Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I own the smaller Navigator 165 with a 90 yamaha. It is only 8 inches shorter than the 175, 6 inches shallower and 3 inches narrower, so there is not much difference except weight (300 pounds or so) Cannot comment on the two motor choices, but I do like my navigator a bunch. I believe the 175 now comes with a 25" transom, which means less chance of water coming over the back in a following sea, and definitely a better option with the heavier 4 stroke engines...keeps your oil reservoir further away from the waterline meaning less chance for water intrusion. The overall depth of the navigator series seems to be quite a bit more than the crestliner, which in big water meant a bunch to me. I also noticed the bow of the crestliners seem to dip down, which I never liked in a situation where I am dealing with big oncomming waves. The crestliner hull seemed to be more curved at the aft portion of the boat, which to me would seem to allow the boat to lean more to the side you are standing on. The chine width on mine is around 79" and the harder the chine to even a reverse chine the more stable the platform. I don't know if the crestiler has a reverse chine, but if it does, that is a strong point.
Welded or riveted....tough call. Fit and finish...again tough call... storage...depends on what you need. I think no matter what boat, you can never have too much storage. The navigator has 2 rod lockers which one of those could be used to store more gear.
These are just observations that I noticed which affected my decision.
So far, I have had my navigator in 3ft waves and did not feel unsafe at all. As long as you don't overdrive the rig in the conditions it is not bumpy, nor is it wet.
Good luck on your choice.
Steve |
