Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006
2006
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VS
Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004
2004
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Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 188 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 135 hp, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 has a 55-hp advantage over the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004's 80-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 179 DX SC 2006 carries 35 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelPro 179 DX SC
ModelTournament SP 188 BT
Model Year2006
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam92 in. (2.3 m)
Beam94 in
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches94
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] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail1,200 lbs. (544 kg)
Weight - Detail1192 lbs
Weight - kg544.31
Weight - kg540.68
Weight - lbs.12
Weight - lbs.1192
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 - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 10 in. (5.4 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters5.44
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Inches214
Length overall - Inches22
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail40 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters1.02
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches4
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 - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Engine max135 hp (101 kw)
Engine max80 HP
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,300 lbs. (590 kg)
Maximum capacity1600 lbs
Maximum people4
Maximum people8 Persons
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailStandard Painted Bunk Style Trailer
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Weight518 lbs. (235 kg)
Trailer - Weightnot available

Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 vs Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 or the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004?
For trailering, the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 has the edge at 12 lbs dry weight versus 1 192 lbs for the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 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 179 DX SC 2006 is rated to a maximum of 135 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 tops out at 80 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 SC 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 is certified for 8. 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 Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 measures 94" wide, compared to 92" for the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006. 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 or the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004?
The Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004. That 29-gallon difference translates to roughly 87–145 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 and Princecraft Tournament SP 188 BT 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft Pro 179 DX SC 2006 and the Princecraft Tournament SP 188 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.