The Crest 250SL - Stern Lounge Seating 2011 vs Crest Crest III XRS Model 25 2004 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 Crest III XRS Model 25 2004 measures 25,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 3,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crest 250SL - Stern Lounge Seating 2011 at 21,8 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crest 250SL - Stern Lounge Seating 2011 tips the scales at 2 315 lbs — 2 060 lbs more than the Crest Crest III XRS Model 25 2004 at 255 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 140 hp, the Crest Crest III XRS Model 25 2004 has a 25-hp advantage over the Crest 250SL - Stern Lounge Seating 2011's 115-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 III XRS Model 25 2004 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Crest 250SL - Stern Lounge Seating 2011 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crest Crest III XRS Model 25 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crest Crest III XRS Model 25 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 17 passengers and at 25,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crest 250SL - Stern Lounge Seating 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 13 that costs less to run day-to-day.