Princecraft PW 1860 2011 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft PW 1860 2011
2011
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VS
Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005
2005
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Princecraft PW 1860 2011 vs Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft PW 1860 2011 vs Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Princecraft PW 1860 2011 at 18,4 ft versus Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 at 16,0 ft. At 85 lbs and 47 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 — 60 hp for the Princecraft PW 1860 2011 and 40 hp for the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005. 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.

Both boats are rated for 7 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: The Princecraft PW 1860 2011 at 18,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 at 16,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelPW 186
ModelStarfish DLX BT
Model Year2011
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam83.5 in. (2.12 m)
Beam73 in. (1.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Meters1.85
Beam - Inches83.5
Beam - Inches73
Depth - DetailSide: 25 in. (0.64 m)
Depth - Detail29 in. (0.7 m)
Depth - Centimeters63.5
Depth - Centimeters73.66
Depth - Inches25
Depth - Inches29
Weight - Detail850 lbs. (386 kg)
Weight - Detail470 lbs. (213 kg)
Weight - kg385.55
Weight - kg213.19
Weight - lbs.85
Weight - lbs.47
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.52 m)
Width [transom] - Detail63 in. (1.6 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.51 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Length - Feet18.42
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches221
Length overall - Inches192
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail17 in. (0.4 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.43
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches17
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters4.9
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thickness0.110 in. (2.8 mm)
Hull thicknessBottom: .072 in. (1.8 mm) Side: .064 in. (1.6 mm)
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp (45 kW)
Engine max40 hp (30 kw)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,680 lbs. (762 kg)
Maximum capacity1,317 lbs. (597 kg)
Maximum people7 / 1,078 lbs. (489 kg)
Maximum people7

Princecraft PW 1860 2011 vs Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Princecraft PW 1860 2011 or the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005?
The Princecraft PW 1860 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,4 feet overall. The Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 2,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft PW 1860 2011 or the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005?
For trailering, the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 has the edge at 47 lbs dry weight versus 85 lbs for the Princecraft PW 1860 2011. 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 PW 1860 2011 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 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 PW 1860 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 is certified for 7. 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 PW 1860 2011 measures 84" wide, compared to 73" for the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005. 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 PW 1860 2011 and Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft PW 1860 2011 and the Princecraft Starfish DLX BT 2005 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.