The Crest Crest II 18 2006 vs Crest II XRS RE 20 2007 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Crest Crest II 18 2006 at 18,0 ft versus Crest II XRS RE 20 2007 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crest II XRS RE 20 2007 tips the scales at 2 302 lbs - 152 lbs less than the Crest Crest II 18 2006 at 2 150 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 II XRS RE 20 2007 has a 25-hp advantage over the Crest Crest II 18 2006'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 II XRS RE 20 2007 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Crest Crest II 18 2006 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crest II XRS RE 20 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crest II XRS RE 20 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crest Crest II 18 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.