The Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012 vs Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012 at 18,0 ft versus Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 tips the scales at 1 175 lbs — 700 lbs less than the Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012 at 475 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 90 hp, the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 has a 45-hp advantage over the Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012's 45-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 1852MT 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 13 lbs per hp for the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006. 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: Choose the Crestliner CR 1852MT 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.