Matching a deep vee Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2013 against a modified vee Crestliner Retriever Jon 1756 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 Raptor 1850 DC 2013 at 18,7 ft versus Crestliner Retriever Jon 1756 2012 at 17,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1756 2012 tips the scales at 545 lbs — 398 lbs less than the Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2013 at 147 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 2013 has a 150-hp advantage over the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1756 2012's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever Jon 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 Raptor 1850 DC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Raptor 1850 DC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Retriever Jon 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.