Matching a modified vee Princecraft Fisherman 2010 against a deep vee Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 measures 17,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft Fisherman 2010 at 14,0 feet (2010). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 tips the scales at 1 255 lbs — 1 054 lbs less than the Princecraft Fisherman 2010 at 201 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 125 hp, the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 has a 105-hp advantage over the Princecraft Fisherman 2010's 20-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Fisherman 2010 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Fisherman 2010. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Fisherman 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.