2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S Review
Reference price: from $22,700 (excluding trailer)
Type: Pontoon boat
Weight: 1813 pounds (average dry weight)
Capacity: 8 persons
What we like about it: The independent and ample fishing stations, along with plenty of storage space.
What we didn’t like about it: The manual Bimini Top can be a bit inconvenient, and there’s no table on the boat.
Rating (4.7/5)
The 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S is a fishing boat that can withstand the test of time. Many fishing boats from other brands may only have two fishing chairs, wasting a lot of space. However, this boat successfully accommodates four fishing chairs in addition to two bow lounges, making it suitable for you, your friends, or your family to fish together. Moreover, all the lounges of the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S have storage space underneath, making it easy to store your prepared food or supplies during the trip.
With a total length of 21 feet 6 inches, there is ample stretching space on the boat. Its marine-grade aluminum alloy structure makes it highly durable and sturdy. Additionally, the Jensen stereo system with two waterproof speakers allows you to enjoy a great atmosphere during leisure trips.
Now, let’s analyze the driving experience, seating experience, specifications, features, and other versions of the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S.
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Driving Experience
As a passionate fishing enthusiast, I always take my two sons, Lucas and Elijah, fishing whenever we have free time on weekends. They are also interested in fishing, influenced by me.
A few months ago, after discussing with my wife, I decided to purchase a brand-new 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S. Finally, it arrived a few days ago. Upon seeing it, I couldn’t wait to organize a small family gathering at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, the next day, as I wanted to share this great news with my family.
Although the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S is primarily a fishing boat, it can accommodate up to eight people, so I don’t have to worry about inviting my parents to join us and having no space.
Stepping onto the boat, my feet felt comfortable as they stepped on the marine-grade carpet covering the pressure-treated wood floor. In no time, everyone found their favorite spots. Lucas and Elijah each sat on one of the two fishing chairs at the bow, and my wife and parents sat together on the L-shaped sofa in the middle, chatting.
Once I sat in the driver’s seat at the helm, I knew today’s trip would not disappoint anyone. As I gently twisted the throttle, the engine roared, and our pleasant journey on the water began. The stylish and modern molded console, with an acrylic top and a dashboard featuring black inserts and lit switches, was just perfect. I could see the numbers on the instrument panel very clearly, even without wearing sunglasses.
Sometimes I forget to put on my sunglasses, but I don’t worry about being disturbed by strong sunlight or a gentle breeze, thanks to the large tinted windshield. The ergonomically designed seats also added to my comfort.
Seating Experience
Before long, we arrived at our fishing spot. My wife took out the four fishing rods we brought from the secure rod storage area behind me. The space was very generous and could also hold some other items, such as bait and fishing gear.
My father, my two sons, and I each occupied a fishing chair. My wife and mother watched us with smiles, and they couldn’t resist taking photos to capture our happy moments. This lake was perfect for fishing.
We secured the fishing rods on the holders and could still chat with each other through the swivel chairs. My dad got us off to a good start; soon he caught a decent-sized spotted bass. I placed the fish he caught into the inflatable livewell beside us. This boat has ample livewell space. At the stern, there is a 26-inch long built-in electric inflatable livewell, ensuring that all the fish we catch today stay fresh and alive.
My wife took out the prepared fruits and snacks from the storage area below the lounges and simply arranged them for sharing. As the sun got stronger, to prevent them from feeling hot, I raised the Bimini Top. However, I have to admit that this manually operated Bimini Top can be a bit inconvenient.
Specifications
As seen, the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S is not only an excellent fishing boat but also highly suitable for leisure trips. When your small family doesn’t need as many seats, you can fold all the fishing chairs to keep them from aging due to exposure to sunlight or rain.
The boat’s hull is made of 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy, providing excellent corrosion resistance. With regular maintenance, it will accompany you for a long time. At the stern, there is a large fishing platform that allows you to prepare for catching more fish.
When you feel tired on the boat, you can move to the L-shaped lounge area opposite the helm to take a rest. It is not only very soft but also spacious, allowing you to lie down comfortably. This lounge area not only allows the driver to engage in conversations with the crew at a closer distance but also provides storage space when you flip its cushions to store items you need on the water.
Other Versions
Although the 2023 SPORTFISHER 23-2S RL lacks two fishing chairs compared to the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S, it truly combines fishing with leisure.
The 2023 SPORTFISHER 23-2S RL is highly suitable for consumers with larger families as it has a more spacious deck and ample lounge areas, supporting up to 11 people. Most importantly, as I mentioned before, the SPORTFISHER 21-4S lacks a table, but this boat has one. There is a large and sturdy table behind the co-pilot seat, and each corner of the table has a cup holder, which is very user-friendly.
Although it has fewer fishing chairs, it still provides enough livewell capacity. The driver of this boat will also be very pleased because it is surrounded by lounge areas, with people accompanying him from the front, left, and back. As a passenger, you will also be satisfied with the two adjustable backrest sunbeds, providing a delightful experience on the boat.
If your budget is sufficient, and you have a large family with smaller fishing needs, I believe this boat will be more suitable for you than the SPORTFISHER 21-4S. Of course, you can also consider the Bait & Drift SF-22 B Model on the NeoBoats website, which has a similar layout but a more affordable price.
What do we like about it
- The stylish and premium appearance with an acrylic top and black inserts.
- The storage space beneath the lounge areas can hold many things.
- The foldable swivel fishing chairs in all directions fulfill diverse fishing needs.
- The hull made of 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy is highly durable.
- The ample livewell ensures the freshness of caught fish.
What we don’t like about it
- The manually operated Bimini Top is somewhat inconvenient.
- The lack of a table on the boat makes it inconvenient when a table is needed.
FAQ
1. What are pontoon boats best for?
Pontoon boats are ideal for leisurely cruises, parties, fishing, or water sports on sunny and calm days. They are perfect for groups of people who want to enjoy quality time on the water with family or friends.
2. What are the biggest disadvantages of pontoon boats?
Pontoon boats usually don’t provide high speeds and are best suited for calm water areas. If you seek faster speeds, you may need to invest in higher-performance pontoon boats, which tend to be more expensive.
3. Is it a pain to clean the pontoon boat?
Most pontoon boats have low maintenance costs in terms of cleaning, and it won’t take much time. Simply ensure to clear all debris after each use, wipe the seats clean, and let them dry before covering with a boat cover. This will help reduce the burden of dealing with tough stains during occasional cleanings.
2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S SPECS
Overall length | 21’6″ |
Deck length | 20’0″ |
Beam | 8’5″ |
Pontoon diameter | 25″ |
Pontoon aluminum thickness | .080″ |
Approximate weight | 2113 lb |
Maximum HP capacity | 150HP |
Maximum weight capacity | 2072 lb |
Maximum weight person capacity | 1410 lb |
Maximum person capacity | 10 |
Video
Comparison Table
Boat | Deck Length | Maximum Horsepowerlimit | Maximum passenger capacity |
Bennington SXP22 Fishing | 23′ 9″ | 250HP | 8 persons |
Lowe SF214 Sport Fish | 22′ | 115HP | 8 persons |
Avalon VTX Quad Fish | 19′ 6″ | 90HP | 10 persons |
2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S vs Bennington SXP22 Fishing
As one of the top pontoon boat manufacturers, Bennington stands out with its fishing boats as well. Compared to the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S, the Bennington SXP22 Fishing is unique in many aspects, despite having a similar seat layout.
The Bennington SXP22 Fishing is equipped with professional silent seats, which are perfect for fishing. Even if you rotate your seat while fishing, the fish approaching your bait won’t be alerted. The fishing platform on the Bennington SXP22 Fishing is placed next to the lounge area and provides ample storage space where you can store a large quantity of bait. If you’re a fishing expert, you can even install a third livewell on this boat.
It also features a fishfinder function, which helps improve the accuracy of your fishing. The intuitive display panel will impress you, and you won’t have to worry about accidentally pressing the wrong switch. However, it is indeed priced much higher than the SPORTFISHER 21-4S. If you’re seeking better features and money is not an issue, this boat will be an excellent fishing companion for you.
2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S vs Lowe SF214 Sport Fish
The Lowe SF214 Sport Fish requires you to spend more money compared to the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S, but if you value the fishing experience, it will be worth every penny.
This boat will satisfy you whether you’re the driver, a crew member, or an angler. As the driver, your eyes will be pleased with the chrome-rimmed tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, and trim gauge. When you need to rest or have a meal, you can make good use of the comfortable lounge area and the fold-down table with a high-quality wood grain finish and cup holders. It comes with a 36-gallon livewell, and the capacity of the rear livewell is just as good as the front one, providing more than enough space even when four anglers have a fruitful catch.
2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S vs Avalon VTX Quad Fish
The Avalon VTX Quad Fish shares a similar layout with the 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S, featuring four individual fishing stations and a central lounge area. However, the Avalon VTX Quad Fish incorporates more user-friendly details. One of the most impressive features is the thoughtful addition of a table in front of the central lounge area. The rounded edges of the table design ensure that parents with playful children no longer have to worry about any unnecessary bumps or accidents.
Despite its deck length being only 19′ 6″, the Avalon VTX Quad Fish can comfortably accommodate up to ten people, thanks to its ample lounge space. Of course, it is also equipped with essential fishing tools like a livewell and fishing rod holders. It is worth noting that its starting price is even lower than that of the SPORTFISHER 21-4S, making it an excellent choice for those seeking better value for money and higher passenger capacity.
Summary
The 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S may not have the same level of attention to detail in some aspects, but for avid anglers, it can still be an excellent pontoon boat. However, if you plan to use it for family outings, it might not be as convenient. The central lounge area, while spacious, can only accommodate up to three people, as most of the space is dedicated to fishing stations. This layout might lead to a dispersed seating arrangement, which may not be conducive to more intimate conversations.
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