Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 or the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009?

The Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 tops out at 50 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 1657 SS 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 is certified for 4. 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 171 Bay Explorer 2009 measures 88" wide, compared to 78" for the Triton Boats 1657 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 or the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009?

The Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 has the bigger tank at 33 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 and Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 and the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 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 1657 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009

Triton Boats

Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007

2007

View full specs →

Triton Boats

Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 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 115 hp, the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 has a 65-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 carries 33 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeTriton Boats

Model1657 SS

Model171 Bay Explorer

Model Year2007

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in

Beam7 ft. 4 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters2.24

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches88

Depth - Detail22 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters55.88

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches22

Depth - Inchesnot available

Width [transom] - Detail57 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Feet16

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters5.21

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches205

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.52

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches6

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise15℃

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail10 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.25

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches1

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail1,375 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg623.69

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.1375

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull thickness100 ga

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail12 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail33 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42

Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92

Fuel tank capacity - Gal12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal33

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max50 hp

Engine max115 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 / 550 lbs

Storagenot available

StorageBaitwell: 12 gal. Fish / Storage Boxes: 268 qt. total

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailStandard with single axle

Trailer - Detailnot available

Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 vs Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 or the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009?

The Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 tops out at 50 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 1657 SS 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 is certified for 4. 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 171 Bay Explorer 2009 measures 88" wide, compared to 78" for the Triton Boats 1657 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 or the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009?

The Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 has the bigger tank at 33 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 and Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Triton Boats 1657 SS 2007 and the Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 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 1657 SS 2007 full specs ← Triton Boats 171 Bay Explorer 2009 full specs