The Crestliner Kodiak 18 SC 2012 is a deep-V design and the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 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 Kodiak 18 SC 2012 at 18,0 ft versus Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 2012 at 16,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Kodiak 18 SC 2012 tips the scales at 810 lbs - 170 lbs more than the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 2012 at 640 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 - 75 hp for the Crestliner Kodiak 18 SC 2012 and 60 hp for the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 2012. 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 Kodiak 18 SC 2012 carries 17 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 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 Kodiak 18 SC 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 2012 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Kodiak 18 SC 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 2012 comes in at 11 lbs per hp versus 11 lbs per hp for the Crestliner Kodiak 18 SC 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 Kodiak 18 SC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1756 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.