Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2013?

For trailering, the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 1 044 lbs for the Crestliner VT 17 2013. 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 VT 17 2013 is rated to a maximum of 80 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 tops out at 9 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 1754 Crappie 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner VT 17 2013 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 VT 17 2013 measures 91" wide, compared to 76" for the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2013?

The Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 has the bigger tank at 12 gallons, versus 2 gallons on the Crestliner VT 17 2013. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 and Crestliner VT 17 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 and the Crestliner VT 17 2013 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 1754 Crappie 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2013

Crestliner

Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004

2004

View full specs →

Crestliner

Crestliner VT 17 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 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 80 hp, the Crestliner VT 17 2013 has a 71-hp advantage over the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004's 9-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 carries 12 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Crestliner VT 17 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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 VT 17 2013 and its 80-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 with its 9-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelCX 1754 Crappie

ModelVT 17

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam76 in

Beam91 in. (231 cm)

Beam - Meters1.93

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches76

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detail800 lbs

Weight - Detail1,044 lbs. (474 kg)

Weight - kg362.87

Weight - kg473.55

Weight - lbs.8

Weight - lbs.1044

Length overall - Detail17 ft

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 6 in. (5.3 m)

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches21

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise10°

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - DetailSide: 24 in. (61 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters60.96

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches24

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet17.5

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail12 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (77.2 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42

Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71

Fuel tank capacity - Gal12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal2

Engine max9

Engine max80 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1080 lbs

Maximum capacity1,150 lbs. (522 kg)

Maximum people4 Persons

Maximum people4

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2013?

For trailering, the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 1 044 lbs for the Crestliner VT 17 2013. 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 VT 17 2013 is rated to a maximum of 80 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 tops out at 9 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 1754 Crappie 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner VT 17 2013 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 VT 17 2013 measures 91" wide, compared to 76" for the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2013?

The Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 has the bigger tank at 12 gallons, versus 2 gallons on the Crestliner VT 17 2013. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 and Crestliner VT 17 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CX 1754 Crappie 2004 and the Crestliner VT 17 2013 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 1754 Crappie 2004 full specs ← Crestliner VT 17 2013 full specs