Crestliner CR 1232 2004 boat specs
Crestliner
Crestliner CR 1232 2004
2004
View full specs →
VS
Crestliner CX 1650 2005 boat specs
Crestliner
Crestliner CX 1650 2005
2005
View full specs →

Crestliner CR 1232 2004 vs Crestliner CX 1650 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CR 1232 2004 vs Crestliner CX 1650 2005 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 70 hp, the Crestliner CX 1650 2005 has a 67-hp advantage over the Crestliner CR 1232 2004's 3-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 CX 1650 2005 is rated for 3 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1232 2004 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner CX 1650 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner CX 1650 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 3 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner CR 1232 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeCrestliner
MakeCrestliner
ModelCR 1232
ModelCX 165
Model Year2004
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam48 in
Beam71 in. (180 cm)
Beam - Meters1.22
Beam - Meters1.8
Beam - Inches48
Beam - Inches71
Weight - Detail90 lbs
Weight - Detail700 lbs. (317 kg)
Weight - kg40.82
Weight - kg317.51
Weight - lbs.9
Weight - lbs.7
Height - Detail16 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.41
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches16
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]15 in
Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)
Length overall - Detail11 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Meters3.61
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches142
Length overall - Inches192
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail50 in. (127cm)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet16
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom: .100 Sides: .1
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max3
Engine max70 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity335 lbs
Maximum capacity900 lbs. (397 kg)
Maximum people2 Persons
Maximum people3
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailOptional

Crestliner CR 1232 2004 vs Crestliner CX 1650 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CR 1232 2004 or the Crestliner CX 1650 2005?
For trailering, the Crestliner CX 1650 2005 has the edge at 7 lbs dry weight versus 9 lbs for the Crestliner CR 1232 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 1650 2005 is rated to a maximum of 70 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CR 1232 2004 tops out at 3 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 CR 1232 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 2 passengers, while the Crestliner CX 1650 2005 is certified for 3. 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 1650 2005 measures 71" wide, compared to 48" for the Crestliner CR 1232 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 CR 1232 2004 and Crestliner CX 1650 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Crestliner CR 1232 2004 and the Crestliner CX 1650 2005 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.