Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 vs Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 or the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 has the edge at 81 lbs dry weight versus 1 115 lbs for the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 tops out at 6 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 measures 91" wide, compared to 79" for the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 and Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 and the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 are built by Crestliner. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 vs Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004

Crestliner

Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009

2009

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Crestliner

Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 vs Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 vs Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 75 hp, the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 has a 69-hp advantage over the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004's 6-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 with its 6-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelBackwater Series 1870 Tiller

ModelCanadian 18 SC

Model Year2009

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam90.5 in. (230 cm)

Beam79 in

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Meters2.01

Beam - Inches90.5

Beam - Inches79

Deadrise10℃

Deadrisenot available

Weight - Detail1,115 lbs. (506 kg) hull

Weight - Detail810 lbs

Weight - kg505.76

Weight - kg367.41

Weight - lbs.1115

Weight - lbs.81

Width [transom] - Detail70 in. (178 cm)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail23 in. (58 cm)

Height - Detail32 in

Height - Meters0.58

Height - Meters0.81

Height - Inches23

Height - Inches32

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Meters5.5

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.5 m)

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Detail17 gal

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max75 hp

Engine max6

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters64.35

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal17

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,290 lbs. (585 kg)

Maximum capacity1000 lbs

Maximum people5

Maximum people5 Persons

Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 vs Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 or the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 has the edge at 81 lbs dry weight versus 1 115 lbs for the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 tops out at 6 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 measures 91" wide, compared to 79" for the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 and Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 and the Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 are built by Crestliner. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 full specs ← Crestliner Canadian 18 SC 2004 full specs