Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 or the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 has the edge at 1 095 lbs dry weight versus 1 159 lbs for the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 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 179 DX BT 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 and Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 and Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 and Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 and the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004

Princecraft

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005

2005

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Princecraft

Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 has a 75-hp advantage over the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005'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 Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 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 179 DX BT

ModelTournament SP 178 DLX

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in. (2.3 m)

Beam92 in.

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Inches92

Depth - Detail36 in. (0.9 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches36

Depth - Inchesnot available

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

Draft [max] - Detail31 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Inches31

Weight - Detail1,095 lbs. (497 kg)

Weight - Detail1159 lbs.

Weight - kg496.68

Weight - kg525.71

Weight - lbs.1095

Weight - lbs.1159

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

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)

Height [transom]20 in.

Length - Meters5.4

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches10

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in.

Length overall - Meters5.44

Length overall - Meters5.31

Length overall - Inches214

Length overall - Inches209

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail40 in.

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.02

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches40

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessBottom: .110 in. (2.8 mm) Side: .072 in. (1.8 mm)

Hull thicknessnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max75 hp (56 kw)

Engine max150 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs. (590 kg)

Maximum capacity1455 lbs.

Maximum people5

Maximum people6 Persons

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 or the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 has the edge at 1 095 lbs dry weight versus 1 159 lbs for the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 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 179 DX BT 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 and Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 and Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 and Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2005 and the Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 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 179 DX BT 2005 full specs ← Princecraft Tournament SP 178 DLX 2004 full specs