Matching a modified vee Princecraft PW 1655 2011 against a flat Princecraft PW1760MT 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Princecraft PW 1655 2011 at 16,4 ft versus Princecraft PW1760MT 2008 at 17,0 ft. At 658 lbs and 605 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 50 hp for the Princecraft PW 1655 2011 and 40 hp for the Princecraft PW1760MT 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft PW1760MT 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft PW 1655 2011 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft PW1760MT 2008 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Princecraft PW 1655 2011 comes in at 13 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Princecraft PW1760MT 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft PW1760MT 2008 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 PW 1655 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.