Matching a modified vee Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2011 against a deep vee Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 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 Platinum SE 186 2011 at 18,5 ft versus Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 at 16,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2011 tips the scales at 1 545 lbs — 424 lbs more than the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 at 1 121 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 175 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2011 has a 60-hp advantage over the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 4 gal and 2 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Platinum SE 186 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 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 186 2011 could be the deciding factor.