Matching a modified vee Crestliner Backwater Series 1655 SC 2009 against a deep vee Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 SC 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 Series 1655 SC 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 SC 2012 at 18,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Backwater Series 1655 SC 2009 tips the scales at 885 lbs — 760 lbs more than the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 SC 2012 at 125 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 Fish Hawk 1850 SC 2012 has a 90-hp advantage over the Crestliner Backwater Series 1655 SC 2009's 60-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 Fish Hawk 1850 SC 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Backwater Series 1655 SC 2009 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 SC 2012 could be the deciding factor.