Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 vs Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 or the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 95 lbs for the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 tops out at 4 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 measures 85" wide, compared to 75" for the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 and Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 and the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 are built by Crestliner. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 vs Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004

Crestliner

Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012

2012

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Crestliner

Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 vs Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 vs Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 has a 86-hp advantage over the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004's 4-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 6 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 with its 4-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelRetriever 1860 CC

ModelSportsman 16 SC

Model Year2012

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam85 in. (216 cm)

Beam75 in

Beam - Meters2.16

Beam - Meters1.91

Beam - Inches85

Beam - Inches75

Deadrise3.5°

Deadrisenot available

Depth - DetailSide: 24 in. (60 cm)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters60.96

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches24

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail950 lbs. (431 kg)

Weight - Detail430 lbs

Weight - kg430.91

Weight - kg195.04

Weight - lbs.95

Weight - lbs.43

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Height [transom]20 in

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. (5.5 m)

Length overall - Detail16 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters5.05

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches199

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail28.5 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.74

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches28.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull materialnot available

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max90 hp

Engine max4

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum capacity1300 lbs

Maximum people6

Maximum people6 Persons

Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 vs Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 or the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 95 lbs for the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 90 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 tops out at 4 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 measures 85" wide, compared to 75" for the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 and Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 and the Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 are built by Crestliner. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Crestliner Retriever 1860 CC 2012 full specs ← Crestliner Sportsman 16 SC 2004 full specs