Matching a deep vee Crestliner Raptor 1850 WT 2013 against a modified vee Crestliner VT 17 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 WT 2013 at 18,7 ft versus Crestliner VT 17 2011 at 17,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner VT 17 2011 tips the scales at 1 044 lbs — 897 lbs less than the Crestliner Raptor 1850 WT 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 WT 2013 has a 125-hp advantage over the Crestliner VT 17 2011's 75-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 VT 17 2011 carries 22 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Crestliner Raptor 1850 WT 2013. 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 WT 2013 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Crestliner VT 17 2011 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Raptor 1850 WT 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Raptor 1850 WT 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 VT 17 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.