Matching a modified vee Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011 against a deep vee Crestliner Pro Tiller 1850 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 Backwater 1860 CC 2011 at 18,4 ft versus Crestliner Pro Tiller 1850 2012 at 18,7 ft. At 88 lbs and 14 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Crestliner Pro Tiller 1850 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 2 gal and 4 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner Pro Tiller 1850 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 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 Pro Tiller 1850 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Pro Tiller 1850 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 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.