Many boaters would benefit from multiple boats. If that’s you, consider buying Princecraft’s Ventura 224. This V-hulled, aluminum deck boat fills the role of three different vessels: pontoon, runabout and fishing boat.
Of course, confidence in a boat’s construction provides peace of mind. Princecraft delivers, welding the Ventura 224 from durable 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum. The pressure-treated plywood deck will last for the long-term and the exterior high-gloss, urethane paint provides both protection and good looks. Rigging tubes run the length of the side panels, facilitating future accessory additions. All of this rides a good-handling reverse-chine V-hull.
For fishing, the Ventura 224 comes wired for a bow trolling motor, features two 44-inch-long aerated livewells, and offers a 7-foot-long lockable rod-storage compartment. Wide decks on both bow and stern provide room for anglers to cast and fish. Each deck accommodates a pair of removable, swiveling pedestal chairs. These four chairs are standard. Choose from a variety of optional Humminbrid or Lowrance graphs from basic to elaborate to further up your fishing game.
With those chairs removed, the fore and aft decks become great places for sunbathing, and for water access, respectively. In fact, a standard table sets up in the back, and the standard swim ladder and tow bar ensure watery fun. A privacy enclosure is standard, so is a Bimini top, and so is a 200-watt AM/FM/Bluetooth Kicker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs. There’s lockable ski storage in the sole.
At the helm, enjoy the standard captain’s chair, upholstered—like all the seats—in rugged vinyl. The boat proved agile, cutting hard turns at high speed, and accelerating with authority from a slow cruise to higher speed. The 200 offers plenty of power, as evidenced by its 46-mph top speed; at roughly half the weight of a comparably sized fiberglass boat, the Ventura 224 will deliver good performance even with a crowd onboard.
Looking for a boat that does a lot and doesn’t break the bank? Consider the Princecraft Ventura 224, a three-in-one must-see.
High Points
- Built using marine-grade 5052-H36 alloy.
- Mixes the space of a pontoon with a V-hull’s ride and performance.
- Fore and aft decks convert from fishing platforms to bathing and sunning areas, as needed, to suit the day’s activities.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury FourStroke 200
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury 14″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 210 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $60,000 (as tested); $36,150 (starting) |
| LOA: | 22’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’1″ |
| Draft: | 1’0″ |
| Dry Weight: | 2,250 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,600 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 46 gal. |
Princecraft – Princeville, Quebec, Canada; princecraft.com
