The Crestliner CR 1236 2006 vs Crestliner VT 19 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crestliner VT 19 2011 measures 19,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crestliner CR 1236 2006 at 11,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner VT 19 2011 tips the scales at 1 079 lbs - 939 lbs less than the Crestliner CR 1236 2006 at 140 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 135 hp, the Crestliner VT 19 2011 has a 125-hp advantage over the Crestliner CR 1236 2006's 10-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 VT 19 2011 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1236 2006 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner VT 19 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner VT 19 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 4 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner CR 1236 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.