Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 or the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012?

For trailering, the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 has the edge at 77 lbs dry weight versus 95 lbs for the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012. 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 Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 tops out at 8 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 C 1860 VDC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is certified for 6. 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 Retriever 1860 CC 2012 measures 85" wide, compared to 81" for the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 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 C 1860 VDC 2004 and Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 and the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 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 C 1860 VDC 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012

Crestliner

Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004

2004

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Crestliner

Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 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 90 hp, the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 has a 82-hp advantage over the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004's 8-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 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 Retriever 1860 CC 2012 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 with its 8-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelC 1860 VDC

ModelRetriever 1860 CC

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam81 in

Beam85 in. (216 cm)

Beam - Meters2.06

Beam - Meters2.16

Beam - Inches81

Beam - Inches85

Weight - Detail770 lbs

Weight - Detail950 lbs. (431 kg)

Weight - kg349.27

Weight - kg430.91

Weight - lbs.77

Weight - lbs.95

Height - Detail21.5 in

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters0.56

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches21.5

Height - Inchesnot available

Height [transom]20 in

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.5 m)

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise3.5°

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - DetailSide: 24 in. (60 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters60.96

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches24

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max8

Engine max90 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1350 lbs

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum people6 Persons

Maximum people6

Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 or the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012?

For trailering, the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 has the edge at 77 lbs dry weight versus 95 lbs for the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012. 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 Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 tops out at 8 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 1860 VDC 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is certified for 6. 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 Retriever 1860 CC 2012 measures 85" wide, compared to 81" for the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 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 C 1860 VDC 2004 and Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner C 1860 VDC 2004 and the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 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 C 1860 VDC 2004 full specs ← Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 full specs