Matching a modified vee Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 against a deep vee Crestliner Kodiak 14 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 measures 18,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2012 at 14,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 tips the scales at 1 009 lbs — 324 lbs more than the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2012 at 685 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 90 hp, the Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 has a 50-hp advantage over the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2012's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 4 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 17 lbs per hp for the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2012. 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: The Crestliner Ambush 18 2013 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2012 at 14,8 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.