Matching a flat Princecraft PR 1852MT 2011 against a modified vee Princecraft SS 172 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Princecraft PR 1852MT 2011 at 18,0 ft versus Princecraft SS 172 2009 at 17,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft SS 172 2009 tips the scales at 1 225 lbs — 750 lbs less than the Princecraft PR 1852MT 2011 at 475 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Princecraft SS 172 2009 has a 70-hp advantage over the Princecraft PR 1852MT 2011's 45-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Princecraft PR 1852MT 2011 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Princecraft SS 172 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.