The Crestliner 1657 SS 2013 vs Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 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 Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 measures 24,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crestliner 1657 SS 2013 at 16,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 tips the scales at 3 400 lbs - 2 500 lbs less than the Crestliner 1657 SS 2013 at 900 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 Crestliner 1657 SS 2013 carries a rated maximum of 50 hp. Engine data for the Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 carries 25 gallons versus 10 gallons in the Crestliner 1657 SS 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Crestliner 1657 SS 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner LSi 2485 Sterndrive 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner 1657 SS 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.