 Viper 180 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model1700 Explorer SC
ModelViper 18
Model Year2004
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches85
Beam - Inches96
Depth - Detail27 in
Depth - Detail29 in
Depth - Centimeters68.58
Depth - Centimeters73.66
Depth - Inches27
Depth - Inches29
Weight - Detail1240 lbs
Weight - Detail1,763 lbs
Weight - kg562.45
Weight - kg799.68
Weight - lbs.124
Weight - lbs.1763
Width [transom] - Detail83 in
Width [transom] - Detail92 in
Height - Detail39 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.99
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches39
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]LS
Height [transom]XLS
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.33
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches21
Length overall - Inches216
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet18
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 Side: 0.086 Rib: 0.1
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail31 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail37 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters117.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters140.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal31
Fuel tank capacity - Gal37
Engine max125 hp
Engine max175 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 capacity1,950 lbs
Maximum people7
Maximum people6