The Princecraft 20 ST 2006 vs Princecraft Vectra 17 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Vectra 17 2011 measures 17,7 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 15,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft 20 ST 2006 at 2,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft 20 ST 2006 tips the scales at 1 775 lbs — 463 lbs more than the Princecraft Vectra 17 2011 at 1 312 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 90 hp, the Princecraft 20 ST 2006 has a 40-hp advantage over the Princecraft Vectra 17 2011's 50-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 20 ST 2006 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Princecraft Vectra 17 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft 20 ST 2006 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Princecraft 20 ST 2006 comes in at 20 lbs per hp versus 26 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Vectra 17 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.