Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Scamper 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 or the Princecraft Scamper 2009?

For trailering, the Princecraft Scamper 2009 has the edge at 15 lbs dry weight versus 15 lbs for the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 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 O/B 2004 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Scamper 2009 tops out at 15 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 O/B 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft Scamper 2009 is certified for 4. 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 O/B 2004 measures 96" wide, compared to 58" for the Princecraft Scamper 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: Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and Princecraft Scamper 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and the Princecraft Scamper 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 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Scamper 2009

Princecraft

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004

2004

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Princecraft

Princecraft Scamper 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Scamper 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Scamper 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 200 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 has a 185-hp advantage over the Princecraft Scamper 2009's 15-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 Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft Scamper 2009 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 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 Scamper 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPlatinum SP 196 O/B

ModelScamper

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in

Beam58 in. (1.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters1.47

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches58

Draft [max] - Detail31 in

Draft [max] - Detail13 in. (0.4 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.33

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches13

Weight - Detail1500 lbs

Weight - Detail150 lbs. (68 kg)

Weight - kg680.39

Weight - kg68.04

Weight - lbs.15

Height - Detail47.5 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.22

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches47.5

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]25 in

Height [transom]15 in. (0.4 m)

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail14 ft. 4 in. (4.3 m)

Length overall - Meters5.94

Length overall - Meters4.37

Length overall - Inches234

Length overall - Inches172

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail21 in. (0.5 m)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches21

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail45 in. (1.1 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet14.33

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max200 HP

Engine max15 hp (12 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1915 lbs

Maximum capacityPerson: 548 lbs. (249 kg) Total: 750 lbs. (340 kg)

Maximum people9 Persons

Maximum people4

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom & Side: 0.051 in. (1.3 mm)

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Scamper 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 or the Princecraft Scamper 2009?

For trailering, the Princecraft Scamper 2009 has the edge at 15 lbs dry weight versus 15 lbs for the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 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 O/B 2004 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Scamper 2009 tops out at 15 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 O/B 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft Scamper 2009 is certified for 4. 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 O/B 2004 measures 96" wide, compared to 58" for the Princecraft Scamper 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.

Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and Princecraft Scamper 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and the Princecraft Scamper 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 O/B 2004 full specs ← Princecraft Scamper 2009 full specs