Matching a deep vee Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2012 against a modified vee Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2011 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 Raptor 1850 DC 2012 at 18,7 ft versus Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2011 at 17,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2012 tips the scales at 147 lbs — 134 lbs more than the Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2011 at 13 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 200 hp, the Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2012 has a 60-hp advantage over the Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2011's 140-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 2011 carries 33 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 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 Raptor 1850 DC 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 2011 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2012 could be the deciding factor.