Crestliner CR 1236 2008 vs Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CR 1236 2008 or the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 14 lbs for the Crestliner CR 1236 2008. 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 CR 1852 MT 2004 is rated to a maximum of 45 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CR 1236 2008 tops out at 10 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 CR 1236 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 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 CR 1852 MT 2004 measures 75" wide, compared to 56" for the Crestliner CR 1236 2008. 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 CR 1236 2008 and Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CR 1236 2008 and the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 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.

Boat Comparison

Crestliner CR 1236 2008 vs Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004

Crestliner

Crestliner CR 1236 2008

2008

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Crestliner

Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner CR 1236 2008 vs Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CR 1236 2008 vs Crestliner CR 1852 MT 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 45 hp, the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 has a 35-hp advantage over the Crestliner CR 1236 2008'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 CR 1852 MT 2004 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1236 2008 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner CR 1236 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelCR 1236

ModelCR 1852 MT

Model Year2008

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam56 in. (142 cm)

Beam75 in

Beam - Meters1.42

Beam - Meters1.91

Beam - Inches56

Beam - Inches75

Depth - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters43.18

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches17

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail140 lbs. (63 kg)

Weight - Detail400 lbs

Weight - kg63.5

Weight - kg181.44

Weight - lbs.14

Weight - lbs.4

Width [transom] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]15 in. (38 cm)

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Meters3.6

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet11

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches11

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail11 ft. 11 in. (3.6 m)

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters3.63

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches143

Length overall - Inches216

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail21 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.53

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches21

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.050 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max10 hp

Engine max45

Operational Info

Maximum capacity527 lbs. (239 kg)

Maximum capacity1375 lbs

Maximum people3

Maximum people6 Persons

Crestliner CR 1236 2008 vs Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CR 1236 2008 or the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 14 lbs for the Crestliner CR 1236 2008. 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 CR 1852 MT 2004 is rated to a maximum of 45 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CR 1236 2008 tops out at 10 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 1236 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 3 passengers, while the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 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 CR 1852 MT 2004 measures 75" wide, compared to 56" for the Crestliner CR 1236 2008. 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 1236 2008 and Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CR 1236 2008 and the Crestliner CR 1852 MT 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.

← Crestliner CR 1236 2008 full specs ← Crestliner CR 1852 MT 2004 full specs