Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 boat specs
Crest
Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004
2004
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VS
Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL  2005 boat specs
Crest
Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005
2005
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Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 vs Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 vs Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 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 Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 measures 18,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 16,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 at 2,0 feet (2004). At 1 725 lbs and 1 698 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 75 hp for the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 and 75 hp for the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 comes in at 23 lbs per hp versus 23 lbs per hp for the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCrest
MakeCrest
ModelExplorer DL Model 2
ModelSport Fisherman 18 4CL
Model Year2004
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft
Beam8 ft. 0 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Weight - Detail1,725 lbs
Weight - Detail1,698 lbs
Weight - kg782.45
Weight - kg770.2
Weight - lbs.1725
Weight - lbs.1698
Length [deck]19 ft. 5 in
Length [deck]16 ft. 10 in
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches24
Length overall - Inches216
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter23 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Drive typeOutBoard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine maxOutboard/ Weight: 75 / 330 lbs
Engine max75 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardOutboard Weight: 380 lbs
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,100 lbs
Maximum capacity1,620 lbs
Maximum people11
Maximum people7

Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 vs Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 or the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005?
The Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 16,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 or the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005?
For trailering, the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 has the edge at 1 698 lbs dry weight versus 1 725 lbs for the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 is certified for 7. 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 has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 23 lbs per hp compared to 23 lbs per hp for the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 and Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 share an 8 ft 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 Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 and Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Crest Explorer DL Model 2000 2004 and the Crest Sport Fisherman 18 4CL 2005 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.