Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 vs Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 or the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 comes in at 12,1 feet, making it roughly 4,9 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 AV1257 SUV 2012 tops out at 10 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 17 Explorer 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 550 passengers, while the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 is certified for 3. 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 57" for the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 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.

Q: Are the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 and Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 and the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 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 17 Explorer 2008 vs Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012

Triton Boats

Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008

2008

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Triton Boats

Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 vs Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012: Which Modified-V Boat Fits Your Needs?

Both the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 and the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 are modified-V designs, the first built in fibreglass and the second in aluminium, 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 17 Explorer 2008 has a 80-hp advantage over the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012's 10-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 AV1257 SUV 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 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 AV1257 SUV 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

Model17 Explorer

ModelAV1257 SUV

Model Year2008

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam86 in.

Beam57 in. (1.45 m)

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Meters1.45

Beam - Inches86

Beam - Inches57

Length - Feet17

Length - Feet12.08

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Detail12 ft. 1 in. (3.68 m)

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Meters3.68

Length overall - Inches210

Length overall - Inches145

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail128 lbs. (58 kg)

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg58.06

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.128

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail27 in. (0.69 m) bow

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.69

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches27

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]15 in. (0.38 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.050 in. (1.2 mm)

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail26 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal26

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max90 hp

Engine max10 hp (7 kW)

Operational Info

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

Storagenot available

Maximum people550 lbs.

Maximum people3 / 400 lbs. (181 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity602 lbs. (273 kg)

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Length over all18 ft. (5.49 m)

Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 vs Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 or the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012?

The Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 comes in at 12,1 feet, making it roughly 4,9 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 AV1257 SUV 2012 tops out at 10 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 17 Explorer 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 550 passengers, while the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 is certified for 3. 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 57" for the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 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 17 Explorer 2008 and Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Triton Boats 17 Explorer 2008 and the Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 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 17 Explorer 2008 full specs ← Triton Boats AV1257 SUV 2012 full specs