Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 or the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is certified for 550. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 measures 86" wide, compared to 72" for the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 and Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 and the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 are built by Triton Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008

Triton Boats

Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007

2007

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Triton Boats

Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 has a 65-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007'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 Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is rated for 550 passengers, while the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 550 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeTriton Boats

Model1550 SS

Model17 Explorer

Model Year2007

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam72 in.

Beam86 in.

Beam - Meters1.83

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Inches72

Beam - Inches86

Depth - Detail20 in.

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters50.8

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches20

Depth - Inchesnot available

Width [transom] - Detail50 in.

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in.

Height [transom]not available

Length - Feet15

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Detail15 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Meters4.57

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches180

Length overall - Inches210

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull thickness0.080 ga.

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max25 hp

Engine max90 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail26 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal26

Operational Info

Maximum people3

Maximum people550 lbs.

Storagenot available

StorageRear Storage Boxes: 150 qt. Front Storage Box: 300 qt.

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailStandard with single axle

Trailer - Detailnot available

Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 or the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 comes in at 15,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 tops out at 25 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is certified for 550. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 measures 86" wide, compared to 72" for the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 and Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 and the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 are built by Triton Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Triton Boats 1550 SS 2007 full specs ← Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 full specs