Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 boat specs
Triton Boats
Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012
2012
View full specs →
VS
Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 boat specs
Triton Boats
Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010
2010
View full specs →

Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 vs Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 and the Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 are modified-V designs, the first built in aluminium and the second in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 has a 70-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012's 20-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 18 Explorer 2010 is rated for 550 passengers, while the Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 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 18 Explorer 2010 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 550 passengers and at 18,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 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
MakeTriton Boats
Model16 Storm
Model18 Explorer
Model Year2012
Model Year2010
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam74 in.
Beam91 in.
Beam - Meters1.88
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches74
Beam - Inches91
Depth - Detail20 in.
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches20
Depth - Inchesnot available
Width [transom] - Detail55 in. bottom
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]20 in.
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet16.07
Length - Feet18.5
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 1 in.
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Meters4.9
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Inches193
Length overall - Inches222
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail1,202 lbs.
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg545.22
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.1202
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull thickness0.090 in.
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepower20 - 50 hp
Horsepower90 - 115
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal36
Operational Info
Maximum people3 / 435 lbs.
Maximum people550 lbs.
Storagenot available
StorageRear Storage Boxes: 168 qt. Front Storage Box: 300 qt. Livewell: 36 gal. Built-in Ice Chest: 28 qt.
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all20 ft. 0 in. with swing tongue 22 ft. 0 in. without swing tongue

Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 vs Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 or the Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010?
The Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 is the longer of the two at 18,5 feet overall. The Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 comes in at 16,1 feet, making it roughly 2,4 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 tops out at 20 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 16 Storm 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 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 18 Explorer 2010 measures 91" wide, compared to 74" for the Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012. 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 16 Storm 2012 and Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Triton Boats 16 Storm 2012 and the Triton Boats 18 Explorer 2010 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.