Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Starfish DLX SC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Starfish DLX SC 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Princecraft Starfish DLX SC 2009 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 tips the scales at 588 lbs — 537 lbs more than the Princecraft Starfish DLX SC 2009 at 51 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 Starfish DLX SC 2009 tops out at 40 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 Starfish DLX SC 2009 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 Starfish DLX SC 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Starfish DLX SC 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 16,0 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
ModelStarfish DLX SC
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam73 in. (1.9 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters1.85
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches73
Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)
Weight - Detail510 lbs. (231 kg)
Weight - kg266.71
Weight - kg231.33
Weight - lbs.588
Weight - lbs.51
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches192
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail29 in. (0.7 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters73.66
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches29
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail17 in. (0.4 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.43
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches17
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail63 in. (1.6 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 max40 hp (30 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 899 lbs. (408 kg) Total: 1,317 lbs. (597 kg)
Maximum people6 Persons
Maximum people7
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.072 in. (1.8 mm) Side: 0.064 in. (1.6 mm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee