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2026 Princecraft Ventura 224

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

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In a sea of aluminum fishing and pontoon boats, Princecraft has built a strong reputation with an impressive consumer following. Thanks to boats like the Ventura series, it’s not hard to see why. Available in models ranging from 19-23 feet, these lightweight deck boats satisfy the needs of the most discerning clientele.

At a mere 2,250 lbs/1,021 kg, the Ventura 224 is definitely lightweight, but heavy on features. Her weight delivers exhilarating performance while simplified towing solutions offer exceptional fuel efficiency.

On her under belly, she features a high performance deep vee reverse chine hull. That’s fancy engineering talk for a bottom that adapts to speed and load for optimal efficiency (think lowest fuel burn to performance ratio). The outer chine takes care of business at low speeds or when the boat is under heavy load, while the inner chine gets the job done under high speed and light load conditions. Either way, the message is clear: this hull delivers.

Her exterior lines are elegant and tasteful. Her hull sides gleam in a high gloss urethane finish while her interior looks equally capable for fishing as it does taking the kids tubing or an evening cruise with friends and family.

Let’s highlight a few fishing features worth noting. The forward casting deck incorporates a pair of no-pinch folding seats, and is pre-wired for either a 12 or 24 V trolling motor. Our test package was optioned with a Minn Kota 70PD V2 with onboard charger. A handy storage box and livewell complete the bow section. The stern casting deck also features a pair of fishing seats, twin storage solutions, and a massive 44” electric filled, aerated livewell with a capacity of 77 L/20 US gallons. You will also find a lockable in floor rod locker for up to 7’ rods.

For the entertainers in the family, the Ventura offers multiple ways to keep you happy. Plush seating abounds with twin forward loungers capable of accommodating 5 adults. Also of note is a cozy forward-facing back rest ahead of the helm. Love that. Her mid-section is appointed with a comfortable and functional L-shaped lounger and dinette table, while cup holders are sprinkled everywhere throughout this package. The standard bimini top releases with ease to create a shade zone for those seeking a break from the sunshine and when the day is done the bimini readily packs up into travel struts for the ride to shore. There’s even a built-in ice chest in the center of the floor to keep your bevvies cool and ready.

Water babies of all ages were also considered here, with the open cockpit layout creating bow and stern diving platforms. Reboarding is a breeze with the stern ladder, and the ski-tow bar (part of the Entertainment package) stands ready to perform when called upon.

Power offerings on the Ventura range from your choice of a Mercury 150 Pro XS all the way to a 200 Pro XS with Digital Throttle & Steering (DTS). We were treated to the Mercury 200 V6 with hydraulic steering and she was eager to please.

Moving first to the testing grounds while camera guru Jeff remained on shore preparing the drone, I had my opportunity to appreciate the power of the 200 paired with the lightweight hull design. As Jeff was prepping gear, I ran a couple of mid-range passes, added in a few handling and cornering maneuvers, and smiled knowing it was a heck of a combination. When filming, drone shots are completed with me running a series of long figure 8’s while various angles are captured. The boat is typically running in low 20 MPH range for speed. She handled these low speeds with ease, remaining on plane with the purr of the Mercury ready to deliver more. After the drone was being packed away, I took time to experience hole shots. YOWZA is about all I can say. She delivered 3.5 second results over and over again.

Jeff then boarded with me and we set off to our quiet bay on Lac William to shoot interior and exterior footage. I was smart enough to ask him to tuck his gear away because it was time to document the cruising and high RPM results. The Ventura cruises exceptionally well at both slow ranges – 17 MPH/2,600 RPM – and mid ranges – 25 MPH/3,000 RPM. In the upper range, she readily climbed through the 30’s, into the 40’s, and settled in at 50 MPH/ 5,700 RPM. There’s potentially a little more there, but as she stands this package is wicked fun and fast. Not to mention, her top speed is unlikely where the boat is going to be run for long periods. Her cruising speeds are what truly matters and they are going to leave your entire crew grinning.

Your local Princecraft dealer is the next stop to find these incredible aluminum deck boats. If you’re in the market for a fun-filled, driver friendly, multi-purpose ride, this might be your next boat.