Matching a deep vee Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 against a modified vee Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009 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 Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 at 17,5 ft versus Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 tips the scales at 1 331 lbs — 202 lbs more than the Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009 at 1 129 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 125 hp for the Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 and 135 hp for the Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 carries 26 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012. 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 Platinum SE 176 FnP 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 17,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Pro 179 SC 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.