Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft Sportfisher 18 L4S 2007 vs Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2013 — Which Pontoon Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 L4S 2007 and the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2013 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2013 measures 23,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 5,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 L4S 2007 at 18,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2013 tips the scales at 2 062 lbs — 668 lbs less than the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 L4S 2007 at 1 394 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 150 hp, the Princecraft Vantage 23-4S 2013 has a 90-hp advantage over the Princecraft Sportfisher 18 L4S 2007's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 9 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 Vantage 23-4S 2013 at 23,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Princecraft Sportfisher 18 L4S 2007 at 18,0 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
ModelSportfisher 18 L4S
ModelVantage 23-4S
Model Year2007
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 0 in. (2.4 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,394 lbs. (632 kg)
Weight - Detail2,062 lbs. (935 kg)
Weight - kg632.31
Weight - kg935.31
Weight - lbs.1394
Weight - lbs.2062
Length [deck]18 ft. 0 in. (5.5 m)
Length [deck]22 ft. 8 in. (6.9 m)
Length - Meters5.6
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet23.75
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in. (5.6 m)
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 9 in. (7.2 m)
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters7.24
Length overall - Inches22
Length overall - Inches285
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]22 ft. 4 in. (6.8 m) pontoon
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typePontoon
Hull typePontoon
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in. (0.58 m)
Tube diameter25 in. (0.64 m)
Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)
Tube gauge0.08 in. (2 mm)
Number of tubes2
Number of tubesnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Detail27 gal. (102 l)
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max60 hp (45 kW)
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters102.21
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal27
Operational Info
Maximum capacityPerson: 1,229 lbs. (557 kg) Total: 1,730 lbs. (785 kg)
Maximum capacity1,969 lbs. (893 kg)
Maximum people9
Maximum people9 / 1,325 lbs. (601 kg)