Both the Crestliner Retriever 2070 SC 2011 and the Crestliner XCR 1257V 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crestliner Retriever 2070 SC 2011 measures 20,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 7,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crestliner XCR 1257V 2012 at 12,1 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Retriever 2070 SC 2011 tips the scales at 1 125 lbs - 997 lbs more than the Crestliner XCR 1257V 2012 at 128 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 115 hp, the Crestliner Retriever 2070 SC 2011 has a 105-hp advantage over the Crestliner XCR 1257V 2012's 10-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 Retriever 2070 SC 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Crestliner XCR 1257V 2012 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Retriever 2070 SC 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Retriever 2070 SC 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner XCR 1257V 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.