2025 Princecraft Vectra 23 WRL

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

When Princecraft relaunched their hugely popular Vectra series in 2024, it would have been understandable if they sat back and watched sales grow for a while. But successful brands like Princecraft don’t sit back, they look forward, they evolve, they listen to their customers, and they constantly make modest running changes to improve the final product.

Welcome to the Vectra 23 WRL, a smart user-friendly addition to the Vectra series featuring a full-width windshield and a host of other subtle changes. If you boat in cooler climates, then you already know that a windshield provides great protection from wind and rain which in turn yields longer boating seasons. The selected final production windshield for the Vectra is a three-piece design with a fully opening center walkthrough, stylish contours, and side windows in a rich matte black frame. Installed on our black with Onyx White test boat, the windshield looked like a natural fit.

This Vectra includes the awesome 45-degree bow corner fencing, which adds great exterior appearance and extended interior seating. The opposing bow loungers in this model are absolutely huge and can each readily accommodate three adults. Both forward cushions extend into the interior a couple of extra inches thanks to the exterior corners which equals even more leg comfort. The optional Mood package adds a rectangular snack table dressed in black with incorporated cup holders as well as a wireless phone charger at the helm and a glove box on the passenger helm. All seat bases are self-draining, rotomoulded design which benefit you by keeping your gear dry.

The helm station is spacious and luxurious with a deluxe captain’s chair, extensive legroom, upgraded steering wheel, LED console lighting, and an optional Simrad NSX7 screen. To the starboard side are lighted toggle switches, the main station of the Jensen Bluetooth sound system, charging solutions, and the toggle switch for the Power Bimini system.

Easy to use with travelling struts and arms for when the bimini is open, the Power Bimini option is a welcome solution for anyone that frequently trailers their boat, stores in a low height garage, or manages low bridge clearances. We tested the system several times and it is a welcome addition to the pontoon experience. With the Power Bimini, you have the option of adding a full mooring cover that is easily installed during or after the purchase thanks to factory installed snap fasteners.

The captain’s chair readily swivels to join in on the conversation on the port side L-shaped lounger, which has its own unique features. The passenger dash features a cushioned back rest to allow guests to face the transom. An insert cushion easily lifts out and stows below the passenger helm to create a forward-facing seating solution while the third insert cushion pops up in your choice of two different backrest positions. The bases and supports are rigid and secure, meaning this space can be adjusted and changed with confidence at the whim of your guests.

The backrest on the ‘L’ that sweeps across the cockpit provides great forward-facing guest comfort and converts with ease to face the stern. With the backrest facing rear, this creates a massive lounger that will accommodate multiple guests when chilling at the sandbar or rafting with friends. Optional safety railings surround the lounger and include a pair of drop-down sections that extend the open feeling of this space. Storage abounds under this area, and a deep pop-up enclosure resides here as well creating a private space for guests to change out of wet swimming gear.

An optional ski pole can easily be secured into the standard stern base for crews wanting to ski. The polished stainless steel multi-step reboarding ladder makes getting back on board a breeze.

This Vectra offers up Mercury power choices ranging from 115 to 200 HP with a variety of steering solutions. Our test boat was packaged up with a 150 XL with hydraulic steering. The Sport Configuration comes standard on the Vectra 23 WRL which adds a half center tube, lifting strakes, reinforced nose cones, under deck spray shield, and a permanent 102 L (27 US gal) fuel tank.

It was only seconds into testing maneuvers that I began to appreciate the power of this boat and engine combination. Holeshots from dead stop to on plane consistently came in at 3.5 seconds, which is excellent. Our test day featured calm waters, light winds, and temperatures in the 19 degree C (70 F) range. The Vectra has excellent cruising range capacity. We settled in with 23.7 and 27.4 MPH as our favorites. Top speed trials lead us to 35.4 MPH at 5,600 RPM, leading us to believe there is a little more there as the engine tops out at 600 RPM.

The WRL configuration is a welcome addition to the Vectra Series and is sure to be great fit for families and entertainers. Her stylish looks and wonderful features won me over before we even left the dock. Not to mention they kept me grinning the whole time we were at play…I mean, work. 

*Test boat has optional features. Please contact your local Princecraft dealer for details.

2025 Princecraft Vectra 23 WRL Photo Gallery

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