Crownline 185 SS 2009 vs Crownline 270 CR 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Crownline 185 SS 2009 or the Crownline 270 CR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 185 SS 2009 has the edge at 3 200 lbs dry weight versus 7 600 lbs for the Crownline 270 CR 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 Crownline 270 CR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 185 SS 2009 tops out at 220 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 Crownline 185 SS 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 270 CR 2004 is certified for 8. 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 Crownline 270 CR 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Crownline 185 SS 2009. 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Crownline 185 SS 2009 or the Crownline 270 CR 2004?

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Crownline 185 SS 2009. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crownline 185 SS 2009 and Crownline 270 CR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Crownline 185 SS 2009 and the Crownline 270 CR 2004 are built by Crownline. 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

Crownline 185 SS 2009 vs Crownline 270 CR 2004

Crownline

Crownline 185 SS 2009

2009

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Crownline

Crownline 270 CR 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crownline 185 SS 2009 vs Crownline 270 CR 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 185 SS 2009 vs Crownline 270 CR 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 425 hp, the Crownline 270 CR 2004 has a 205-hp advantage over the Crownline 185 SS 2009's 220-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crownline 270 CR 2004 carries 85 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Crownline 185 SS 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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 Crownline 270 CR 2004 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crownline 185 SS 2009 with its 220-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrownline

Model185 SS

Model270 CR

Model Year2009

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in. (2.33 m)

Beam102 in.

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail48 in. (1.22 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.22

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches48

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise18℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (40 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in.

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail36 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail2,950 - 3,200 lbs. (1,338 - 1,451 kg)

Weight - Detail7400 lbs. - 7600 lbs.

Weight - kg1451.49

Weight - kg3447.3

Weight - lbs.3200

Weight - lbs.7600

Length - Meters5.61

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 8 in.

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Meters8.13

Length overall - Inches221

Length overall - Inches320

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]79.5 in.

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury

Engine makenot available

Engine model3.0 l WPS Alpha

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (94 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Fuel tank capacity - Gal25

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Horsepower135 php

Horsepowernot available

Engine max220 hp

Engine max425 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,140 lbs. (517 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people8

Maximum peopleN

Crownline 185 SS 2009 vs Crownline 270 CR 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Crownline 185 SS 2009 or the Crownline 270 CR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 185 SS 2009 has the edge at 3 200 lbs dry weight versus 7 600 lbs for the Crownline 270 CR 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 Crownline 270 CR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 185 SS 2009 tops out at 220 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 Crownline 185 SS 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 270 CR 2004 is certified for 8. 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 Crownline 270 CR 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Crownline 185 SS 2009. 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Crownline 185 SS 2009 or the Crownline 270 CR 2004?

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Crownline 185 SS 2009. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crownline 185 SS 2009 and Crownline 270 CR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Crownline 185 SS 2009 and the Crownline 270 CR 2004 are built by Crownline. 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.

← Crownline 185 SS 2009 full specs ← Crownline 270 CR 2004 full specs