Princecraft’s Sport 175 delivers a fishing-focused aluminum runabout that reflects the manufacturer’s renewed focus on family. Examples of the latter are immediately evident in the bow. Newly redesigned, it offers 30 percent more space than the outgoing Sport 172. Angular seat cushions and padded backrests against the twin consoles invite passengers to stretch out. Add the filler cushion to fashion a large sun bed. Aft, the family focus intensifies. Rather than a trio of transom seats, the 175 debuts a full U-shaped lounge surrounding a removable pedestal table. It offers room for several more passengers and, more importantly, trades bare-bones jump seats for true relaxation-ready comfort.
Ready to fish? Strip out those bow cushions to expose a large elevated casting deck, with an ice chest to one side, a 17-gallon aerated livewell opposite, and a receptacle for a 12- or 24-volt Minn Kota trolling motor. There’s also a floor mount for one of two pedestal fishing seats. Aft, the dual-purpose theme continues. Flip the hinged center-seat section forward into the cockpit to reveal yet another elevated casting deck, with two additional mounts for pedestal fishing seats. The roto-molded cooler below can be optioned into a livewell. Lockable floor storage is ready to secure skis and wakeboards, or four of your favorite fishing rods.
Underway, the Sport 175 displays Princecraft’s trademark smooth and solid ride. Credit the reverse-chine hull design and beefy construction. The hull is fashioned from corrosion-resistant 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy, double-plated from bow to amidships and at the chines to alleviate concerns about waterborne debris or nosing into a rocky beach. The tall tempered-glass windshield spanning the consoles offers protection well into chillier seasons. At the helm, optional SeaStar hydraulic steering provided effortless control of our test boat’s Mercury 115 Pro XS. Other suggested upgrades found aboard included a Simrad GO7 display and a Humminbird GPS/fish finder.
High Points
- Square bow makes garage storage easier.
- Touches include toe kicks and rigging tubes for easy add-ons.
- Techno package includes 160-watt Jensen audio, LED interior and docking lights, and a battery switch.
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.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $43,753 (with Mercury 115 Pro XS) |
| LOA: | 17’5″ |
| Beam: | 7’7″ |
| Draft (max): | 3’3″ |
| Dry Weight: | 1,542 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 7/910 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 24 gal. |
Princecraft – Princeville, Quebec, Canada; princecraft.com
