Starcraft Marine 196 2010 vs Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 or the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004?

For trailering, the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 has the edge at 1 454 lbs dry weight versus 1 498 lbs for the Starcraft Marine 196 2010. 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 Starcraft Marine 196 2010 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 tops out at 22 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 Starcraft Marine 196 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 is certified for 9. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 share an 100 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 52 gallons and 52 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 are built by Starcraft Marine. 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

Starcraft Marine 196 2010 vs Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004

Starcraft Marine

Starcraft Marine 196 2010

2010

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Starcraft Marine

Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Starcraft Marine 196 2010 vs Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Starcraft Marine 196 2010 vs Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 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 175 hp, the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 has a 153-hp advantage over the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004's 22-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 52 gal and 52 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 with its 22-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeStarcraft Marine

Model196

ModelFishmaster 1961

Model Year201

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam100 in

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches1

Depth - Detail31 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters78.74

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches31

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1,498 lbs

Weight - Detail1454 lbs

Weight - kg679.48

Weight - kg659.52

Weight - lbs.1498

Weight - lbs.1454

Width [transom] - Detail99 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]25 in

Height [transom]not available

Length - Feet19.75

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Meters6.02

Length overall - Inches237

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise19℃

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail33 in

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches33

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail31 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.79

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches31

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal52

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max175 hp

Engine max22

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,050 lbs

Maximum capacity1700 lbs

Maximum people9

Maximum people9 persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 5 in

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - WeightTowing Weight: 3,394 lbs

Trailer - Weightnot available

Starcraft Marine 196 2010 vs Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 or the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004?

For trailering, the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 has the edge at 1 454 lbs dry weight versus 1 498 lbs for the Starcraft Marine 196 2010. 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 Starcraft Marine 196 2010 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 tops out at 22 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 Starcraft Marine 196 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 is certified for 9. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 share an 100 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 52 gallons and 52 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Starcraft Marine 196 2010 and the Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 are built by Starcraft Marine. 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.

← Starcraft Marine 196 2010 full specs ← Starcraft Marine Fishmaster 1961 2004 full specs