Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 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 Cadet 16 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 at 18,0 ft. At 588 lbs and 595 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 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 PW1860VT 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft PW1860VT 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelCadet 16
ModelPW1860VT
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam81 in. (2.1 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches81
Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)
Weight - Detail595 lbs. (270 kg)
Weight - kg266.71
Weight - kg269.89
Weight - lbs.588
Weight - lbs.595
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches216
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21.5 in. (0.55 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21.5
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.5 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter21 in. (0.5 m)
Tube diameternot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard25 hp (19 kw)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max50 hp (37 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 890 lbs. (404 kg); 1,350 lbs. (612 kg)
Maximum people6 Persons
Maximum people7
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessHull: 0.100 in. (0.25 cm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee