Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Seasprite 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Seasprite 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 Cadet 16 2005 measures 16,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft Seasprite 2012 at 12,3 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 tips the scales at 588 lbs — 575 lbs more than the Princecraft Seasprite 2012 at 13 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 Seasprite 2012 tops out at 10 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 Cadet 16 2005 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Seasprite 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Seasprite 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelCadet 16
ModelSeasprite
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam58 in. (1.5 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters1.47
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches58
Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)
Weight - Detail130 lbs. (59 kg)
Weight - kg266.71
Weight - kg58.97
Weight - lbs.588
Weight - lbs.13
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet12.33
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail12 ft. 4 in. (3.7 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters3.76
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches148
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21 in. (0.5 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail13 in. (0.4 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.33
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches13
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail45 in. (1.1 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]15 in. (0.4 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 max10 hp (8 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Maximum capacity620 lbs. (281 kg)
Maximum people6 Persons
Maximum people3 / 418 lbs. (190 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom & Side: 0.051 in. (1.3 mm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee