When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Crest Family Fish R 2009 and the Crest Savannah 230 2012 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — 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 Family Fish R 2009 at 22,0 ft versus Crest Savannah 230 2012 at 23,8 ft. At 2 543 lbs and 2 458 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 135 hp, the Crest Family Fish R 2009 has a 133-hp advantage over the Crest Savannah 230 2012's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 14 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 Family Fish R 2009 and its 135-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crest Savannah 230 2012 with its 2-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.