Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 vs Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 or the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 104 lbs for the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004. 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 tops out at 1 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 is certified for 3. 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 measures 78" wide, compared to 56" for the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 and Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 and the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 vs Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004

Crestliner

Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011

2011

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Crestliner

Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 vs Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 vs Crestliner XCR 1256 V 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 50 hp, the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 has a 49-hp advantage over the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004's 1-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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 is rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 4 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeCrestliner

ModelSS Series (1657 SS)

ModelXCR 1256 V

Model Year2011

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in. (198 cm)

Beam56 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters1.42

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches56

Deadrise4°

Deadrisenot available

Depth - DetailSide: 22 in. (56 cm)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters55.88

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches22

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail900 lbs. (408 kg)

Weight - Detail104 lbs

Weight - kg408.23

Weight - kg47.17

Weight - lbs.9

Weight - lbs.104

Height [transom]20 in. (51 cm)

Height [transom]15 in

Length - Feet16

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail16 ft. (4.9 m)

Length overall - Detail12 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Meters4.88

Length overall - Meters3.68

Length overall - Inches192

Length overall - Inches145

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail27 in

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters0.69

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches27

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail12 gal. (45 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters45.42

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal12

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max50 hp

Engine max1

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,101 lbs. (499 kg)

Maximum capacity575 lbs

Maximum people4

Maximum people3 Persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailBlack Marine Master 1-axle w/ loading guides

Trailer - Detailnot available

Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 vs Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 or the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004?

For trailering, the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 has the edge at 9 lbs dry weight versus 104 lbs for the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004. 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 is rated to a maximum of 50 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 tops out at 1 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 is certified for 3. 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 measures 78" wide, compared to 56" for the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 and Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crestliner SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 and the Crestliner XCR 1256 V 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 SS Series (1657 SS) 2011 full specs ← Crestliner XCR 1256 V 2004 full specs