The Crestliner Retriever Jon 1546 2013 is a modified-V design and the Crestliner Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crestliner Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 measures 19,2 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1546 2013 at 15,1 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 tips the scales at 1 520 lbs - 1 230 lbs less than the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1546 2013 at 290 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 175 hp, the Crestliner Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 has a 150-hp advantage over the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1546 2013's 25-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 Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever Jon 1546 2013 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner Sportfish 1850 SST 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 7 passengers and at 19,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner Retriever Jon 1546 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.