Matching a pontoon Princecraft Vectra 17 L 2008 against a deep vee Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 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 Vectra 17 L 2008 at 17,0 ft versus Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 at 16,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 tips the scales at 1 121 lbs — 993 lbs less than the Princecraft Vectra 17 L 2008 at 128 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 115 hp, the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012 has a 65-hp advantage over the Princecraft Vectra 17 L 2008's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Princecraft Vectra 17 L 2008 carries 12 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 Vectra 17 L 2008 comes in at 3 lbs per hp versus 10 lbs per hp for the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS 2012. 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.