Crest Caribbean 20 2008 boat specs
Crest
Crest Caribbean 20 2008
2008
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VS
Crest Crest II 230 2013 boat specs
Crest
Crest Crest II 230 2013
2013
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Crest Caribbean 20 2008 vs Crest Crest II 230 2013: Which Pontoon Boat Fits Your Needs?

Both the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 and the Crest Crest II 230 2013 are pontoon designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crest Crest II 230 2013 measures 23,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 at 20,0 feet (2008). At 2 520 lbs and 2 455 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 140 hp, the Crest Crest II 230 2013 has a 25-hp advantage over the Crest Caribbean 20 2008's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 13 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Crest Crest II 230 2013 at 23,5 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Crest Caribbean 20 2008 at 20,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeCrest
MakeCrest
ModelCaribbean 20
ModelCrest II 230
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in.
Beam8 ft. 6 in.
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail2,520 lbs.
Weight - Detail2,455 lbs.
Weight - kg1143.05
Weight - kg1113.57
Weight - lbs.2520
Weight - lbs.2455
Length [deck]19 ft. 8 in.
Length [deck]not available
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet23.5
Length overall - Detail20 ft.
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters7.16
Length overall - Inches240
Length overall - Inches282
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typePontoon
Hull typePontoon
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter26 in.
Tube diameter25 in.
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardOutboard Weight: 560 lbs.
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max115 hp
Engine maxStandard: 140 hp CP2: 150 hp CP3: 150 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,520 lbs.
Maximum capacityStandard: 1,825 lbs. CP3: 1,996 lbs.
Maximum people13
Maximum peopleStandard: 13 CP3: 14

Crest Caribbean 20 2008 vs Crest Crest II 230 2013 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 or the Crest Crest II 230 2013?
The Crest Crest II 230 2013 is the longer of the two at 23,5 feet overall. The Crest Caribbean 20 2008 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 3,5 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 or the Crest Crest II 230 2013?
For trailering, the Crest Crest II 230 2013 has the edge at 2 455 lbs dry weight versus 2 520 lbs for the Crest Caribbean 20 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Crest Crest II 230 2013 is rated to a maximum of 140 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crest Caribbean 20 2008 tops out at 115 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Crest Caribbean 20 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Crest Crest II 230 2013 is certified for 13. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 and Crest Crest II 230 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. beam - meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 and Crest Crest II 230 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Crest Caribbean 20 2008 and the Crest Crest II 230 2013 are built by Crest. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.