Matching a deep vee Crestliner 1850 Commander 2013 against a modified vee Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Crestliner 1850 Commander 2013 at 18,6 ft versus Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner 1850 Commander 2013 tips the scales at 1 565 lbs — 556 lbs more than the Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 at 1 009 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 150 hp, the Crestliner 1850 Commander 2013 has a 60-hp advantage over the Crestliner Ambush 18 2013's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crestliner 1850 Commander 2013 carries 33 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Crestliner Ambush 18 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 1850 Commander 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Crestliner Ambush 18 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 1850 Commander 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner 1850 Commander 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Ambush 18 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.