Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006 vs Princecraft Vectra 21 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006 vs Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 measures 21,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006 at 18,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 tips the scales at 1 704 lbs - 444 lbs less than the Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006 at 1 260 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 has a 55-hp advantage over the Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006's 60-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Vectra 21 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 21,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft 18 ST2S 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
Model18 ST2S
ModelVectra 21
Model Year2006
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in. (2.4 m)
Beam8 ft. 5 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.57
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches101
Weight - Detail1,260 lbs. (572 kg)
Weight - Detail1,704 lbs. (773 kg)
Weight - kg571.53
Weight - kg772.92
Weight - lbs.1260
Weight - lbs.1704
Length [deck]18 ft. 0 in. (5.5 m)
Length [deck]20 ft. (6.1 m)
Length - Meters5.6
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet21.5
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in. (5.6 m)
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in. (6.6 m)
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters6.55
Length overall - Inches220
Length overall - Inches258
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]20 ft. 4 in. (6.2 m) pontoon
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in. (0.58 m)
Tube diameter25 in. (0.64 m)
Tube gauge.080 in. (2.0 mm)
Tube gauge0.08 in. (2 mm)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable w/ hose and bulb
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersw
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp (45 kw)
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal30
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,730 lbs. (785 kg)
Maximum capacity1,986 lbs. (901 kg)
Maximum people9
Maximum people10 / 1,346 lbs. (611 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon