The Princecraft 20 LP 2006 vs Princecraft Platinum SE 186 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Princecraft 20 LP 2006 at 20,0 ft versus Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2013 at 18,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft 20 LP 2006 tips the scales at 1 915 lbs - 370 lbs more than the Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2013 at 1 545 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 175 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2013 has a 85-hp advantage over the Princecraft 20 LP 2006's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2013 carries 40 gallons versus 33 gallons in the Princecraft 20 LP 2006. 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 20 LP 2006 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft 20 LP 2006 could be the deciding factor.