Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
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
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