Matching a modified vee Crestliner Ambush 18 2011 against a deep vee Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012 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 Ambush 18 2011 at 18,0 ft versus Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012 at 20,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012 tips the scales at 1 425 lbs — 416 lbs less than the Crestliner Ambush 18 2011 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 250 hp, the Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012 has a 160-hp advantage over the Crestliner Ambush 18 2011'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 Ambush 18 2011 carries 22 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012. 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 Tournament 202 SC 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Ambush 18 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Tournament 202 SC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 20,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Ambush 18 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.