Matching a flat Crestliner CR 1648M 2013 against a modified vee Crestliner TC 17 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Crestliner CR 1648M 2013 at 15,8 ft versus Crestliner TC 17 2011 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner TC 17 2011 tips the scales at 966 lbs — 691 lbs less than the Crestliner CR 1648M 2013 at 275 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 75 hp, the Crestliner TC 17 2011 has a 40-hp advantage over the Crestliner CR 1648M 2013's 35-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 4 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.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crestliner CR 1648M 2013 comes in at 8 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Crestliner TC 17 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Crestliner TC 17 2011 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner CR 1648M 2013 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.