Matching a modified vee Crestliner Backwater 1860 SC 2011 against a deep vee Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013 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 SC 2011 at 18,4 ft versus Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013 at 16,0 ft. At 88 lbs and 88 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 SC 2011 has a 55-hp advantage over the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013's 60-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 Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013 carries 23 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Crestliner Backwater 1860 SC 2011. 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 Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Crestliner Backwater 1860 SC 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 Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 SC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Backwater 1860 SC 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.