Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 vs Princecraft SS 172 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 or the Princecraft SS 172 2009?

For trailering, the Princecraft SS 172 2009 has the edge at 1 225 lbs dry weight versus 2 419 lbs for the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004. 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 196 I/O 2004 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft SS 172 2009 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 196 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft SS 172 2009 is certified for 6. 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 Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 measures 96" wide, compared to 92" for the Princecraft SS 172 2009. 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 196 I/O 2004 or the Princecraft SS 172 2009?

The Princecraft SS 172 2009 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 and Princecraft SS 172 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 and the Princecraft SS 172 2009 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 196 I/O 2004 vs Princecraft SS 172 2009

Princecraft

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004

2004

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Princecraft

Princecraft SS 172 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 vs Princecraft SS 172 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 vs Princecraft SS 172 2009 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 220 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 has a 105-hp advantage over the Princecraft SS 172 2009'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 SS 172 2009 carries 35 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004. 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 SP 196 I/O 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft SS 172 2009 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft SS 172 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPlatinum SP 196 I/O

ModelSS 172

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in

Beam92 in. (2.3 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches92

Draft [max] - Detail32 in

Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.8 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inches3

Weight - Detail2419 lbs

Weight - Detail1,225 lbs. (556 kg)

Weight - kg1097.24

Weight - kg555.65

Weight - lbs.2419

Weight - lbs.1225

Height - Detail47.5 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.22

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches47.5

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]39 in

Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.3 m)

Length overall - Meters5.94

Length overall - Meters5.31

Length overall - Inches234

Length overall - Inches209

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail39 in. (1.0 m)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters99.06

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches39

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail75 in. (1.9 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17.42

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Engine max220 HP

Engine max115 hp (86 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1600 lbs

Maximum capacityPerson: 830 lbs. (376 kg) Total: 1,570 lbs. (712 kg)

Maximum people9 Persons

Maximum people6

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.110 in. (2.8 mm) Side: 0.072 in. (1.8 mm)

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 vs Princecraft SS 172 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 or the Princecraft SS 172 2009?

For trailering, the Princecraft SS 172 2009 has the edge at 1 225 lbs dry weight versus 2 419 lbs for the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004. 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 196 I/O 2004 is rated to a maximum of 220 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft SS 172 2009 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 196 I/O 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft SS 172 2009 is certified for 6. 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 Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 measures 96" wide, compared to 92" for the Princecraft SS 172 2009. 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 196 I/O 2004 or the Princecraft SS 172 2009?

The Princecraft SS 172 2009 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 and Princecraft SS 172 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 I/O 2004 and the Princecraft SS 172 2009 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 196 I/O 2004 full specs ← Princecraft SS 172 2009 full specs