Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005
2005
View full specs →
VS
Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007
2007
View full specs →

Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 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 17,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 at 2,0 feet (2007). At 15 lbs and 16 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 110-hp advantage over the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007's 90-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 Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 carries 33 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005. 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: The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 at 19,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelPlatinum SP 196 O/B
ModelSportfisher 20 LP4S
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in. (2.4 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Depth - Detail47.5 in. (1.2 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters121.92
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches47.5
Depth - Inchesnot available
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 - Detail1,600 lbs. (726 kg)
Weight - kg680.39
Weight - kg725.75
Weight - lbs.15
Weight - lbs.16
Width [transom] - Detail80 in. (2.0 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)
Height [transom]not available
Length - Meters5.9
Length - Meters6.2
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches6
Length - Inches6
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in. (5.9 m)
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in. (6.2 m)
Length overall - Meters5.94
Length overall - Meters6.25
Length overall - Inches234
Length overall - Inches246
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]20 ft. 0 in. (6.1 m)
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom: .110 in. (2.8 mm) Side: .072 in. (1.8 mm)
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typePontoon
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. Built-in (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail33 gal. (125 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal33
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max200 hp (149 kw)
Engine max90 hp (67 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,915 lbs. (869 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 1,495 lbs. (678 kg) Total: 2,097 lbs. (951 kg)
Maximum people9
Maximum people9
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 196 O/B 2005 vs Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007?
The Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 17,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007?
For trailering, the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 has the edge at 15 lbs dry weight versus 16 lbs for the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007. 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 2005 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 tops out at 90 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 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005. 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 O/B 2005 or the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007?
The Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 has the bigger tank at 33 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005. That 27-gallon difference translates to roughly 81–135 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 and Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft Platinum SP 196 O/B 2005 and the Princecraft Sportfisher 20 LP4S 2007 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.