The Crestliner Fish Hawk Series 1700 SC 2009 is a modified-V design and the Crestliner Grand Cayman 2185 2008 is a pontoon 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 Series 1700 SC 2009 at 17,0 ft versus Crestliner Grand Cayman 2185 2008 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Grand Cayman 2185 2008 tips the scales at 2 000 lbs - 900 lbs less than the Crestliner Fish Hawk Series 1700 SC 2009 at 1 100 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 115 hp for the Crestliner Fish Hawk Series 1700 SC 2009 and 115 hp for the Crestliner Grand Cayman 2185 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crestliner Fish Hawk Series 1700 SC 2009 carries 30 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Crestliner Grand Cayman 2185 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 Grand Cayman 2185 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Crestliner Fish Hawk Series 1700 SC 2009 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Grand Cayman 2185 2008 could be the deciding factor.