Princecraft J1257 2004 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft J1257 2004
2004
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VS
Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011
2011
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Princecraft J1257 2004 vs Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft J1257 2004 vs Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 35 hp, the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Princecraft J1257 2004's 10-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 PR 1652MT 2011 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Princecraft J1257 2004 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 15,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft J1257 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelJ1257
ModelPR 1652MT
Model Year2004
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam57 in
Beam75 in. (1.9 m)
Beam - Meters1.45
Beam - Meters1.91
Beam - Inches57
Beam - Inches75
Weight - Detail160 lbs
Weight - Detail450 lbs. (204 kg)
Weight - kg72.57
Weight - kg204.12
Weight - lbs.16
Weight - lbs.45
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Length overall - Detail12 ft
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in. (4.82 m)
Length overall - Meters3.66
Length overall - Meters4.83
Length overall - Inches144
Length overall - Inches19
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - DetailSide: 21 in. (0.53 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail52 in. (1.3 m)
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet15.83
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max10 HP
Engine max35 hp (26 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity515 lbs
Maximum capacity1,216 lbs. (552 kg)
Maximum people3 Persons
Maximum people5 / 715 lbs. (324 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thickness0.072 in. (1.83 mm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeFlat

Princecraft J1257 2004 vs Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft J1257 2004 or the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011?
For trailering, the Princecraft J1257 2004 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 is rated to a maximum of 35 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft J1257 2004 tops out at 10 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Princecraft J1257 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 is certified for 5. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 measures 75" wide, compared to 57" for the Princecraft J1257 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Princecraft J1257 2004 and Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft J1257 2004 and the Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 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.