The Crestliner CS 16SS 2004 vs Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2013 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 40 hp, the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2013 has a 36-hp advantage over the Crestliner CS 16SS 2004's 4-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 Kodiak 14 SC 2013 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner CS 16SS 2004 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Kodiak 14 SC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 14,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner CS 16SS 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.