2007 Lund 1700 Explorer vs 2007 Lund 1800 Alaskan

I am deciding on which boat to buy. I will transfer my 2005 F75 Yamaha tiller onto it. The Explorer is about $3500 more than the Alaskan. Your opinion? I will not consider any other brand of boat. Thanks, DAVID

what do you plan on doing mostly with your new boat?

hunting? fishing?

Primarily fishing in Ontario fifteen days per year, then another twenty days around inland lakes in central and northern WI. I own a 1998 Lund 2000 Alaskan but the rig is too big for just my son and I. I like the extra touches of the Lund 1700 Explorer……. Thanks, DAVID

i have the new style alaskan, and they made many improvements from the previous years. it fishes great, but if i was just going to fish with it i’d probably go with the explorer.

if you plan to use it for both hunting and fishing, the alaskan is top notch.

I was in the same toss up between the two boats. I wound up with a used 1700 Explorer tiller. On the Explorer I like the front casting deck. There is a bit more floor space and the deck sits higher in the boat and it seems easier to land larger fish when you need to get near the water. I use the small casting deck out the back of the boat as well. I’ve never fished out of an Alaskan, but that boat got strong consideration. The beam on the Explorer is about 8″ wider. I was told recently that if you have an 18′ boat the insurance rates are higher than a 17′ and smaller.

I’ve got a colsole model explorer. I absolutely love it, It is a phenomonal fisher.

Hello Impalapower, Good points. I forgot about the rear casting deck on the Explorer. I have a front casting deck on my Alaskan.

Any feedback on the ability of your 1700 Explorer to handle bad weather and 2.0 to 3.5 foot waves? We get caught in sudden squalls in Canada where the water goes from a light chop to 3 foot waves and 25-40MPH winds in a heartbeat for about ten minutes or so while we head for shore. My 20′ Alaskan powers right thru 3 foot waves but the bow does get blown off course a bit by crosswind gusts.

My 20′ rig is relatively dry for a tiller model but I suspect it is because of the length and deep-V bow. I do not want passengers to get soaked in a 1700 Explorer. What has been your experience in waves? Thanks, DAVID

I have a 1675 Explorer, which is just a few inches shorter than the 1700 Explorer. These are not good rough water boats. If you are frequently in rough water, I think you will really regret getting rid of your 20’ Alaskan. The 18’ Alaskan is narrow compared to the 1700 Explorer and will rock a bunch more in side waves.

Dave Gulczinski

I’ll second what Dave just said. If you are looking at the tiller, you will get soaked sitting back there. If you are sitting in the front two chairs, you will get wet but not soaked. If you are going to be in rough water, the Alaskan is the only way to go. Granted I’ve never been in an Alaskan, but I’ve heard they are an ideal rough water boat.

I forgot to mention there is no locker for the depth finder if you are looking at a tiller. I do wish it had one, but would have needed to be in a higher end Lund to get that option.

I purchased the Lund 1800 Alaskan today. Thanks for your input. Tight Lines,
DAVID

What does it have for stuff? Trailer, motor, etc. Where did you purchase it from?

Quote:

---

I purchased the Lund 1800 Alaskan today. Thanks for your input. Tight Lines,
DAVID

---

Your gonna love that boat

here is mine

Nice rig! This boat is the same as mine with a F75 Yamaha, Lowrance 332c in bow and 520c in the back. Should have it in three days or so. Thanks, DAVID

congrats!

here’s mine