The Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1860 2013 is a modified-V design and the Crestliner Suncast 2185 2008 is a pontoon 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1860 2013 at 18,0 ft versus Crestliner Suncast 2185 2008 at 20,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crestliner Suncast 2185 2008 tips the scales at 1 900 lbs - 1 177 lbs less than the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1860 2013 at 723 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 75 hp for the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1860 2013 and 60 hp for the Crestliner Suncast 2185 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Crestliner Suncast 2185 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Crestliner Retriever Jon Deluxe 1860 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner Suncast 2185 2008 could be the deciding factor.