Matching a modified vee Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 Tiller 2008 against a deep vee Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 Tiller 2008 at 16,0 ft versus Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2012 at 17,1 ft. At 83 lbs and 13 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 140 hp, the Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2012 has a 80-hp advantage over the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 Tiller 2008's 60-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 Super Hawk 1700 2012 carries 33 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 Tiller 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 Tiller 2008 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2012 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2012 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1600 Tiller 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.