Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft 161 2004 vs Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft 161 2004 vs Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011 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 161 2004 at 16,0 ft versus Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011 at 17,3 ft. At 1 248 lbs and 1 299 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011 tops out at 135 hp. Engine specs for the Princecraft 161 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Princecraft 161 2004 carries 12 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft 161 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft 161 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft 161 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Pro Series 179 WS 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
Model161
ModelPro Series 179 WS
Model Year2004
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam92 in. (2.3 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches92
Weight - Detail1,248 lbs
Weight - Detail1,299 lbs. (589 kg)
Weight - kg566.08
Weight - kg589.22
Weight - lbs.1248
Weight - lbs.1299
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17.33
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 4 in. (5.3 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters5.28
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches208
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail37 in. (0.9 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters93.98
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches37
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches31
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail80 in. (2 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter21 in
Tube diameternot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard50 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail12 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42
Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal4
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max135 hp (101 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,315 lbs
Maximum capacity1,410 lbs. (640 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people5 / 670 lbs. (304 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) Side: 0.072 in. (1.8 mm
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee