Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 boat specs
Crestliner
Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004
2004
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VS
Crestliner CX 1860 2004 boat specs
Crestliner
Crestliner CX 1860 2004
2004
View full specs →

Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 vs Crestliner CX 1860 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 vs Crestliner CX 1860 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 7 hp for the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 and 13 hp for the Crestliner CX 1860 2004. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 21 gal and 21 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner CX 1860 2004 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCrestliner
MakeCrestliner
ModelC 1754 VDS
ModelCX 186
Model Year2004
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam75 in
Beam81 in
Beam - Meters1.91
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Inches75
Beam - Inches81
Weight - Detail725 lbs
Weight - Detail1000 lbs
Weight - kg328.85
Weight - kg453.59
Weight - lbs.725
Weight - lbs.1
Height - Detail21 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.53
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches21
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]not available
Length overall - Detail17 ft
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Meters5.18
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Inches204
Length overall - Inches216
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Engine max7
Engine max13
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1045 lbs
Maximum capacity1265 lbs
Maximum people4 Persons
Maximum people5 Persons

Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 vs Crestliner CX 1860 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 or the Crestliner CX 1860 2004?
For trailering, the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 has the edge at 1 lbs dry weight versus 725 lbs for the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004. 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 CX 1860 2004 is rated to a maximum of 13 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 tops out at 7 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 C 1754 VDS 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner CX 1860 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 CX 1860 2004 measures 81" wide, compared to 75" for the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 and Crestliner CX 1860 2004?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 21 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 and Crestliner CX 1860 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Crestliner C 1754 VDS 2004 and the Crestliner CX 1860 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.