The Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 is a modified-V design and the Crestliner Super Hawk 1900 - Opened with Bench 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 1870 Tiller 2009 at 18,0 ft versus Crestliner Super Hawk 1900 - Opened with Bench 2012 at 19,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Super Hawk 1900 - Opened with Bench 2012 tips the scales at 1 630 lbs - 515 lbs less than the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 at 1 115 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 Super Hawk 1900 - Opened with Bench 2012 has a 125-hp advantage over the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009'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 Super Hawk 1900 - Opened with Bench 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Crestliner Backwater Series 1870 Tiller 2009 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Super Hawk 1900 - Opened with Bench 2012 could be the deciding factor.