Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008
2008
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VS
Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 boat specs
Princecraft
Princecraft Vectra 18 2009
2009
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Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 vs Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 against a pontoon Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 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 Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 at 18,0 ft. At 117 lbs and 135 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 Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 has a 100-hp advantage over the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 3 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelSuper Pro 178 SC SE
ModelVectra 18
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam92 in. (2.3 m)
Beam8 ft. (2.4 m)
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches96
Depth - Detail40 in. (1.0 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters101.6
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches4
Depth - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail1,170 lbs. (531 kg)
Weight - Detail1,350 lbs. (612 kg)
Weight - kg530.7
Weight - kg612.35
Weight - lbs.117
Weight - lbs.135
Width [transom] - Detail75 in. (1.9 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)
Height [transom]not available
Length - Meters5.3
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet18
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.3 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.5 m)
Length overall - Meters5.31
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches209
Length overall - Inches216
Length [at waterline]not available
Length [at waterline]16 ft. 4 in. (5 m)
Length [deck]not available
Length [deck]16 ft. 8 in. (5.1 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) Side: 0.072 in. (1.8 mm)
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typePontoon
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Engine max50 hp (37 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacityPerson: 744 lbs. (337 kg) Total: 1,488 lbs. (675 kg)
Maximum capacityPerson: 810 lbs. (367 kg) Total: 1,070 lbs. (485 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people6
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameternot available
Tube diameter23 in. (0.58 m)
Tube gaugenot available
Tube gauge0.080 in. (2 mm)
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes2

Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 vs Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 or the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009?
The Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 or the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009?
For trailering, the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 has the edge at 117 lbs dry weight versus 135 lbs for the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009. 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 Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 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 Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 3 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 measures 96" wide, compared to 92" for the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 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 Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 and Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC SE 2008 and the Princecraft Vectra 18 2009 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.