When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Sylvan Alaskan 13 DLX 2009 and the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2007 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2007 measures 17,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sylvan Alaskan 13 DLX 2009 at 12,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sylvan Alaskan 13 DLX 2009 tips the scales at 225 lbs — 112 lbs more than the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2007 at 113 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 135 hp, the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2007 has a 110-hp advantage over the Sylvan Alaskan 13 DLX 2009's 25-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 Explorer 1700 SC 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan Alaskan 13 DLX 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2007 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Sylvan Explorer 1700 SC 2007 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 9 lbs per hp for the Sylvan Alaskan 13 DLX 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.