Matching a modified vee Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012 against a tri-hull Tidewater Boats 1984 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 — Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012 at 19,5 ft versus Tidewater Boats 1984 2010 at 19,3 ft. At 18 lbs and 11 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 150 hp, the Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the Tidewater Boats 1984 2010's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Tidewater Boats 1984 2010 carries 19 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012. 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 Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Tidewater Boats 1984 2010 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Tidewater Boats 196DC Explorer 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 19,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Tidewater Boats 1984 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.