Boating is one of the most fun things to do, but buying a boat sometimes proves stressful and fraught with indecision. New boaters, in particular, likely feel this anxiety. Princecraft’s new MAX series boats strive to serve as salve for the stress.
“The MAX concept offers a unique look and a lot of features,” says Rodier Grondin, Princecraft president. “It is pretty simple: You don’t need to take long to pick the options because the boat is already loaded with interesting standard features.”
We’d agree with Grondin’s assessment. The Sport 172 MAX comes standard with features that other boatbuilders either offer a la carte or relegate to the aftermarket. These include folding canvas that connects to the windshield, bow cushions, a ski pylon, 160-watt Jensen stereo, stainless-steel ladder, livewell and more.
In fact, after choosing either a 90 or 115 hp Mercury outboard (Boating’s Certified Boat Tests can help you select the best horsepower for your needs), there are just nine other options to choose from, most of which are fishing accoutrements such as fish finders, trolling motors and downrigger mounts, and anglers generally know what they want in advance anyway.
Princecraft builds the Sport 172 MAX tough, utilizing 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum for the hull’s reverse-chine design. The hull is double-plated from the bow to amidships, enhancing protection from rocks, logs or floating debris. It’s painted in durable, glossy urethane paint, and rigging tubes make it easier to service and install systems and accessories.
The layout proves great as well. We like the aft flip-up seats, which provide comfort for your crew while cruising, but also fold down to create a casting platform and, further, conceal a livewell for fishing. At the helm, no-feedback steering and a tilt wheel offer confident control, while the sliding captain’s seat offers comfort. With a 90 hp Mercury outboard, we expect excellent performance and economy, though the extra speed and thrills provided by upgrading to 115 hp are enticing.
With the Sport 172 MAX—and other MAX series boats—Princecraft delivers an easy way to confidently buy a boat that is equipped right.
High Points
- MAX value comes in the form of completely equipped boats offered at an attractive, all-inclusive price.
- Standard trailer is galvanized, a typically costly upgrade. It’s just another example of how Princecraft MAX boats make buying easier.
- Check out the aft folding seats, with excellent execution.
- Double-plated marine-grade aluminum.
Specs
LOA: 17′5″
Beam: 7′7″
Draft (max): 2′6″
Dry Weight: 1,327 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 7/1,549 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal.
Available Power: Single Mercury outboard to 115 hp
Price: $28,499 (base)
More Information
Princecraft Boats – Princeville, Canada; 800-395-8858; princecraft.com
