Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009?

For trailering, the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 has the edge at 1 394 lbs dry weight versus 1 500 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 Sportfisher 18 2009 tops out at 60 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 Sportfisher 18 2009 is certified for 9. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009?

The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 has the bigger tank at 60 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009. That 42-gallon difference translates to roughly 126–210 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 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 Sportfisher 18 2009

Princecraft

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004

2004

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Princecraft

Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 18 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 140-hp advantage over the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009's 60-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 Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 carries 60 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 9 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 196 O/B 2004 and its 200-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPlatinum SP 196 O/B

ModelSportfisher 18

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam96 in.

Beam8 ft. (2.4 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

Draft [max] - Detail31 in.

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1500 lbs.

Weight - Detail1,394 lbs. (632 kg)

Weight - kg680.39

Weight - kg632.31

Weight - lbs.1500

Weight - lbs.1394

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]not available

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in. (5.6 m)

Length overall - Meters5.94

Length overall - Meters5.59

Length overall - Inches234

Length overall - Inches220

Length [at waterline]not available

Length [at waterline]18 ft. 4 in. (5.6 m)

Length [deck]not available

Length [deck]18 ft. (5.5 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18.33

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable with hose and bulb, or Optional permanent 18 gal. (68 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14

Fuel tank capacity - Gal60

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Engine max200 HP

Engine max60 hp (45 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1915 lbs.

Maximum capacityPerson: 1,229 lbs. (557 kg) Total: 1,730 lbs. (785 kg)

Maximum people9 Persons

Maximum people9

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typenot available

Hull typePontoon

Pontoon and Inflatable Specific

Tube diameternot available

Tube diameter23 in. (0.58 m)

Tube gaugenot available

Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)

Number of tubesnot available

Number of tubes2

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009?

For trailering, the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 has the edge at 1 394 lbs dry weight versus 1 500 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 Sportfisher 18 2009 tops out at 60 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 Sportfisher 18 2009 is certified for 9. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 share an 96 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009?

The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 has the bigger tank at 60 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009. That 42-gallon difference translates to roughly 126–210 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and Princecraft Sportfisher 18 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2004 and the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 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 Sportfisher 18 2009 full specs