The Princecraft Pro 164 SS 2006 vs Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Princecraft Pro 164 SS 2006 at 16,0 ft versus Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 at 16,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 tips the scales at 1 121 lbs - 136 lbs less than the Princecraft Pro 164 SS 2006 at 985 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 Xpedition 170 WS 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Princecraft Pro 164 SS 2006'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 Pro 164 SS 2006 carries 28 gallons versus 20 gallons in the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 Xpedition 170 WS 2012 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Pro 164 SS 2006. 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.