Princecraft Pro 176 2005 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 or the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 1 095 lbs for the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 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 176 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 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 176 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 is certified for 6. 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 176 2005 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 share an 92 in. (2.3 m) 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 176 2005 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004?

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 176 2005 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 and the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 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 176 2005 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004

Princecraft

Princecraft Pro 176 2005

2005

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Princecraft

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Pro 176 2005 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Pro 176 2005 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 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 150 hp, the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 has a 75-hp advantage over the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004'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 176 2005 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPro 176

ModelPro 179 DX BT

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in. (2.3 m)

Beam92 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches92

Depth - Detail40 in. (1.0 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters101.6

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches4

Depth - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.8 m)

Draft [max] - Detail31 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail1,300 lbs. (590 kg)

Weight - Detail1095 lbs

Weight - kg589.67

Weight - kg496.68

Weight - lbs.13

Weight - lbs.1095

Width [transom] - Detail75 in. (1.9 m)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Meters5.3

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.3 m)

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.31

Length overall - Meters5.44

Length overall - Inches209

Length overall - Inches214

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail36 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.91

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches36

Body / Hull

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

Hull thicknessnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. Built-in (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max150 hp (112 kw)

Engine max75 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,643 lbs. (745 kg)

Maximum capacity1280 lbs

Maximum people7

Maximum people6 Persons

Princecraft Pro 176 2005 vs Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 or the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 has the edge at 13 lbs dry weight versus 1 095 lbs for the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 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 176 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 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 176 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 is certified for 6. 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 176 2005 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 share an 92 in. (2.3 m) 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 176 2005 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004?

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 176 2005 and Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft Pro 176 2005 and the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 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 176 2005 full specs ← Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2004 full specs