Crestliner CX 1860 2004 vs Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 or the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006?

For trailering, the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 has the edge at 1 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006. 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 CXJ 1870 2006 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CX 1860 2004 tops out at 13 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 1860 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 is certified for 5. 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 CXJ 1870 2006 measures 91" wide, compared to 81" for the Crestliner CX 1860 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 and Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 21 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 and Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 and the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 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 1860 2004 vs Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006

Crestliner

Crestliner CX 1860 2004

2004

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Crestliner

Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner CX 1860 2004 vs Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CX 1860 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 has a 77-hp advantage over the Crestliner CX 1860 2004's 13-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 21 gal and 21 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 5 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 CXJ 1870 2006 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 with its 13-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelCX 186

ModelCXJ 187

Model Year2004

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam81 in

Beam90.5 in. (230 cm)

Beam - Meters2.06

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches81

Beam - Inches90.5

Weight - Detail1000 lbs

Weight - Detail1,175 lbs. (533 kg)

Weight - kg453.59

Weight - kg532.97

Weight - lbs.1

Weight - lbs.1175

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.5 m)

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise10℃

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail23 in. (58 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters58.42

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches23

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail70 in. (198 cm)

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Engine max13

Engine max90 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard30EL

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1265 lbs

Maximum capacity1,290 lbs. (573 kg)

Maximum people5 Persons

Maximum people5

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thickness.1

Crestliner CX 1860 2004 vs Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 or the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006?

For trailering, the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 has the edge at 1 lbs dry weight versus 1 175 lbs for the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006. 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 CXJ 1870 2006 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CX 1860 2004 tops out at 13 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 1860 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 is certified for 5. 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 CXJ 1870 2006 measures 91" wide, compared to 81" for the Crestliner CX 1860 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 and Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 21 gallons and 21 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 and Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CX 1860 2004 and the Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 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 1860 2004 full specs ← Crestliner CXJ 1870 2006 full specs