The Princecraft Cadet 16 2004 vs Princecraft Voyageur 21 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Voyageur 21 2012 measures 21,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft Cadet 16 2004 at 16,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Voyageur 21 2012 tips the scales at 1 356 lbs — 768 lbs less than the Princecraft Cadet 16 2004 at 588 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 Voyageur 21 2012 tops out at 60 hp. Engine specs for the Princecraft Cadet 16 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Voyageur 21 2012 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Princecraft Cadet 16 2004 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Voyageur 21 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Voyageur 21 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 21,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Cadet 16 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.