The Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 is a deep-V design and the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 1650 DC 2013 at 16,7 ft versus Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 tips the scales at 1 060 lbs - 160 lbs more than the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012 at 900 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 has a 40-hp advantage over the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012's 50-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 Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 carries 20 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012. 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 Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 18 lbs per hp for the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012. 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.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 DC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 16,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.