Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 vs Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 or the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 has the edge at 275 lbs dry weight versus 739 lbs for the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 tops out at 35 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 measures 86" wide, compared to 7" for the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 and Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 and the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 are built by Crestliner. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 vs Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004

Crestliner

Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011

2011

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Crestliner

Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 vs Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 vs Crestliner CR 1648 M 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 60 hp, the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004's 35-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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 and its 60-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelBackwater 1760 Tiller

ModelCR 1648 M

Model Year2011

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam85.5 in. (217 cm)

Beam70 in

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Meters1.78

Beam - Inches85.5

Beam - Inches7

Deadrise8°

Deadrisenot available

Depth - DetailSide: 19.5 in. (50 cm)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters50.8

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches19.5

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail739 lbs. (335 kg)

Weight - Detail275 lbs

Weight - kg335.2

Weight - kg124.74

Weight - lbs.739

Weight - lbs.275

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Height [transom]15 in

Length - Feet17.25

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 3 in. (5.3 m)

Length overall - Detail15 ft. 10 in

Length overall - Meters5.26

Length overall - Meters4.83

Length overall - Inches207

Length overall - Inches19

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches21

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.10 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max60 hp

Engine max35

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,100 lbs. (499 kg)

Maximum capacity973 lbs

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 Persons

Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 vs Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 or the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 has the edge at 275 lbs dry weight versus 739 lbs for the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 is rated to a maximum of 60 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 tops out at 35 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 measures 86" wide, compared to 7" for the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 and Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 and the Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 are built by Crestliner. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Crestliner Backwater 1760 Tiller 2011 full specs ← Crestliner CR 1648 M 2004 full specs