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2026 Princecraft Vectra 23 QL

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

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Princecraft has proudly crafted quality watercraft in Canada for decades and today they offer a full palate of aluminum fishing boats, deck boats, and an extensive line of pontoon boats. As with many leading manufacturers, there is usually a particular model or series that stands out and earns the title of “Top Seller.”

For Princecraft pontoons, that top seller is the Vectra Series. Available in lengths from 19–25 feet and in multiple configurations to satisfy the most discriminating buyer, the Vectra comes packed with meaningful features that make ownership a pleasurable and fun-filled experience.

It starts with Princecraft’s commitment to using only H36 marine grade aluminum alloy. This has been the backbone of their manufacturing for decades and there are literally thousands of 10-20 year old Princecraft boats still plying our waterways today thanks to H36. That says something.

Underneath the Vectra, and the foundation of her design strength, is 2 ½” heavy duty extruded Z-aluminum cross channels. Add to that, our test boat carried the Sport Configuration with a third center tube, lifting strakes, and aluminum under deck spray shield, and you’ve got a pontoon boat ready to deliver a great ride with exceptional performance. The Sport Configuration also includes a built-in 102 L (27 US gallon) fuel tank and reinforced nose cones.

All Vectra models come factory equipped with a black bimini top with travel arms and struts. Unique to Princecraft is the factory installed snap fasteners, meaning you can order your boat today and add camper enclosures or mooring covers that will install with ease if/when you decide you need them.

The exterior fencing and rail system of our test boat was dressed in their drippy Black Edition – what a beauty. The rails arched gracefully along her sides and up into the bimini arms themselves. The Black Edition also incorporates a black anodized deck bumper and black molded bow corners, both of which are a standout.

Black tones also play into the helm station with black panels behind the gauge package, toggle switches, sound system, and cell phone base. The three spoke steering wheel and under dash storage compartment catch your eye, too.

You’ll appreciate the volume of storage on this package thanks to the self-draining rotomoulded seat bases that safely store gear like life jackets, mooring covers, tubes, and more.

The bow loungers invite sun lovers to stretch out, while the kids will gather around the snack table for refreshments before jumping in for a swim. Beverage holders are dotted throughout the entire interior creating ample solutions to keep your crew hydrated and happy.

Adjacent to the helm is a co-captain seat made of the same quality materials and finishes as the captain’s seat. I noted that both seats slide and swivel with ease, meaning these two perches can adjust to join the conversation in the bow or stern lounge areas.

Due to a mechanical issue that was well beyond our means, we were unfortunately unable to run performance tests on the package itself. Nevertheless, the Princecraft professionals sorted through the issue a couple days later and shared the following performance results with us.

In their testing, the propeller used was a Spitfire aluminum 14”, 14 pitch, 4 blade design. The boat was run with a full tank of fuel and two crew on board with water a temperature of 60 degrees F, ambient air temperature of 59 degrees F, 12 mph winds, and waves just under 12”.

The testing data showed best fuel burn was in the 4,000 RPM range which delivered speed of 16.5 MPH and a range of 104 miles (167 KM). Top speeds came in at a respectable 21.8 MPH at just over 6,000 RPM.

The Vectra Series from Princecraft has rightfully earned an excellent reputation backed by years of quality craftsmanship and experience. Check it out at your local Princecraft dealer or visit a boat show in your area. You and your family will be thrilled that you did.