Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 or the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 has the edge at 293 lbs dry weight versus 1 095 lbs for the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006. 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 179 DX BT 2006 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 tops out at 40 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 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 measures 92" wide, compared to 73" for the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 and Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 and the Princecraft Starfish 15 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 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 15 2004

Princecraft

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006

2006

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Princecraft

Princecraft Starfish 15 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 15 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 15 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 75 hp, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 has a 35-hp advantage over the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004's 40-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelPro 179 DX BT

ModelStarfish 15

Model Year2006

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in. (2.3 m)

Beam73 in.

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters1.85

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches73

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] - Detail17 in. apx.

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.43

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches17

Weight - Detail1,095 lbs. (497 kg)

Weight - Detail293 lbs.

Weight - kg496.68

Weight - kg132.9

Weight - lbs.1095

Weight - lbs.293

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

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)

Height [transom]15 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 - Detail16 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters5.44

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches214

Length overall - Inches192

Body / Hull

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

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max75 hp (56 kw)

Engine max40 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs. (590 kg)

Maximum capacity1100 lbs.

Maximum people5

Maximum people5 Persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailStandard Painted Bunk Style Trailer

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Weight518 lbs. (235 kg)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 or the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 has the edge at 293 lbs dry weight versus 1 095 lbs for the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006. 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 179 DX BT 2006 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 tops out at 40 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 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 measures 92" wide, compared to 73" for the Princecraft Starfish 15 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 and Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Princecraft Pro 179 DX BT 2006 and the Princecraft Starfish 15 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 2006 full specs ← Princecraft Starfish 15 2004 full specs