Two questions for those that can help . . .

Looking at this boat for an all around family/fishing rig - any opinions on the layout? I know it's apples/oranges but wondering the pros and cons to this boat perhaps compared to an 1850 Reata - seems to be the closest aluminum comparison boat that I've found.

Second, likely going Merc given it's a Lund, so with that said an a 150 HP max, would you go Verado or Opti?

Anyone who has one of these or has been in one I'd really appreciate your honest opinion.

Thanks.

If your looking for a Lund that is comparable to the Reata, the Lund Fisherman or Tyee would be a lot closer than the Explorer. Or better yet you could get a glass Lund Tyee GL that is almost exactly like the Reata. Those would be more money though. As far as a Verado vs an Opti, I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have a 175 Verado and love it, but I prefer 4-stroke's.

I also run a 175 verado and love it... I would also agree that the explorer is not a good comparison to a reata... tyee or fisherman..... explorers are great boats though. The aluminum isnt as thick so it would ride quite as nice as say a tyee, fisherman, or pro-v... Thick aluminum makes the boat heavier so the hull cuts the waves more effectively. Hope we helped...

Yes, agreed there are likely better comparisons to the Reata however my thought was that perhaps a Explorer would be more fisherman friendly than say a Fisherman/Tyee style boat with the higher sides. Would that be a fair statement.

Anyone running this boat that has any feedback on it?

Thanks guys for your help thus far.

All Lunds are fisherman friendly. When they design these boats they definatly have the dedicated fisherman in mind...Its just a matter of what you want...

that is the reason I bought a pro-v because the higher sides on a tyee or fisherman would be the best to slip bobber fish out of. lower sides seem to make everything easier netting, jigging, slip bobbering, getting back into the boat if you are swimming...ect

Tbob, Last fall we were evaluating the 1825/tyee/pro v and opti vs. verado. In the past, I had the 1660 pro V which was great for fishing. Over the past few years, we've shifted from "guy" fishing trips to family trips and needed something that would be good for family fishing and fun. We looked at all options and settled with 1825 and 150 opt, 9.9 kicker. The boat and motor combo is wonderful. It's perfect for fishing, tubing and cruising. The boat is VERY wide inside and out and provides a lot of space for the four of us. The storage is outstanding with the center rod storage being the best thing I've ever seen along the storage line. We went with the vinyl floor in the rear only and it makes it easy to clean and dosent show any wear like carpet. The front and livewell tops in rear are carpet. We have the 1825 with wrap windshields and it provides a smooth, dry ride. The boat is a little lighter than the some of the tyees and prov's but still a solid boat. The opti is of course louder, buy not too loud and performs better than the verado, esp on hole shots and top speed. I don't think that there is any big difference in gas mileage between the two. I've also heard a lot of good about the verado, but I'm amazed how easy the 150 opti starts and runs. First motor that I've had that doesn't have a choke, yet starts perfectly every time, hot or cold.

Overall, a perfect fit and size for a family of four (both boys full grown!)

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Good luck with your decision!

JR

That's exactly what I was looking for. What is the general price for this rig? I'd be setting mine up very similar to yours (kicker, wrap windshield, etc.). Did you go with a bunk trailer? What kind of top speed to you get with this boat - got to imagine a 150 must push it very good given the boat is fairly light.

Thanks.

Tbob, I've seen this boat priced 30K ish, depending on what else you pile on it. Might be some good deals out there on 2008 leftovers. We have the bunk trailer. Top end is about 48. Cruise speed is nice at about 44. We rarely run at top speed. The boat weighs about 100 lbs less than the 1850 tyee, so it's not as light as you may think. We added the lowrance 520 and x135, minn kota autopilot with remote which is big plus.

Good Luck.

JR

Yes, agreed there are likely better comparisons to the Reata however my thought was that perhaps a Explorer would be more fisherman friendly than say a Fisherman/Tyee style boat with the higher sides. Would that be a fair statement.

Anyone running this boat that has any feedback on it?

Thanks guys for your help thus far.

This boat has been the hot seller at the boat shows I worked this year. (MT and WA)

Pretty tough to beat this boat for a great fishing lay out.
The storage is unreal.
I liked the Explorer Sports so well...that when I sold my 2007 2025 Pro-V IFS...I went to a 2008 20' Explorer Sport.

TMac what do you have for a motor on the 20 Explorer and what is your top end?

TMac what do you have for a motor on the 20 Explorer and what is your top end?


200 Verado w/ PS and SmartCraft
46 to 50mph depending on load and conditions.
50 is very rare...and w/ very little fuel left.