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2006 Princecraft Princecraft Vectra 180L Photos
2006 Princecraft Princecraft Vectra 180L Test Details
| Category | Pontoon Boat |
| Length | 18ft / 5.49 m |
| Engine Make | Mercury |
| Dealers | Contact Princecraft Boats Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Princecraft Boats Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For Princecraft Boats For Sale |
2006 Princecraft Princecraft Vectra 180L Description
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The Vectra 180L is a serene machine for small lake cottagers. It is a floating patio that glides along in quiet comfort.
The boat is built to seat 9 adults comfortably. There are two seats facing each other in the bow and a small L shaped lounge in the rear of the boat opposite the helm seat. Though the Vectra 180L is basic in its layout, the boat is a typical Princecraft in terms of fit and finish. The seating is not only plush and comfortable but built with rotocast bases that give the seats a sturdy feeling. The captain's chair swivels for easy access in and you can face fellow passengers when the boat is anchored or at the dock.
The helm console has a thermoformed wood grain dash panel with lighted switches and basic gauges for an outboard motor. The test boat had a tachometer, voltmeter and trim gauge. There is a smoked windscreen which is removable with a quick release system, to protect the driver from the wind and adverse weather. That is a good feature because being in a pontoon when the weather turns nasty; one tends to be very exposed. This being said, one has to remember that the best use of a pontoon boat is for that serene and leisurely cruise on the lake, taking in the scenery with a group of friends or family. It wasn't built to race a storm in. And remember, a pontoon is relatively inexpensive for its passenger capacity.
Across the stern behind the Lshaped lounge is a padded sun deck over the engine. It is large enough for an adult to stretch out on when the boat is anchored. Under each of the seats (excluding the helm chair) are storage areas for life vests, ropes etc. Throughout the Vectra 180L there are a number of cup holders, interior lighting for night cruising and at the bow corners, moulded plastic corner light housings. The boat has three entry gates; one at the bow and one on either side for easy entry. Each has lift and lock hinges for security.
One of the things I like best about pontoon boats is the large flat floor area relative to the size of the boat. Passengers can wander around in safety and stability when the boat is anchored and small children are protected by the lockable gates. The Vectra 180L has a colour coordinated convertible bimini top or optional full camper enclosure. Desirable options include a Clarion marine AM/FM/CD player with the capabilities of Sirius satellite radio, a built in fuel tank and hydraulic steering with a tilt wheel. That is better for larger motors. The Vectra 180 is rated for up to 60hp.
Taking the boat out onto the Ottawa River for a test, the conditions were calm with little to no wind but, it was one of the few days this summer where it was raining. I definitely felt exposed to the elements as I cruised along at the top speed of 14.7mph. Usually part of my testing includes acceleration data but since the boat had a top speed of only 14.7mph with the 25 hp Mercury, I decided that part of the test was not relevant. The Mercury was only 25 hp and of course speeds would have been far higher with a 60 hp. The Mercury 25 is a great choice though. It is a four stroke and amazing for just a 25 hp, it has electronic fuel injection. You get easy starting, smooth smoke-free running and with the Big Foot lower unit, it can handle larger loads and larger props. It is easy enough to handle but pontoon boats are not very responsive, especially at low speeds and with larger loads of passengers.
It may not be fast but at an MSRP base price of just under $17,000 the Vectra 180L makes a great cottage boat.
2006 Princecraft Princecraft Vectra 180L Test Specifications
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Test boat engine: Mercury 25 Big Foot, 25 hp 4 stroke, 32.1 ci / 526 cc, EFI driving a 9" aluminum three-blade propeller
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