Matching a modified vee Crestliner Backwater 1860 Tiller 2011 against a deep vee Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST 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 Tiller 2011 at 18,4 ft versus Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST 2013 at 20,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST 2013 tips the scales at 185 lbs — 102 lbs less than the Crestliner Backwater 1860 Tiller 2011 at 83 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 200 hp, the Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST 2013 has a 125-hp advantage over the Crestliner Backwater 1860 Tiller 2011's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Crestliner Backwater 1860 Tiller 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 Sportfish 1950 SST 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Sportfish 1950 SST 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 20,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Backwater 1860 Tiller 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.