Princecraft J1257 2004 vs Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Boat Comparison

Princecraft J1257 2004 vs Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011

Princecraft

Princecraft J1257 2004

2004

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Princecraft

Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

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

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.

← Princecraft J1257 2004 full specs ← Princecraft PR 1652MT 2011 full specs