Crestliner CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 or the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012?

For trailering, the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 has the edge at 460 lbs dry weight versus 1 235 lbs for the Crestliner CXP 185 2004. 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 CXP 185 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 tops out at 40 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 CXP 185 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 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 CXP 185 2004 measures 91" wide, compared to 74" for the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012. 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 CXP 185 2004 and Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 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 CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012

Crestliner

Crestliner CXP 185 2004

2004

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Crestliner

Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 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 150 hp, the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 has a 110-hp advantage over the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012's 40-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 CXP 185 2004 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelCXP 185

ModelRetriever Jon 1650

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in.

Beam74 in. (188 cm)

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Meters1.88

Beam - Inches91

Beam - Inches74

Weight - Detail1235 lbs.

Weight - Detail460 lbs. (209 kg)

Weight - kg560.19

Weight - kg208.65

Weight - lbs.1235

Weight - lbs.460

Length overall - Detail18 ft.

Length overall - Detail16 ft. (4.9 m)

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches192

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise3.5°

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - DetailSide: 21 in. (53 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches21

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet16

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max150

Engine max40 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1300 lbs.

Maximum capacity1,000 lbs. (454 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 CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 or the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012?

For trailering, the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 has the edge at 460 lbs dry weight versus 1 235 lbs for the Crestliner CXP 185 2004. 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 CXP 185 2004 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 tops out at 40 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 CXP 185 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 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 CXP 185 2004 measures 91" wide, compared to 74" for the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012. 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 CXP 185 2004 and Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 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 CXP 185 2004 full specs ← Crestliner Retriever Jon 1650 2012 full specs