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2026 Princecraft Resorter 160 SC

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

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There are a number of key manufacturing consistencies throughout the entire Princecraft lineup, which means all the boats under their proud name benefit from the same commitment to quality control. The Resorter 160 SC (Side Console) is built with many of the same technologies found on her larger siblings, which gives her a tidy package that’s built to run.

It starts with marine grade H36 aluminum alloy. The introduction of H36 aluminum many years ago has proven itself a winning formula with countless older Princecraft models (think over 20+ years old) still delivering day after day. On the production line, once the aluminum has passed final prep in their Quebec facility, Princecraft then goes on to apply a urethane exterior paint with a deep gloss finish.

Underneath the open interior is a reverse chine hull designed to increase lift, which, in turn, gets the boat on plane faster while reducing drag. All in all, that gives you, the noble captain, a smoother ride and a drier boating experience.

At 16’ LOA with a 73” beam, the Resorter delivers a surprising number of functional storage solutions. Of note is a generous compartment under the bow deck (which is nicely trimmed with marine grade carpet), an in-floor storage compartment in the bow section, and on both port and starboard sides a pair of seat boxes with their own storage underneath. Storage continues on the port and starboard side benches, with the starboard side capable of accommodating rods up to 7’ in length, and the port side offering gear storage.

On the port side, Princecraft somehow also tucked in a 34” livewell with 49L/13 US gallon volume with built-in overflow protection, an anti-spill cover, and a filter on the pump.

Her interior features marine grade, anti-slip vinyl flooring, a total of 4 seat bases (standard), and two folding seats with no-pinch hinges. Four cup holders are dotted throughout the interior and an emergency reboarding ladder sits on the transom.

The Resorter helm station is modest but functional, offering up plenty of legroom for my 6’1” frame tucked behind a removable windscreen. Optional analog gauges monitor engine systems and a Piranha MAX4 fish finder was nestled on the right side to complete the layout.

Battery storage rests under the full beam rear splashwell, with the portable fuel tank occupying the opposite side of this storage space – both neatly tucked off the floor and out of the way.

Our camera guru and I eased away from the dock with a tank of fuel, safety gear and camera equipment at the ready, on a cool but comfortable fall afternoon in Quebec. Our run to the testing grounds typically affords me the opportunity to experience the hull and ride of each boat we test. I was immediately struck by how tall and dry the Resorter rides. With winds modest and limited boat traffic, most waves and top water action was of our own creation, and I smiled noting that she stayed dry with zero splash in a variety of turns and twists.

Once on plane, the Resorter offers a strong range of cruising speeds and will readily stay on plane above 14 MPH. Given our load and conditions, I actually really liked her ride at 15 and 21 MPH (3,650 and 4,600 RPM respectively). When it was safely time to push the Mercury side mount binnacle to the maximum, the Resorter delivered pleasing top speeds of 28 MPH at 6,000 RPM. The Command Thrust feature on our test engine made a noticeable difference, and perhaps most recognizable would be in hole shots which were consistently and somewhat surprisingly under 3.5 seconds. We can thank the reverse chine design in part for the increased lift and faster on plane times, as well as the reduced drag.

In my mind, there is a long list of family and fishing “needs and wants” that the Resorter 160 SC delivers. For a young couple or family just looking to get on the water this could be a great fit. Some cottage owners should also look at this model as a solution to keep the kids safely on the water ,as the 40 HP engine fits the younger crowds’ licensing requirements. Avid anglers who wish to fish different bodies of water without the hefty costs of towing a large boat will find this lightweight package (dry boat weight is a mere 613 lbs/278 kg.) appealing as well.

Overall, I would grade the Resorter 160 SC as an excellent running hull, a capable fishing solution, and the 40 HP Mercury as the right engine for the job.