Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Cadet 16 2005
2005
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VS
Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Vectra 16 2008
2008
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Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Vectra 16 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 Vectra 16 2008 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 tips the scales at 928 lbs — 340 lbs less than the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 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 Vectra 16 2008 tops out at 30 hp. Engine specs for the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 and Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelCadet 16
ModelVectra 16
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches72
Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)
Weight - Detail928 lbs. (421 kg)
Weight - kg266.71
Weight - kg420.93
Weight - lbs.588
Weight - lbs.928
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches4
Length - Inches4
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches196
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]Pontoon: 16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]16 ft. 0 in. (4.8 m)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter21 in. (0.5 m)
Tube diameter21 in. (0.53 m)
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes2
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 max30 hp (24 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 885 lbs. (401 kg) Total: 1,303 lbs. (591 kg)
Maximum people6 Persons
Maximum people6
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon

Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 or the Princecraft Vectra 16 2008?
The Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 or the Princecraft Vectra 16 2008?
For trailering, the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 has the edge at 588 lbs dry weight versus 928 lbs for the Princecraft Vectra 16 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 has a documented max rating of 30 hp. Engine specifications for the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 and Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 share an 6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 and Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 and the Princecraft Vectra 16 2008 are built by Princecraft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.