Princecraft Kapture 187 Review

Let’s just get this out of the way right now – if you like to fish on big water, you need to look closely at the all-new Princecraft Kapture 187.

Multi-species anglers who mainly cast with a bit of trolling now and then are well-served by a number of excellent models to choose from. But for anglers who frequent large lakes where trolling is the primary approach, the range of choices is a lot more limited. Princecraft Boats wants to change that with its Kapture 187.

The kapture 187’s emphasis on trolling is obvious with its open floor plan and generous freeboard.

This boat’s emphasis on trolling is obvious at first sight. With its high freeboard, generous interior depth and open stern, this boat is made for trolling on big water, while keeping the ability to cast the shallows as well. With its battleship-like build and high-end fit and finish, this is a boat that will appeal to a lot of buyers, so let’s take a closer look.

Stretching 18 feet, 7 inches in overall length, the Princecraft Kapture 187 sits on a wide 95-inch beam for excellent big water stability. Width at the chines stretches 80 inches, which gives this boat a huge amount of interior space at the floor while giving the hull a wide running surface for excellent performance even with less than maximum horsepower.

The Kapture 187’s stern is set up for trolling with downrigger mounting pads and plenty of storage.Optional jump seats fold out of the way when not in use.

Step aboard and the first thing anyone will notice is the massive 46-inch interior depth in the cockpit. Fish offshore in this boat and you do not feel like you’re going to take a header over the side, the high gunnels immediately provide a sense of confidence and assurance you just don’t often experience in a boat of this size.

Attention to detail extends to Princecraft even providing storage spaces for the downrigger cannonballs.

The interior gunnels on the Princecraft Kapture 187 are finished in a durable marine carpet that looks great and feels nice when you lean against it to set lines. Large cut-outs in the upper side of the gunnel interiors provide access to large rod storage bunks, which are also carpeted inside to prevent scratches in transport. A second cut-out at floor level provides a welcome toe rail for even greater security when fishing in choppy conditions.

In-floor rod storage accommodates six outfits.

The open stern is built around a substantial splash well that will be appreciated when trolling in choppy seas. The port side of the transom includes a thoughtful mounting space for an optional kicker engine, while to starboard Princecraft has provided a useful deck-level storage compartment with a retractable boarding ladder. Optional drop-down jump seats in each aft corner fold out of the way when not in use, and if you look carefully you’ll note each aft corner includes a storage space for a downrigger ball. The wide gunnels are designed to accommodate downrigger mounting plates right from the start, making it super-easy to set this rig up for big water fishing.

The passenger console features a large glove box for valuables like wallets, cell phones and the truck keys.

Princecraft has long been known for its attention to detail, and that’s more than evident as you look around. Cleats that fold flat when not in use maintain the boat’s clean look while eliminating any potential for snagging on line or the net. A huge in-floor rod locker accommodates six extra rods beyond those stowed in the gunnels, while vertical rod racks mounted across the face of the splash well accommodate even more. Grab handles are found adjacent to all seating positions, while the cockpit floor is a durable and hard-wearing marine vinyl that’s much easier to clean than traditional carpeted decks.

Princecraft’s stylish helm console includes plenty of space to flush-mount a large touch-screen display.

Many anglers will add the optional stern live well station on the Princecraft Kapture 187, which adds a second live well and storage for pliers, hook disgorgers and other essentials.

The standard bow live well is 30 inches long and accommodates 17 gallons of water to keep the catch fresh.

The twin console design utilizes a tall walk-through windshield. The passenger console features an oversized locking glove box with additional storage underneath, while the neatly-designed helm uses an all-new design to really make the most of the available space. Twin multi-function gauges and a row of backlit toggles for electrical connections are mounted high on the dash where they’re easily seen while underway, while a massive panel to starboard allows buyers to flush-mount a large multi-screen display where it’s easily viewed without obstructing the driver’s view ahead. The stylish steering wheel adds an upscale look and feel.

An optional stern live well station adds extra utility without taking up much floor space. Dual Captain’s chairs are also available.

Head forward through that walk-through windshield and the bow offers a small U-shaped raised casting deck – it’s not huge, but it’s big enough for an afternoon of comfortable casting. There’s storage beneath the deck, along with a standard 30-inch, 17-gallon live well. A raised deck pad provides an ideal spot to add a long-shaft electric motor.

Looking for a great trolling boat that can also cast the shallows? The Princecraft Kapture 187 is tough to beat.