Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 vs Princecraft PR1236 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 vs Princecraft PR1236 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 measures 19,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft PR1236 2008 at 11,0 feet (2008). At 15 lbs and 14 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 has a 190-hp advantage over the Princecraft PR1236 2008's 10-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 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft PR1236 2008 caps at 3. 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 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft PR1236 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelPlatinum SP 196 O/B
ModelPR1236
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in. (2.4 m)
Beam56 in. (1.42 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters1.42
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches56
Depth - Detail47.5 in. (1.2 m)
Depth - Detail17 in. (0.43 m)
Depth - Centimeters121.92
Depth - Centimeters43.18
Depth - Inches47.5
Depth - Inches17
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,500 lbs. (680 kg)
Weight - Detail140 lbs. (64 kg)
Weight - kg680.39
Weight - kg63.5
Weight - lbs.15
Weight - lbs.14
Width [transom] - Detail80 in. (2.0 m)
Width [transom] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)
Height [transom]15 in. (0.38 m)
Length - Meters5.9
Length - Meters3.63
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet11
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches11
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in. (5.9 m)
Length overall - Detail11 ft. 11 in. (3.63 m)
Length overall - Meters5.94
Length overall - Meters3.63
Length overall - Inches234
Length overall - Inches143
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: .110 in. (2.8 mm) Side: .072 in. (1.8 mm)
Hull thicknessHull: 0.50 in. (0.127 cm)
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeFlat
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. Built-in (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max200 hp (149 kw)
Engine max10 hp (7.5 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,915 lbs. (869 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 325 lbs. (147 kg) Total: 527 lbs. (239 kg)
Maximum people9
Maximum people3