Matching a modified vee Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2009 against a pontoon Sylvan Mirage 818 C RE 2010 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2009 at 17,0 ft versus Sylvan Mirage 818 C RE 2010 at 18,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sylvan Mirage 818 C RE 2010 tips the scales at 1 425 lbs — 1 414 lbs less than the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2009 at 11 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 DC 2009 has a 85-hp advantage over the Sylvan Mirage 818 C RE 2010's 50-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 DC 2009 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Sylvan Mirage 818 C RE 2010 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 1700 DC 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan Mirage 818 C RE 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.