Crestliner CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2012?

For trailering, the Crestliner VT 17 2012 has the edge at 1 044 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 VT 17 2012 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CXP 185 2004 tops out at 15 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 VT 17 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and Crestliner VT 17 2012 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2012?

The Crestliner CXP 185 2004 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 22 gallons on the Crestliner VT 17 2012. That 19-gallon difference translates to roughly 57–95 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and Crestliner VT 17 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and the Crestliner VT 17 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 VT 17 2012

Crestliner

Crestliner CXP 185 2004

2004

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Crestliner

Crestliner VT 17 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 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 75 hp, the Crestliner VT 17 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the Crestliner CXP 185 2004's 15-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 CXP 185 2004 carries 41 gallons versus 22 gallons in the Crestliner VT 17 2012. 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 2012 and its 75-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelCXP 185

ModelVT 17

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in

Beam91 in. (231 cm)

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detail1235 lbs

Weight - Detail1,044 lbs. (474 kg)

Weight - kg560.19

Weight - kg473.55

Weight - lbs.1235

Weight - lbs.1044

Length overall - Detail18 ft

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

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.33

Length overall - Inches216

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 - Detail41 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail22 gal. (83 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters83.28

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Fuel tank capacity - Gal22

Engine max15

Engine max75 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1300 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 CXP 185 2004 vs Crestliner VT 17 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2012?

For trailering, the Crestliner VT 17 2012 has the edge at 1 044 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 VT 17 2012 is rated to a maximum of 75 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner CXP 185 2004 tops out at 15 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 VT 17 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and Crestliner VT 17 2012 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 or the Crestliner VT 17 2012?

The Crestliner CXP 185 2004 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 22 gallons on the Crestliner VT 17 2012. That 19-gallon difference translates to roughly 57–95 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and Crestliner VT 17 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner CXP 185 2004 and the Crestliner VT 17 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 VT 17 2012 full specs