Matching a modified vee Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2010 against a pontoon Sylvan Mandalay 8523 Port 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 Mandalay 8523 Port 2013 measures 24,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 7,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2010 at 17,0 feet (2010). At 11 lbs and 21 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 135 hp for the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2010 and 150 hp for the Sylvan Mandalay 8523 Port 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2010 carries 31 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Sylvan Mandalay 8523 Port 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 Mandalay 8523 Port 2013 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2010 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sylvan Mandalay 8523 Port 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sylvan Mandalay 8523 Port 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 24,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.