Best Princecraft Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Princecraft Boat Models (Ranked)
Princecraft is a Quebec-built aluminum boat brand owned by the BRP family of marine companies, known for affordable pontoons, fishing boats, and crossover deck boats that hold up to cold northern lakes and saltwater bays alike. This ranking is for buyers who want a durable welded or riveted aluminum hull without the price of a fiberglass equivalent, whether you fish walleye on a big reservoir, tow kids on a tube, or cruise a quiet cove at sunset.
We judged the field on build quality, layout versatility, resale value, rigging options, and real-world dealer pricing, weighing each model against how well it serves its intended buyer rather than chasing a single best-for-everyone answer.
Direct Answer
The best overall Princecraft is the 2023-2024 Princecraft Vectra 23 RL pontoon at roughly $48,000-$62,000 rigged, because it blends a roomy tritoon platform with strong handling and clean fit and finish. The best value is the 2022-2024 Princecraft Xpedition 170 aluminum fishing boat at about $26,000-$32,000, which delivers a serious multi-species rig for far less than comparable fiberglass.
Prices swing widely with engine choice, options, and region, so always confirm a rigged out-the-door quote before comparing.
How We Ranked
- Build quality — Welded and reinforced riveted hulls, gauge of aluminum, and corrosion resistance determine how long the boat survives hard northern use.
- Layout versatility — How well the deck plan serves fishing, cruising, or family duty without forcing a single-purpose compromise.
- Rigging options — Available horsepower, livewells, electronics packages, and trailer fit that let a buyer match the boat to a real use case.
- Resale value — How Princecraft hulls hold value in the used aluminum market versus competing brands like Lund and Crestliner.
- Price-to-content — What a buyer actually gets per dollar at a rigged, ready-to-launch out-the-door price.
1. 2023-2024 Princecraft Vectra 23 RL 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Vectra 23 RL is the model that best shows what Princecraft does well: a stable, well-appointed tritoon that feels far more expensive than its sticker. At roughly 23 feet with a triple-tube package and lifting strakes, it carries large families confidently and planes quickly behind a mid-range outboard.
The rear lounge layout opens the stern for swimming and watersports, and the helm is clean and uncluttered.
Powered typically with a 115 to 250 hp outboard, the Vectra 23 RL cruises in the high-20s to mid-30s mph depending on rigging and load. Fit and finish, vinyl quality, and storage volume all sit a notch above budget pontoon rivals, which is why it earns the overall nod. Expect to verify the trailer is rated for the full tritoon weight before towing long distances.
- Price: ~$48,000-$62,000 rigged
- Pros: Stable tritoon ride, strong horsepower ceiling, clean finish, family-friendly rear lounge
- Cons: Needs a 200+ hp engine to feel quick, heavier to tow than twin-tube models
Verdict: The most complete Princecraft for buyers who want one boat to do everything.
2. 2022-2024 Princecraft Xpedition 170 💎 BEST VALUE
The Xpedition 170 is the value champion because it packs genuine multi-species fishing capability into a sub-18-foot welded aluminum hull at a price that undercuts fiberglass equivalents by thousands. With a bow and stern casting deck, aerated livewell, and rod storage, it is ready to chase walleye, bass, or panfish out of the box.
Rigged with a 60 to 115 hp outboard, it runs efficiently and tows behind a midsize vehicle without strain. The deep-V hull handles chop on bigger water better than its length suggests, and the welded construction resists the leaks that plague older riveted boats. For an angler who wants a real boat without overspending, nothing in the lineup beats its dollar-for-dollar content.
- Price: ~$26,000-$32,000 rigged
- Pros: True multi-species layout, welded hull, easy tow weight, strong value
- Cons: Tight for more than three adults, modest standard electronics
Verdict: The smartest money in the Princecraft range for serious anglers.
3. 2023-2024 Princecraft Quorum 27 RL
The Quorum 27 RL is Princecraft's flagship cruising pontoon, a 27-foot tritoon built for entertaining large groups in comfort. Expansive lounges, a wet bar option, and premium upholstery turn it into a floating patio, while the triple-tube package keeps it stable even fully loaded.
With outboard options climbing to 300 hp, the Quorum can pull skiers and tubes despite its size and high passenger capacity. Storage is generous and the helm electronics package is the most complete in the lineup. The trade-off is a real one: this is a big, heavy rig that demands a capable tow vehicle and a proper slip or lift.
- Price: ~$62,000-$85,000 rigged
- Pros: Huge usable deck, premium finish, high horsepower ceiling, entertaining focus
- Cons: Heavy and large to tow and store, top of the price range
Verdict: The choice when maximum space and comfort outrank budget.
4. 2022-2024 Princecraft Brio 17
The Brio 17 is the entry-point pontoon for buyers who want easy cruising without a flagship price. At about 17 feet on twin tubes, it is light, simple to tow, and ideal for smaller lakes and calmer water where a tritoon would be overkill.
Modest outboards in the 40 to 90 hp range move it comfortably for cruising and light tubing. The layout favors relaxed lounging over watersports, with comfortable seating and a clean helm. It is the right boat for a couple or small family on a tight budget who value simplicity and low operating cost over raw performance.
- Price: ~$24,000-$31,000 rigged
- Pros: Light and easy to tow, low cost of entry, simple to operate
- Cons: Twin tubes limit rough-water stability, modest top speed
Verdict: A sensible first pontoon for small-lake cruising.
5. 2023-2024 Princecraft Sport 172
The Sport 172 is a deep-V aluminum runabout that bridges fishing and family use better than most in its class. The 17-foot hull pairs a roomy cockpit with fishing-ready touches like rod holders and a livewell, so it flexes between a watersports afternoon and an early-morning angling trip.
Rigged with a 90 to 150 hp outboard, it offers lively performance and a dry ride for an aluminum boat its size. The walk-through windshield and bow seating make it more family-friendly than a dedicated tiller fishing rig. It is a strong pick for a household that refuses to choose between fishing and fun.
- Price: ~$29,000-$38,000 rigged
- Pros: True crossover layout, dry deep-V ride, lively with mid-range power
- Cons: Compromises both fishing and cruising slightly, limited bow storage
Verdict: The best single-boat answer for fish-and-family buyers.
6. 2022-2024 Princecraft Holiday DLX
The Holiday DLX is a mid-size cruising pontoon that slots between the entry Brio and the flagship Quorum. Available as a twin tube or upgraded tritoon, it gives buyers a flexible 20 to 22-foot platform with comfortable lounges and solid build quality.
Power options span 75 to 200 hp, letting a buyer dial in cruising calm or watersports punch. The fit and finish are a clear step above the Brio, and the deck plan handles a midsize family with room to spare. It is the practical middle choice for buyers who want more boat than entry-level without flagship money.
- Price: ~$34,000-$48,000 rigged
- Pros: Flexible tube and power options, solid mid-range value, comfortable layout
- Cons: Twin-tube versions trail tritoons in stability, options inflate price fast
Verdict: The balanced middle of the pontoon range.
7. 2023-2024 Princecraft Ventura 224
The Ventura 224 is a performance-leaning tritoon aimed at buyers who want their pontoon to behave like a sportboat. The 22-foot triple-tube hull with lifting strakes and underskinning carves turns and holds plane at speed far better than a basic pontoon.
Built to take outboards up to 250 hp, the Ventura pulls skiers and wakeboarders with authority. The helm and seating lean sporty, and the build quality matches the price step. It is the right call for an active family that prioritizes handling and speed over the lounging space of a wider cruising deck.
- Price: ~$45,000-$58,000 rigged
- Pros: Sporty handling, strong plane and turn, high power ceiling
- Cons: Sport focus trims lounging room, premium pricing
Verdict: The tritoon for buyers who want pontoon comfort with sportboat manners.
8. 2022-2024 Princecraft Hudson 17
The Hudson 17 is a no-nonsense utility fishing boat for anglers who value durability and simplicity over deck-boat frills. The 17-foot modified-V aluminum hull is light, tough, and easy to launch from any ramp, making it a favorite for backcountry lakes and rivers.
Typically powered by a 40 to 90 hp outboard or set up for tiller control, it sips fuel and tows behind nearly anything. Standard rod storage and a livewell cover the basics without the cost of a tournament rig. It is the practical pick for a solo or two-angler crew who want a workhorse rather than a showpiece.
- Price: ~$19,000-$26,000 rigged
- Pros: Tough and light, cheap to run, easy launch and tow, tiller option
- Cons: Basic finish, limited room and amenities
Verdict: A dependable budget workhorse for serious anglers.
9. 2023-2024 Princecraft Vectra 21 XT
The Vectra 21 XT brings the well-regarded Vectra platform down to a more manageable 21-foot length and price. As a tritoon, it keeps the stability and clean finish of the larger Vectra while trimming tow weight and cost for buyers with smaller storage or budgets.
With outboards from 115 to 200 hp, it cruises comfortably and handles watersports for a midsize family. The deck plan balances lounging and open space well, and the build quality carries over from its bigger sibling. It is the smart downsize for buyers who love the Vectra but do not need 23 feet.
- Price: ~$42,000-$54,000 rigged
- Pros: Vectra quality in a smaller package, easier to tow and store, stable tritoon
- Cons: Less deck space than the 23, still needs healthy power
Verdict: The right-sized Vectra for tighter budgets and storage.
10. 2022-2024 Princecraft Starfish 16
The Starfish 16 is the compact value fishing boat that rounds out the lineup, a 16-foot aluminum rig built for ponds, small lakes, and rivers. Light enough to car-top onto a small trailer and launch solo, it suits beginners and budget-minded anglers who want a real boat for very little money.
A 20 to 60 hp outboard or tiller setup is plenty for its size, and standard seating plus basic rod storage cover the essentials. It will not chase big water like the larger models, but for a first boat or a dedicated small-water rig it delivers genuine fishing capability at the bottom of the price ladder.
- Price: ~$15,000-$21,000 rigged
- Pros: Cheapest entry point, ultralight tow, easy solo launch, beginner-friendly
- Cons: Small water only, minimal amenities and freeboard
Verdict: The budget first boat for small-water anglers.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull condition — On used aluminum, check for cracked welds, leaking rivets, and corrosion around the transom and tube seams; a soft spot or repeated rivet weeps signals expensive trouble.
- Engine hours and service — Verify outboard hours, compression, and a documented service history; a well-maintained mid-hour engine beats a neglected low-hour one.
- Trailer match — Confirm the trailer is rated for the rigged weight, especially on tritoons, and inspect bunks, bearings, and lights before any long tow.
- Survey on bigger buys — For flagship pontoons, a brief marine survey and water test catch handling, leak, and electronics issues before you sign.
FAQ
Are Princecraft boats good quality? Yes. Princecraft hulls are competitive aluminum builds backed by BRP, with welded and reinforced riveted construction that holds up well to northern lake and bay use. Fit and finish on the Vectra and Quorum lines compares favorably with mainstream rivals.
Which Princecraft holds its value best? The Vectra tritoon pontoons and the welded Xpedition fishing boats tend to hold value best on the used market, helped by strong demand for stable family pontoons and durable welded multi-species rigs.
What is the best Princecraft for fishing? The Xpedition 170 is the best all-around fishing pick with its multi-species deck and welded hull, while the Hudson 17 and Starfish 16 serve budget and small-water anglers respectively.
How much does a new Princecraft cost? Realistically, small fishing boats start around $15,000-$26,000 rigged, mid-size pontoons run $34,000-$58,000, and the flagship Quorum 27 RL can reach $85,000 fully optioned. Engine choice and options drive most of the spread.
Bottom Line
For most buyers the 2023-2024 Princecraft Vectra 23 RL is the best overall pick, pairing a stable tritoon platform with finish and versatility that justify its price. If value matters most, the 2022-2024 Princecraft Xpedition 170 delivers a genuine multi-species fishing boat for thousands less than fiberglass.
Match the model to your water, your tow vehicle, and your real use case, and confirm a rigged out-the-door quote before you buy.
Sources
- Discover Boating — pontoon and aluminum boat buying guides
- Boat Trader — Princecraft model listings and used pricing
- NMMA — recreational boating market and registration data
- BoatUS — marine survey and used-boat inspection guidance
- Boating Magazine — aluminum boat and pontoon reviews
- NADA Guides — used boat valuation references
- BRP / Princecraft — official model specifications and lineup
*Keywords: Best Princecraft Boat Models (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*