Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 boat specs
Parti Kraft
Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005
2005
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VS
Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC  2003 boat specs
Parti Kraft
Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003
2003
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Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 vs Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 vs Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 tips the scales at 126 lbs — 115 lbs less than the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 at 11 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 and Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeParti Kraft
MakeParti Kraft
ModelEnsign PKE160 F
ModelEnsign PKE180 FC
Model Year2005
Model Year2003
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft
Beam8 ft
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Weight - Detail1,100 lbs
Weight - Detail1,260 lbs
Weight - kg498.95
Weight - kg571.53
Weight - lbs.11
Weight - lbs.126
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches216
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter22 in
Tube diameter22 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard60 hp
Engine/s standard60 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail17 gal. - opt
Fuel tank capacity - Detail17 gal. - opt
Fuel tank capacity - Liters64.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters64.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal17
Fuel tank capacity - Gal17
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutBoard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,345 lbs
Maximum capacity1,330 lbs
Maximum people8
Maximum people8

Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 vs Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 or the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003?
The Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 or the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003?
For trailering, the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 has the edge at 11 lbs dry weight versus 126 lbs for the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 is certified for 8. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 and Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 share an 8 ft beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 and Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 17 gallons and 17 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 and Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE160 F 2005 and the Parti Kraft Ensign PKE180 FC 2003 are built by Parti Kraft. 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.