Matching a modified vee Sylvan Explorer 1600 SC 2009 against a pontoon Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8520 CR 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8520 CR 2013 measures 20,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sylvan Explorer 1600 SC 2009 at 16,0 feet (2009). At 85 lbs and 185 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8520 CR 2013 has a 40-hp advantage over the Sylvan Explorer 1600 SC 2009's 75-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 Explorer 1600 SC 2009 carries 24 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8520 CR 2013. 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 Explorer 1600 SC 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8520 CR 2013 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan Explorer 1600 SC 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Explorer 1600 SC 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan Mirage Cruise 8520 CR 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.