Boat Test: 2024 Princecraft Sport 175

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Overview

Fish ’n’ fun models are great in theory, but all too often, they fail to live up to their promise. The results are often bowriders with token fishing amenities or fish boats with little extra seating. Princecraft’s Sport 175 excels at the fishing part of the deal, but it demonstrates the ­boatbuilder’s renewed focus on nailing the family aspect. The latter is ­obvious the minute you stand in the cockpit. Rather than the minimally padded jump seats that fish-heavy models all too often provide, the Sport 175 offers up an expansive U-shaped lounge in the main cockpit. A removable pedestal-mounted table is ready when the crew breaks out the snacks and drinks. Similar comfort can be found in the bow, redesigned to offer 30 percent more space than on the previous Sport 172. Yes, it’s still somewhat of a casting platform in disguise, but angular seat cushions allow ­passengers to extend their legs, and padded backrests against both consoles provide comfort. Add the optional filler cushion, and the bow cockpit converts into a playpen or sun bed. 

Interior and Accessories

Remove those bow cushions, and the aforementioned casting platform is revealed. Find an ice chest to one side, a 17-gallon aerated livewell opposite, and a floor mount for one of the boat’s two folding fishing seats. The Sport 175 is pre-wired to accommodate either a 12- or 24-volt MinnKota trolling motor; dedicated deep-cycle battery storage is found below the cockpit sole. Aft, flip the hinged center section of that lounge forward into the cockpit to reveal another elevated casting deck with two additional fishing-seat mounts. Option one of the storage compartments with  livewell plumbing. Rod storage is available both under the port gunwale and in the lockable floor compartment. Likewise, a ­tempered-glass ­walk-through windshield offers weather protection. 

The hull is fabricated from corrosion-resistant, 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy. Double-plating from the bow to amidships and along the chines adds further durability. In the cockpit, the pressure-treated ­marine ply floor, as well as all flat surfaces, are covered with anti-­skid marine-grade vinyl. As to the ride, our test boat’s Mercury 115 Pro XS powered the hull almost instantly onto plane, past 30 mph in 6.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 42 mph. Underway, the boat’s solid construction contributed to a ride that was both solid and ­quiet. 

Read Next: Princecraft Sport 172 Max

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 115 Pro XS
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Spitfire X7 13.5″ x 15″
• Gear Ratio: 2.07:1 Fuel Load: 23 gal.

High Points

• Squaring off the bow delivers the ­running surface of an 18-foot boat in a more compact 17-foot footprint.
• Thoughtful touches include toe kicks, as well as factory-installed snaps for later addition of mooring/camper canvas.
• Optional Techno package includes 160-watt Jensen audio system, LED interior and docking lights, and battery switch.

Low Points

• Full access to port and starboard ­seat-base storage aft requires opening the hinged seatback above.
• This family-friendly model is not as ­fishable as some other boats.

Toughest Competitor

G3’s Angler V178F ($38,395 with Yamaha F115) offers plenty of fishing features but opts for a more traditional, optional jump-seat layout aft. Alumacraft’s Trophy 175 ($44,145 with Mercury 115 PRO-XS) offers a similar layout and features, but it provides for up to two additional fishing seats. Both are fishing boats ready for family duty, but Princecraft’s aft lounge gives it an edge when it comes to comfort.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-princecraft-sport-175-boat-test/