The Crest 18 2009 vs Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crest 18 2009 measures 18,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 at 2,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crest 18 2009 tips the scales at 2 012 lbs — 1 989 lbs more than the Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 at 23 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 100 hp, the Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the Crest 18 2009's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Crest 18 2009 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 27 lbs per hp for the Crest 18 2009. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Crest Crest II LM 20 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crest 18 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.