Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft PW1960MT 2008
2008
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VS
Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006
2006
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Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 vs Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 vs Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 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 PW1960MT 2008 at 19,0 ft versus Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 at 17,0 ft. At 71 lbs and 117 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 has a 100-hp advantage over the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelPW1960MT
ModelSP 178 SC SE
Model Year2008
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam83 in. (2.1 m)
Beam92 in. (2.3 m)
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches83
Beam - Inches92
Depth - Detail21.5 in. (0.55 m)
Depth - Detail40 in. (1.0 m)
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Centimeters101.6
Depth - Inches21.5
Depth - Inches4
Weight - Detail710 lbs. (322 kg)
Weight - Detail1,170 lbs. (531 kg)
Weight - kg322.05
Weight - kg530.7
Weight - lbs.71
Weight - lbs.117
Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (1.52 m)
Width [transom] - Detail75 in. (1.9 m)
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)
Length - Meters5.79
Length - Meters5.3
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet17
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 0 in. (5.79 m)
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.3 m)
Length overall - Meters5.79
Length overall - Meters5.31
Length overall - Inches228
Length overall - Inches209
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches31
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thicknessHull: 0.100 in. (0.25 cm)
Hull thicknessBottom: .100 in. (2.5 mm) Side: .072 in. (1.8 mm)
Hull typeFlat
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max50 hp (37 kW)
Engine max150 hp (112 kw)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Operational Info
Maximum capacityPerson: 1,158 lbs. (525 kg); Total: 1,898 lbs. (861 kg)
Maximum capacity1,488 lbs. (675 kg)
Maximum people8
Maximum people6
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailStandard Black Painted Bunk Style Trailer
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight503 lbs. (228 kg)

Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 vs Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 or the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006?
The Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 or the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006?
For trailering, the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 has the edge at 71 lbs dry weight versus 117 lbs for the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 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 SP 178 SC SE 2006 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 tops out at 50 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 PW1960MT 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 measures 92" wide, compared to 83" for the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008. 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 PW1960MT 2008 and Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft PW1960MT 2008 and the Princecraft SP 178 SC SE 2006 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.