Both the Crest Classic Cruise 230XR 2013 and the Crest Wave 230 Touring L 2012 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Crest Classic Cruise 230XR 2013 at 23,5 ft versus Crest Wave 230 Touring L 2012 at 23,5 ft. At 2 455 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 150 hp, the Crest Classic Cruise 230XR 2013 has a 60-hp advantage over the Crest Wave 230 Touring L 2012's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 24 gal and 24 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Crest Classic Cruise 230XR 2013 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crest Wave 230 Touring L 2012 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.