Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 or the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006?

For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 has the edge at 1 095 lbs dry weight versus 1 238 lbs for the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 is rated to a maximum of 135 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 tops out at 75 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 is certified for 5. 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 share an 92 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 35 gallons and 35 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 and the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006

Princecraft

Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004

2004

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Princecraft

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 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 135 hp, the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 has a 60-hp advantage over the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 35 gal and 35 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPro 174 SS

ModelPro 179 DX BT

Model Year2004

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in

Beam92 in. (2.3 m)

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches92

Draft [max] - Detail30 in

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.8 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail1238 lbs

Weight - Detail1,095 lbs. (497 kg)

Weight - kg561.55

Weight - kg496.68

Weight - lbs.1238

Weight - lbs.1095

Height - Detail40 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters1.02

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches4

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 10 in. (5.4 m)

Length overall - Meters5.31

Length overall - Meters5.44

Length overall - Inches209

Length overall - Inches214

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail36 in. (0.9 m)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches36

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail76 in. (1.9 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.4

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Engine max135 HP

Engine max75 hp (56 kw)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1590 lbs

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs. (590 kg)

Maximum people7 Persons

Maximum people5

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: .100 in. (2.5 mm) Side: .072 in. (1.8 mm)

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailStandard Painted Bunk Style Trailer

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Weight518 lbs. (235 kg)

Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 or the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006?

For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 has the edge at 1 095 lbs dry weight versus 1 238 lbs for the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 is rated to a maximum of 135 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 tops out at 75 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 is certified for 5. 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 share an 92 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 35 gallons and 35 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Pro 174 SS 2004 and the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 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 Pro 174 SS 2004 full specs ← Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 full specs