Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 or the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011?

For trailering, the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 has the edge at 1 385 lbs dry weight versus 2 062 lbs for the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 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 Platinum SP 186 2004 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 tops out at 115 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 Platinum SP 186 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 is certified for 8. 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 Vantage 23-4S 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 or the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011?

The Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 has the bigger tank at 27 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 and Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 and the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 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 Platinum SP 186 2004 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011

Princecraft

Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004

2004

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Princecraft

Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 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 175 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 has a 60-hp advantage over the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 carries 27 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPlatinum SP 186

ModelVantage 23-4S

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam94 in

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches94

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail31 in

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1385 lbs

Weight - Detail2,062 lbs. (935 kg)

Weight - kg628.22

Weight - kg935.31

Weight - lbs.1385

Weight - lbs.2062

Height - Detail43 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.09

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches43

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in. (7.2 m)

Length overall - Meters5.59

Length overall - Meters7.24

Length overall - Inches22

Length overall - Inches285

Length [deck]not available

Length [deck]22 ft. 8 in. (6.9 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet23.75

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (102 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal27

Engine max175 HP

Engine max115 hp (86 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1755 lbs

Maximum capacity2,065 lbs. (937 kg)

Maximum people8 Persons

Maximum people8 / 1,325 lbs. (601 kg)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typenot available

Hull typePontoon

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameternot available

Tube diameter25 in. (0.64 m)

Tube gaugenot available

Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)

Number of tubesnot available

Number of tubes2

Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 or the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011?

For trailering, the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 has the edge at 1 385 lbs dry weight versus 2 062 lbs for the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 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 Platinum SP 186 2004 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 tops out at 115 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 Platinum SP 186 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 is certified for 8. 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 Vantage 23-4S 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 or the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011?

The Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 has the bigger tank at 27 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004. That 21-gallon difference translates to roughly 63–105 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 and Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 186 2004 and the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 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 Platinum SP 186 2004 full specs ← Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2011 full specs