Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 boat specs
Crest
Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004
2004
View full specs →
VS
Crest Family Fisherman  22 2004 boat specs
Crest
Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004
2004
View full specs →

Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 vs Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 vs Crest Family Fisherman 22 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 Family Fisherman 22 2004 measures 22,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 at 18,0 feet (2004). At 16 lbs and 24 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 125 hp, the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 has a 65-hp advantage over the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004's 60-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 Family Fisherman 22 2004 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCrest
MakeCrest
ModelExplorer DL Model 18
ModelFamily Fisherman 22
Model Year2004
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,600 lbs
Weight - Detail2,400 lbs
Weight - kg725.75
Weight - kg1088.62
Weight - lbs.16
Weight - lbs.24
Length [deck]17 ft. 6 in
Length [deck]21 ft. 0 in
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet22
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters6.71
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches264
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter26 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutBoard
Engine maxOutboard/ Weight: 60 / 330 lbs
Engine maxOutboard/ Weight: 125 / 435 lbs
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Maximum capacity2,997 lbs
Maximum people8
Maximum people14

Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 vs Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 or the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004?
The Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 is the longer of the two at 22,0 feet overall. The Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 or the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004?
For trailering, the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 has the edge at 16 lbs dry weight versus 24 lbs for the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004. 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 Family Fisherman 22 2004 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 tops out at 60 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 Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 is certified for 14. 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 and Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Crest Explorer DL Model 1800 2004 and the Crest Family Fisherman 22 2004 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.