Princecraft boats

[mike4010]

Anybody ever own a Princecraft boat? How did you like it?<br /><br />Thanks, Mike

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Princecraft boats

Mike,<br />I don't know about their other products, but they make one of the finest pontoon boats around. Very well known for the superior construction. So I would think that the same quality would go into all their line.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Princecraft boats

Well Mike, I haven't owned one, but the largest Princecraft dealer is east of you in Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls WI. (Boaters Choice <br />2644 State Highway 53 <br />Chippewa Falls, WI 54729) <br />If you are near the cities it may be worth your time to drive over. Have fun at your boat show this week.<br /><br />The resort I go to had a few (4 years?) ago and didn't like the way they handled rough water. These were 14 or 16 foot open utility style. They seem to be built wide and stable at rest like a bass boat, but floated high in the water. They picked up replacement boats that had a little more "V" in the hull to cut thru the waves. <br /><br />They seem to be made well, but a little too pretty for me. I don't want to have to clean anything extra. I have heard from 2 people that they are rated a bit low for hp, and they wished they could put a bigger motor on it. But again, these were boats from a couple years ago, ratings and designs may have changed since then.

 

[93evinrude]

Re: Princecraft boats

I have never owned one but alot of fisherman where I live do and in talking to them,they appear pleased with their performance.

 

[cloumar]

Re: Princecraft boats

Mike,<br /><br />Few friends of mine own them and they are happy with their boat. Now for the handling you have to be careful it depends of what kind of fishing or boating you do, if you do fishing or boating in small pound or lack the flat bottom is OK, but you want to go on big river or lack with wide bays you better go with the V shape hull. Princecraft is one of last company to still making flat bottom boat the price of this model is cheaper but less handling in rough water, otherwise all the V hull models they have are very stable and easy handling, Great boat company !!<br /><br />Hope it helps <br /><br />Mario

 

[Newhook]

Re: Princecraft boats

Mike,<br /><br />I have the 16 foot Starfish utility. I shopped around quite a lot and found that the boat has the best combination of quality as far as thickness of aluminum, rivet staggering, price and performance that I was able to find. I have a 25 hp Mariner 4-stroke that pushes us at 30mph per my GPS. Very dry boat in a lop and fast due to the deep-V in the front and the relativly flat rear. That makes it stable too. Better than my father's Grumman and his buddie's Sea Nymph. I got a wheel, console and controls from my wife for christmas. Can't wait for Spring!

 

[Jacques321]

Re: Princecraft boats

I own a Princecraft 164 (2000).<br /><br />Great boat, does everything I want it to do. It's sturdy, stable and fast for it's HP rating. I overpowered to 90HP(Merc 4 stroke...consult dealer before doing this) I bought it primarily for fishing and cruising.<br /><br />The paint has a very nice finish to it, and it's colour coordinated with the convertible top w/ curtains and tonneau cover (5 pcs).<br /><br />I added the Electric trolling motor + battery(Motorguide) up front, swim ladder, fishfinder, downrigger, and an extra 2 seats to complete my package...$$$$$<br /><br />They're great boats, just make sure you buy from a reputable dealer who will service properly and fairly when the time comes.

 

[billy-bobby]

Re: Princecraft boats

I also had a 16 ft. Starfish utility. Kept it very basic with tiller steer 35 hp Evinrude 2-stroke on the back. Very stable boat but never had it in rough water, so I can't comment how it would handle big chop. Due to flat bottom, I would say not as good as true v hull. However the boat was very deep so probably not a big concern as long as you steered through the waves correctly and not at speed. This boat has lots of room and could carry a big load ( previous owner had it for moose hunting). I use to pull my kids in their tubes with no problem. Felt very safe in it. Great for casting from while standing up. Two guys can stand on one side of the boat without much listing. And was solidly built, with top grade and thick gauge aluminum. Well riveted. Only 400 pounds so with motor, was easy to tow behind my Ford Aerostar. I would recommend this boat for big lakes and rivers, as long as fitted with appropriate size motor.

 

[rauger]

Re: Princecraft boats

I own a Princecraft Pro166 2002 with a Merc 75hp 4 sroke and I love it. Handles well and great look.

 

[Jacques321]

Re: Princecraft boats

Hey Rauger,<br /><br />Where do you go boating in the Beloeil area ?<br /><br />Bet you can't wait till spring.<br /><br />Je pêche principalement sur le lac des trente-et-un-milles...connait-tu ça? Pour de la grises)

 

[rauger]

Re: Princecraft boats

Salut Jacques, oui j,ai tres hate au printemps pour mettre mon bateau à l'eau, j'ai commencé l'an passé à pecher dans le richelieu mais il y a beaucoup de carpes j'aimerais trouvé un spot à doré.Je pêche surtout dans les réserves et pourvoiries la truite le doré et brochet.J'ai fait des belles pêches au doré dans les réservoirs Dozois et Cabonga.L'été passé je suis allé au réservoir poisson blanc dans ton coin.Je ne suis jamais allé au trente et un milles, comment c pour la pêche.Ton Princecraft est très bien équipé, je suis un peu surpris pour la grosseur de ton moteur.Es-tu satisfait de ton moteur électrique à l'avant.

 

[Jacques321]

Re: Princecraft boats

Oui le moteur est plus gros que la recommandation max.(je n'irais pas plus gros) Il me donne 45 MPH, c'est ce que je voulais.<br /><br />Le 31 milles est pas mal bon pour la grise. Juste à coté du 31 il y a le lac Pémichangan qui est aussi un très beau lac avec beaucoup de grise. Des pêches en moyenne de 4-5 lbs. Le brochet est difficile à trouver sauf au printemps. <br /><br />Et j'adore pêcher pour de l'achigan et il y en a en masse.<br /><br />Je l'aime beaucoup mon moteur éléctrique. Je l'utilise pour troller doucement pour de la grise. Je dois le faire réparer au printemps car j'ai crochi le shaft l'automne passé.