Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Cadet 2008 vs Princecraft Hudson DLX SC 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a pontoon Princecraft Cadet 2008 against a deep vee Princecraft Hudson DLX SC 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Princecraft Cadet 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Princecraft Hudson DLX SC 2012 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Cadet 2008 tips the scales at 588 lbs — 481 lbs more than the Princecraft Hudson DLX SC 2012 at 107 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Princecraft Hudson DLX SC 2012 has a 90-hp advantage over the Princecraft Cadet 2008's 25-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
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 Hudson DLX SC 2012 at 19,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Princecraft Cadet 2008 at 16,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelCadet
ModelHudson DLX SC
Model Year2008
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 0 in. (1.8 m)
Beam87 in. (2.2 m)
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Meters2.21
Beam - Inches72
Beam - Inches87
Weight - Detail588 lbs. (267 kg)
Weight - Detail1,070 lbs. (485 kg)
Weight - kg266.71
Weight - kg485.34
Weight - lbs.588
Weight - lbs.107
Length [at waterline]Pontoon: 16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [deck]16 ft. 0 in. (4.8 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet19
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 4 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. (5.8 m)
Length overall - Meters4.98
Length overall - Meters5.79
Length overall - Inches196
Length overall - Inches228
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail33 in. (0.8 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters83.82
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches33
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches33
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail71 in. (1.8 m)
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typePontoon
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) Side: 0.072 in. (1.8 mm)
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter21 in. (0.53 m)
Tube diameternot available
Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)
Tube gaugenot available
Number of tubes2
Number of tubesnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max25 hp (19 kW)
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Operational Info
Maximum capacityPerson: 885 lbs. (401 kg) Total: 1,210 lbs. (549 kg)
Maximum capacity1,567 lbs. (711 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people6 / 827 lbs. (375 kg)