The Princecraft 24 2004 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012 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 24 2004 at 24,0 ft versus Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012 at 23,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012 tips the scales at 2 041 lbs — 2 019 lbs less than the Princecraft 24 2004 at 22 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 Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012 tops out at 115 hp. Engine specs for the Princecraft 24 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Princecraft 24 2004 carries 34 gallons versus 27 gallons in the Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012. 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 24 2004 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft 24 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft 24 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 18 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Vantage 23-2RS 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.