2010 Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC

By Amanda Comission

Founded in the late ’40s, Sylvan Marine was originally a pontoon and houseboat manufacturer. Today, as part of the Smoker Craft family of boats, Sylvan has grown to encompass dozens of models ranging from aluminum fishing boats to fibreglass sportboats to luxury pontoons.

It’s not surprising, then, as a member of this varied family Sylvan has a 17-foot fishing machine that could also serve very well as an all-round family boat. And that’s just what the Explorer 1700 DC does, offering both fishing and family fun in a peppy and versatile trailerable package.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of fish-friendly features as well as room for the whole brood. Outside, the hull design will ensure everyone on board has a smooth, dry ride, while the Evinrude E-TEC 115-hp outboard keeps you ready to boogey at a moment’s notice.

So that’s exactly where we started – out on the water. Immediately, the torque of the two-stroke announced its presence, powering the 1700 out of the hole to 20 mph in 4.21 seconds and to 30 mph in just under eight seconds. It settled quickly onto place at 15 mph (2800 rpm) with little bow rise, thanks to the lower weight of the two-stroke engine.

The Evinrude E-TEC made a really great impression during the test – and it’s practical too. With little to no maintenance required and great fuel-efficiency, the E-TEC helps you spend more time out on the water without killing your budget.

Although turning was merely average, overall the boat rode confidently through the water. Sylvan’s exclusive Full Wing Hull design with its spray rail that carries well forward, five keels, offset gunwales and flared bow made for a nice, smooth and dry ride – whether cruising comfortably at 23.1 mph (3500 rpm) or at the Explorer 1700 DC’s top speed of 46.1 mph (6000 rpm)

This bow design offers benefits inside the boat as well, providing for a larger open bow with more room for whatever activities you choose to spend enjoying during your time on the water. For the angling enthusiast there is plenty to rave about, including two tournament-quality livewells – a 30-gallon at the bow and 18-gallon livewell at the stern – and plenty of rod storage. The spacious floor plan with removable seats means you can have as much room as you want or whatever configuration you prefer for reeling in the big one. At the transom, there is one of six seat bases so you can create a raised casting deck as well. Here you’ll also find battery storage to starboard and one of the boat’s two livewells to port.

The vinyl floor will make cleanup easy – if it’s the remnants of a successful day at your favourite fishing hole or a fun day out cruising the waterway with the family. Convertible seating at both the bow and stern easily transforms a morning fishing machine into an afternoon family cruising vessel.

And when the kids or older folks are up for a cruise of the lake, they’ll find it easy to step aboard by using the two-tiered gunwales – especially if boarding from higher docks. To make sure the troops stay entertained, you may want to add on the optional AM/FM stereo with auxiliary port for an MP3.

While out on the water, the optional snap-in carpet on our test boat helped to reduce the noise of the water against the 0.086-gauge aluminum. It will also help prevent noise from inside the boat being transferring to the water when out fishing.

If the weather is less than perfect, both the co-pilot and captain will be well-protected from the elements behind the curved walk-through windsheild. At the comfortable helm, the controls, gauges and switches are all right at hand.

The Smoker Craft family, known for high-quality and innovative products, is well represented with its trailerable, dual-console Sylvan 1700. The company hits its aim to provide the right boat at the right place for a great value with this boat, which offers great features and construction.

Of course, at the end of the day, there’s really nothing more valuable than quality time with family and friends. And that’s precisely what the Sylvan Explorer 1700 DC is sure to offer.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Evinrude E-TEC 115, V4 60 deg direct injection, 115-hp two-stroke outboard
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 4.21 ; 0-30 / 7.98
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
6000 / 46.1
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3000 / 19 ; 3500 / 23.3 ; 4000 / 28.7