Princecraft Sportfisher 21 and 23 2RS: Where They Stand in the Sportfisher Lineup

May. 30 2022 Buying Guide By Click Theory


Princecraft's Sportfisher lineup is bound to come up during your search for a pontoon boat. Today, we'll tell you more about two boats in this lineup: the Sportfisher 21 RS and the Sportfisher 23 RS. 

Both the Sportfisher 21 and 23 have rear seats, which is where the "RS" in their names comes from. The Sportfisher 21 is a smaller boat than the Sportfisher 23, but this isn't the only thing that sets them apart from one another. Although the Sportfisher 21 and 23 are similar in many ways, there are also some important differences between them.

This post will cover those differences, but we'll also discuss where the Sportfisher 2RS boats fall in the overall Sportfisher lineup. Let's begin!

Sportfisher 21 and 23 2RS Features

We'll start by listing the construction features the 21, and 23 2RS have in common: 

  • 5052-H36 marine grade aluminum alloy
  • NMMA & Transport Canada certified
  • 2 ½" heavy-duty extruded Z-aluminum cross channels
  • 1 1/4" anodized aluminum rails
  • Sealed pontoon bulkheads with top-mounted air plug (25")
  • V-shaped aluminum engine pod
  • Pressure-treated wood deck covered with marine-grade carpet
  • Extruded aluminum full-length pontoon keels
  • Extruded aluminum full-length pontoon skirting
  • Stern moulded corners
  • Walk-thru rear gate with lift and lock hinges
  • Walk-thru bow gate with lift and lock hinges
  • Portside gate with lift and lock hinges (24'')
  • Stainless steel bow eye
  • 4-6" chromed deck cleats

The 21 and 23 both include the same fishing features: a fishing station that consists of a 26" long built-in electric-filled aerated stern livewell (39L / 10 US gal.), tool holder, cup-holders, and 12V plug.

Both boats have a 2.6-meter beam and a 0.64-meter pontoon diameter.

Additionally, each boat has the same gas tank size:

  • Optional (Built-in): 110 L (29 U.S. gal.)
  • Built-in: Portable—45 L (12 U.S. gal.)

See a complete list of the features each boat offers here.

(Will this be your first pontoon fishing boat? Learn more about pontoon maintenance here)

Sportfisher 21 and 23 2RS Differences 

Now, let's discuss some of the noteworthy differences between the two boats that might help you choose a particular model from the Sportfisher lineup over another.

For starters, we have engine power. The 21 2RS has a maximum HP capacity of 86 kW (115 HP), while the 23 2RS has a maximum HP capacity of 112 kW (150 HP). According to Canadian manufacturer's recommendations, the 23 2RS also has a maximum person capacity of 11 compared to the 21 2RS's 10.  

Additionally, the 23 2RS has a maximum weight capacity of 973 kg (2144 lb.) and a maximum weight person capacity of 672 kg (1482 lb.). As for the 21, 2RS has a maximum weight capacity of 893 kg (1969 lb) and a maximum weight person capacity of 611 kg (1346 lb).

As for furniture differences, the 23 2RS includes a rear padded sundeck while the 21 2RS does not. 

When it comes to standard features, both boats include a stern telescopic stainless steel boarding ladder, cup holders, navigation lights, transducer mounting brackets, and a battery box. However, they differ because the 23 2RS includes a standard stainless steel propeller (on 175 HP engines and up). 

The 23 2RS also offers several more dealer installed options to choose from, although that does not mean the 21 2RS doesn't offer several options that could be more than enough for many boaters. (See the complete list of dealer-installed options to choose from here)

Where the 21 & 23 2RS Falls in the Sportfisher Lineup

We've talked a lot about the 21 and 23 2RS compared to one another, but what about where they stand in the entire Sportfisher lineup? 

If your sights are set on a 23-foot pontoon boat, your two options in the Sportfisher lineup are the 23 2RS and the 23 2S RL. The 2RS is a slightly heavier boat and has a slightly higher weight capacity. However, both boats have the same maximum HP capacity and person seating capacity. With the Sport configuration, though, the 23 2S RL has a maximum person capacity of 12. 

The 23 2S RL does not include fishing features as the 23 2RS does. You can choose to add an advanced fishing package as one of the factory-installed options. It includes a trolling motor installation package, bow storage conversion into an aerated livewell, and a battery switch.

The RL model also offers more seating and storage space with two bow storage modules, captain passenger seat, sundeck with two-position adjustable backrest, large snack table, and storage under all the seating areas. 

(Continue comparing the 23-foot options here)

If a 21-foot option is more appropriate for you, there are three options in the Sportfisher lineup to choose from: the 21 2RS, the 21 4S, and the 21 2S. The 21 2RS offers the highest maximum person capacity, which is helpful to consider depending on how you plan to use the boat. 

Learn More About the Sportfisher Lineup

If you're interested in learning more about the boats we've covered today or the other options you have to choose from, Barry Jay's and Rainbow Marine is here to help! Stop by our showroom today or give us a call to learn more.


Did you learn a lot from this post? Here are three more to read next: 

Helpful Features for Fishing Boats

Boat Storage Tips

Details About the Princecraft Max Fishing Boat Lineup