Princecraft’s Ventura 23 RL comes as close to an all-purpose boat as you can find. Built from 5025-H36 marine-grade aluminum, this deck boat is great for watersports, fishing and day cruising—and does it with style and comfort.
RL means rear lounger—a seating area in the stern with a backrest that pivots forward to create an aft-facing lounge. Reverse the backrest to create a forward-facing seat that joins the swiveling helm with companion chairs and a snack table in a social center. Meanwhile, others can relax in the comfy loungers in the bow area. Underneath the loungers you’ll find abundant storage. Below the stern seat, we found the optional marine pump-out head package that includes a pop-up privacy enclosure.
For fishing, our boat featured a pair of swiveling pedestal seats that fit bases on the bow platform and stern deck. A 24-volt Minn Kota Power Drive bow-mount electric trolling motor offers 70 pounds of thrust to sneak along shorelines and cast for bass.
An optional Simrad Go7 with Total Scan sonar enables you to search deep, and a 20-gallon aerated livewell in the stern lets you take minnows to entice walleyes or keep your catch alive for weigh-in.
Want to enjoy watersports? The available Entertainment Package includes a ski tow bar and starboard-side swim platform with a telescoping stainless-steel boarding ladder. The 23 RL has a standard bolstered captain’s chair. Keep your skis and boards in the lockable in-sole compartment.
Crank up the tunes with the available premium stereo that features an amp, five speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, all controlled by the Simrad Go7 dash display.
A Mercury 250 V-8 XL outboard delivered plenty of power, featuring digital throttle and shift (DTS) as well as power steering.
Boasting a high-performance, deep-V hull with reverse chines, the 23 RL rocketed to plane in 3 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 5 seconds, and topping out a 51.5 mph at wide-open throttle while smoothly parting the waves and cornering with confidence.
High Points
- Plush upholstery throughout.
- Double-wide helm and companion chairs.
- Pedestal table features fold-down sides.
- Wireless phone charger on the helm console.
- Bimini top for shade.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 250 V-8 XL outboard with DTS
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Bravo 1 FS 15.25″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 36 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $91,177 (with Mercury 250 V-8 XL with DTS) |
| LOA: | 23’1″ |
| Beam: | 8’5″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’7″ |
| Dry Weight: | 2,350 lb. (with power) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,819 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 55 gal. |
Princecraft – Princeville, Quebec, Canada; 800-395-8858; princecraft.com
