Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 vs Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 or the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 104 lbs for the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 tops out at 35 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 is certified for 4. 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 measures 87" wide, compared to 73" for the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004. 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 and Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 and the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 vs Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004

Crestliner

Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008

2008

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Crestliner

Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 vs Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 vs Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 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 75 hp, the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 has a 40-hp advantage over the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004'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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 with its 35-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelCX 17 Crappie

ModelSportsman 14 SS

Model Year2008

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam87 in. (221 cm)

Beam73 in

Beam - Meters2.21

Beam - Meters1.85

Beam - Inches87

Beam - Inches73

Depth - Detail18.5 in. (47 cm)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters48.26

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches18.5

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1,040 lbs. (471 kg)

Weight - Detail520 lbs

Weight - kg471.74

Weight - kg235.87

Weight - lbs.104

Weight - lbs.52

Width [transom] - Detail60 in. (152 cm)

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Height - Detail27.5 in

Height - Meters0.61

Height - Meters0.71

Height - Inches24

Height - Inches27.5

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Meters5.2

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet17

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 1 in. (5.2 m)

Length overall - Detail14 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters5.21

Length overall - Meters4.45

Length overall - Inches205

Length overall - Inches175

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. Sides: 0.100 in. Transom: 0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail12 gal. (45 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal12

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max75 hp

Engine max35

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,050 lbs. (476 kg)

Maximum capacity1010 lbs

Maximum people4

Maximum people4 Persons

Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 vs Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 or the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 104 lbs for the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 tops out at 35 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 is certified for 4. 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 measures 87" wide, compared to 73" for the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004. 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 and Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CX 17 Crappie 2008 and the Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 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 CX 17 Crappie 2008 full specs ← Crestliner Sportsman 14 SS 2004 full specs