Personally would like the 18.5 with the 115 4 stroke over the 17 with a 2 stroke... especially on Erie

4 strokes are so much quieter...

 

i was mistaken the yamaha is also 4 stroke

 

More power from the crestliner little longer, I'd favor the crestliner

 

get the bigger boat for erie...crestliner is a better boat brand than sylvan also

 

Definitely go bigger, brother.
I'm curious, how wide and how deep is the Crestliner? Width makes for a much more comfortable day. The depth should keep you a little drier as well.

 

+2 for the larger rig. Good luck with your purchase ! Mike

 

Bigger boat, bigger motor, Crestliner better brand. What’s to decide?

 

Nice, two good choices.
Both bad, used boats are a crap shoot. Having to rebuild the motor>>>> bad in the long view. I have had over 12 boats in my life only one, new from the box, still have it. Both boats are filled with fun, just take care o0f the one you pick. Both are big enough for Erie.

 

I have a 17' sylvan pro select...I think the crestliner would be the better choice for erie. I will venture out 10mi on a good day but always watch the wind and weather. I only have a 50hp merc. so it can turn into a long run.
EB

 

Thanks all think I’m going with the crestliner if it looks good

 

I had a crestliner sportfish 1850 for 20 years - good boat. I think the boat you are considering is not the same hull. It is a 12 degree deadrise. This is not enough boat for erie except on very calm days. You may want to check this out before your buy. Get a boat with a 17 degree deadrise and enough freeboard if you plan to use it on erie. I think crestliner makes a super fish hawk whitch has a 17 - same hull as my old sportfish.

 

Also get a full windshield - you will appreciate it.

 

The sylvan has a full windshield I liked that

 

Well the guy with the crestliner backed out very upsetting, so the search continues

 

Since you plan to use the boat on Erie, you want to take time to understand the differences in these aluminum boats. Just because a boat/deal looks good it may not be suitable for the way you plan to use it. The wrong boat on Erie can limit when you can go out and can be very scary at times. Deadrise, freeboard, motor HP, trolling motor lb/shaft length, windshield, marine radio rod holder placement, kicker motor all make a big difference. I was lucky when I bought my first boat Crestliner. I didn't know all the detail stuff but the dealer knew how I was going to use the boat and they rigged it with the right equipment so I didn't have to go back and rebuy and replace things. Best to take your time and get the right setup. Have someone familiar with this stuff help you.