Princecraft 16 2005 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft 16 2005
2005
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Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft PW1860VT 2008
2008
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Princecraft 16 2005 vs Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft 16 2005 vs Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 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 — Princecraft 16 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft 16 2005 tips the scales at 928 lbs — 333 lbs more than the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 at 595 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.

The Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Princecraft 16 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft 16 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft 16 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
Model16
ModelPW1860VT
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam81 in. (2.1 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches81
Weight - Detail928 lbs. (421 kg)
Weight - Detail595 lbs. (270 kg)
Weight - kg420.93
Weight - kg269.89
Weight - lbs.928
Weight - lbs.595
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches216
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21.5 in. (0.55 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21.5
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.5 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter21 in. (0.5 m)
Tube diameternot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard30 hp (24 kw)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max50 hp (37 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,303 lbs. (591 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 890 lbs. (404 kg); 1,350 lbs. (612 kg)
Maximum people6 Persons
Maximum people7
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessHull: 0.100 in. (0.25 cm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Princecraft 16 2005 vs Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Princecraft 16 2005 or the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008?
The Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Princecraft 16 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 Princecraft 16 2005 or the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008?
For trailering, the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 has the edge at 595 lbs dry weight versus 928 lbs for the Princecraft 16 2005. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 has a documented max rating of 50 hp. Engine specifications for the Princecraft 16 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Princecraft 16 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 is certified for 7. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 measures 81" wide, compared to 72" for the Princecraft 16 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Princecraft 16 2005 and Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft 16 2005 and the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 are built by Princecraft. 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.