The Princecraft 22 SS 2004 vs Princecraft SS 164 2009 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 22 SS 2004 measures 22,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 5,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft SS 164 2009 at 16,5 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft 22 SS 2004 tips the scales at 3 456 lbs — 2 448 lbs more than the Princecraft SS 164 2009 at 1 008 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 220 hp, the Princecraft 22 SS 2004 has a 145-hp advantage over the Princecraft SS 164 2009's 75-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 22 SS 2004 carries 34 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Princecraft SS 164 2009. 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 22 SS 2004 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Princecraft SS 164 2009 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft 22 SS 2004 could be the deciding factor.