Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 or the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 has the edge at 3 lbs dry weight versus 114 lbs for the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Starfish 20 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 measures 87" wide, compared to 73" for the Princecraft Starfish 20 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 and Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 and the Princecraft Starfish 20 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 20 2004

Princecraft

Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006

2006

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Princecraft

Princecraft Starfish 20 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 20 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 115 hp, the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 has a 75-hp advantage over the Princecraft Starfish 20 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 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakePrincecraft

ModelSP 176 FnP

ModelStarfish 2

Model Year2006

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam87 in. (2.2 m)

Beam73 in

Beam - Meters2.21

Beam - Meters1.85

Beam - Inches87

Beam - Inches73

Depth - Detail40 in. (1.0 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters101.6

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches4

Depth - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (0.8 m)

Draft [max] - Detail16 in. apx

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Meters0.41

Draft [max] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inches16

Weight - Detail1,140 lbs. (517 kg)

Weight - Detail300 lbs

Weight - kg517.09

Weight - kg136.08

Weight - lbs.114

Weight - lbs.3

Width [transom] - Detail68 in. (1.7 m)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Meters5.3

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.3 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.31

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches209

Length overall - Inches192

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessBottom: .090 in. (2.3 mm) Side: .072 in. (1.8 mm)

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal28

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max115 hp (86 kw)

Engine max40 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,598 lbs. (725 kg)

Maximum capacity1250 lbs

Maximum people7

Maximum people7 Persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailStandard Painted Bunk Style Trailer

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - Weight489 lbs. (222 kg)

Trailer - Weightnot available

Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 vs Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 or the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004?

For trailering, the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 has the edge at 3 lbs dry weight versus 114 lbs for the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 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 176 FnP 2006 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Starfish 20 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 measures 87" wide, compared to 73" for the Princecraft Starfish 20 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 and Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Princecraft SP 176 FnP 2006 and the Princecraft Starfish 20 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 SP 176 FnP 2006 full specs ← Princecraft Starfish 20 2004 full specs