Somewhat semantics I suspect. Going by the most literal definition I don't think lipos actually explode like a nimh can. But if you've ever seen a lipo go off, they can very quickly throw off quite intense flame and lots of nasty toxic smoke, it's very easy to relate it to an explosion. And yes burn up a car and anything in the general area.
+ on boats needing really good batteries, boats are typically a high nearly constant load. Suggest being especially careful with run time / ending voltage, as lipos tend to heat up more as they approach discharged when under a high constant load.