The Princecraft Platinum SE 186 cuts a nice profile while dashing across a lake. Part of that stems from its sharp entry point and deadrise, which tapers to 17 degrees at the transom, that help it slash through a tight lake chop. A level, stable riding boat always paints a pretty picture. But the hull paint and construction have a lot to do with it too. Rather than attaching the side panels with typical rivets, Princecraft uses airplane-grade glue to “weld” the hull sides into place. The resulting look is sleek and seamless, as well as structurally stout. The high-gloss urethane paint job shimmers in the sun’s reflection too.
Rigged with a 150 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard, our test model put up impressive performance numbers, topping out at 48 mph at 5,200 rpm. It took 3.3 seconds to hop onto plane en route to an 8.3-second sprint to 30 mph. But anglers looking to go out in rougher conditions will appreciate that it holds plane at 2,500 rpm and 16 mph. (Note: We recorded 18.6 mph at 2,500 rpm during our sea trial due to the driver’s trimming for optimal performance.) The full protective windshield keeps away the wind and spray. Once the crew reaches the honey hole, the anglers aboard will appreciate the bow casting deck with a built-in 17-gallon livewell. The aft jump seats fold down to create a second casting deck at the stern, complete with its own 17-gallon livewell. A total of six seat bases means you can move the pedestal seats around so anglers can stand or sit to their liking. The in-sole rod locker between the consoles holds up to six rods and can be locked while the boat is unattended, keeping your gear safe.
Multispecies? How about multipurpose? Our test model came equipped with the optional bowrider seat cushions that, when deployed, turn this boat from fishing machine to family runabout. Add in the stereo, seven standard cup holders, telescoping boarding ladder on the swim step off the transom, and the pop-up privacy curtain in the aft platform (a portable MSD is optional) and suddenly the boat is perfect for a family jaunt around the lake. Just keep a rod handy in one of the dedicated holders, just in case.
High Points
* Pull-up changing room is a surprise bonus aboard a fishing boat.
* In-sole rod locker can hold six rods; lockable hatch lets you keep them on the boat at all times.
* Two 17-gallon livewells, one in the bow and one in the stern, keep bait at the ready.
* Total of six floor seat bases let you move the pedestal seats around to your preferences.
* A 7-inch Simrad evo3 touchscreen multifunction display comes standard in the dash.
Price: $50,080 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 150 FourStroke
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 17 gal.
Crew Weight: 355 lb.
More Information
Princecraft Boats – Princeville, Quebec; 800-395-8858; princecraft.com
