Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 vs Princecraft Versailles 26 LP I/O 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 measures 26,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft Cadet 16 2005 at 16,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 tips the scales at 3 874 lbs — 3 286 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 Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 tops out at 220 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 Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 is rated for 15 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 Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Versailles 26 LP I/O 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 26,0 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
ModelVersailles 26 LP I/O
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)
Weight - Detail3,874 lbs. (1,757 kg)
Weight - kg266.71
Weight - kg1757.22
Weight - lbs.588
Weight - lbs.3874
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Meters8
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet26
Length - Inches4
Length - Inches4
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 4 in. (8 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters8.03
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches316
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]Pontoon: 26 ft. 4 in. (8 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]26 ft. 3 in. (8 m)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter21 in. (0.5 m)
Tube diameter25 in. (0.64 m)
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes3
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard25 hp (19 kw)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Detail33 gal. (125 l)
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeI/O
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal33
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max220 hp (164 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 2,080 lbs. (943 kg) Total: 3,080 lbs. (1,397 kg)
Maximum people6 Persons
Maximum people15
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon