The unique “cut nose” design of the new Princecraft Sport 188 not only lends this versatile boat the style of the latest sport yachts, but it’s also functional, giving the boat a longer, 19-foot running surface and resolving the boat’s wide beam in a more spacious bow. A galvanized dual-axle trailer is standard and, combined with the Sport 188’s arrangement, provides mobility and high versatility. Take a much closer look.
The Sport 188 is in the crossover segment and proves it with the spacious new layout featuring more floor space, more seating and more storage. The bow offers a wide casting platform with a cooler, livewell and rod storage all neatly under hatches. Add the cushions, though, and family can recline in comfort here. The consoles are each topped by tall, protective windscreens and offer storage below. The helm is especially impressive with its built-in trays and flats, and room for a large-screen sonar/GPS. Comfortable, swiveling helm chairs are standard; if you like, choose the flip-flop module for the port side and add more storage and more ability to recline. A huge storage compartment resides in the cockpit sole between the helm seats.
The aft cockpit features twin lounges, with stowage within. We recommend the transom module that transforms the stern into a tremendous fishing platform, or a giant sun pad when you add the cushions. This module includes your choice of a cooler or a livewell and increases seating as well. Also consider the optional cockpit table and ski pylon. A telescopic swim ladder is standard, and we applauded the four standard stainless-steel cleats.
A Princecraft, the Sport 188 is built tough using 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum, with twin plating at the chines and from the bow to amidships. High-gloss urethane paint is available in four colors and includes a sporty decal package. Rated for 200 hp, the Sport 188’s double reverse-chine hull design handled crisply. This new boat accelerated like a champ when powered by a Mercury Marine 175 Pro XS outboard during our test.
Looking for a versatile, easy-to-trailer boat featuring innovative design? Check out the Princecraft Sport 188.
High Points
- Snaps are pre-installed for the available trailer and full camper covers.
- Glossy urethane hull paint looks great and comes in four brilliant colors.
- Double reverse-chine hull design delivers confident handling and stability.
- Cut bow design lengthens the running surface to a full 19 feet in length and expands space in the bow.
- Lots of storage and versatile seating choices.
- Double plating on forward half of the hull and all along the chines.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 175 Pro XS
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Tempest Plus 14 5/8” x 19″ stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 26 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $52,476 (starting) |
| LOA: | 18’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’3″ |
| Draft: | 2’9″ (motor down) |
| Dry Weight: | 1,932 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 8/1,100 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 36 gal. |
