Both the Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011 and the Crestliner VT 19 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011 at 18,4 ft versus Crestliner VT 19 2013 at 19,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner VT 19 2013 tips the scales at 1 085 lbs - 205 lbs less than the Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011 at 880 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 VT 19 2013 has a 35-hp advantage over the Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 20 gal and 20 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 VT 19 2013 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner Backwater 1860 CC 2011 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.