Princecraft’s affordable new deck boat, the 2023 Ventura 192.
Written by Walt Jennings
Princecraft boats are known throughout the US and Canada for the high quality and durability of its aluminum pontoon boats, deck boats, and fishing boats. They are one of the few manufacturers of high-performance boats who build their boats out of aluminum, rather than fiberglass. In their deck boat line they make five models from 19 to 23 ft in length, and this year we chose to take a look at their Venture 192 model deck boat as it doubles as both a fishing an family pleasure boat.
Princecraft deck boats are not your average deck boat in appearance as their hull is a V-hull (13” deadrise) and their bow is more of a pointed bow like that of a bass boat’s hull rather than rounded bow like you see on most fiberglass deck boats. Constructed of 5052-H36 marine grade aluminum alloy, the bottom of the hull uses 2.8 mm thick plate, while the sides are 2.5 mm in thickness, all painted with a high gloss urethane paint.
The Princecraft Ventura 192 that we looked at came standard with six stainless steel 6″ cleats (most boats this size have only four), a four-step telescoping stainless-steel rear boarding ladder, a full-width rear padded sundeck, a built-in floor cooler (a really nice out of the way cooler), and lockable in-floor ski or rod storage compartment that will (hold up to 7 ft rods. A side swim platform amidship is a standard item not found on many deck boats.
A 12V trolling motor plug comes pre-wired from the factory in case you want to add a factory Minn Kota or other after-market trolling motor, while a 44-inch built-in electric pump filled aerated live well (77 L / 20 U.S. gal) also comes standard. The 192’s 46-gallon fuel tank is also encased under deck, and a Bimini top is standard (an option on many other deck boats), and a double Bimini is available as an option if you need lots of sun protection.
Other nice options on the Venture 192 are a ski tow bar, a side swim platform on the drivers (starboard) side, and a bolster on the captain’s chair. A tilting steering wheel is an option as is hydraulic steering (which we recommend if you power the 192 with more than 115 HP), and a variety of Minn Kota trolling motors can be pre-installed with an order placed with your dealer.
Porta-potties are a common option on many deck boats, but Princecraft has gone a step further by offering a plumbed head – yes, a real toilet with a holding tank with pump out ability, and with a privacy curtain of course. This option on their deck boats is an option that we almost never see on boats this size. All Princecraft Ventura model’s come standard with a 200-watt AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo with multiple external inputs for USB sticks, etc. that send their sound through four speakers, while a premium stereo system is available as an optional item.
You will find all of your standard engine gauges at the helm, but if you are an angler you will want to opt for one of Princecraft’s optional GPS/chart plotters with sonar options from Simrad, Lowrance, or Hummingbird.
for more information on this model, please visit www.princecraft.com.
Specifications of the Ventura 192
LOA: 19 ft 2 in
Beam: 8 ft
Dead Rise: 13*
Fuel Capacity: 46 gal
Boat Weight: 2,078 lbs
Maximum Horsepower: 150 HP
Passenger Capacity: 10 USA, 8 Canada
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
Approximate MSRP USD: $64,280 with a Mercury 115 HP Outboard