Matching a deep vee Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2012 against a pontoon Princecraft Vectra 19 2011 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 Sport 172 WS 2012 at 17,4 ft versus Princecraft Vectra 19 2011 at 19,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Vectra 19 2011 tips the scales at 1 502 lbs — 247 lbs less than the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2012 at 1 255 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 125 hp, the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Princecraft Vectra 19 2011's 75-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 Vectra 19 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Princecraft Sport 172 WS 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Vectra 19 2011 could be the deciding factor.