2011 Crestliner 1850 Raptor TE Walk-Through
Reviewed by Richard Crowder
The Raptor series is not new for Crestliner for 2011, but many of its features are new. Crestliner touts its Raptors, available in 1750 and 1850 model lengths, as “the ultimate do-it-all boats.” As just an initial testament to this statement, the 1850 is available in both a Trolling Edition (TE – the edition we reviewed) where the console is located slightly forward of center giving a larger cockpit, and a Casting Edition (CE) where the console is located slightly aft of center giving a larger forward casting platform.
But the iterations of this model don’t stop there. Both the TE and the CE configurations are available in side console (SC), dual console (DC), or walk-through (WT) full windshield models. If you’re counting, that’s six different interior configurations (and model designations) just for the one 1850 Raptor. Sounds pretty “do-it-all” right there. But there’s more.
Because of the very high, protective, and wrap-around curved windshield on the Walk-Through model, full top, side, and aft canvas can be added to make this Raptor model into a true versatile full-season family runabout as well as a dedicated fishing machine. And with a maximum horsepower rating capacity of 175, this relatively light weight (1,470 lb) all-round package will really scoot to satisfy any watersport activity you could ever imagine. Now that truly is “do-it-all!”
The 1850 Raptor is loaded with both general and dedicated storage compartments everywhere you look. The bow platform has no less than three of these compartments that can accommodate optional removable tackle tray liners which themselves can hold multiple tackle storage boxes. Also within this platform is a 24-gallon (91 L) aerated and recirculating livewell plus a separate baitwell. Also up front is one of the six standard mounting bases for fishing seats.
A lockable and illuminated center floor dedicated storage for up to five 8-foot rods extends under the forward platform. Behind this and between the two front seats is an in-floor dedicated battery compartment to accommodate a 36-volt system. More rod storage is found under the portside gunnel and two more storage compartments behind the driver’s seat on the starboard side and within the rear raised platform. To top it all off is a second and larger 29-gallon (110 L) aerated and recirculating livewell within this aft platform.
The driver’s console is extremely well thought out and laid out with large readable Faria gauges housed within a molded pod with extended “eyebrows” to shadow these gauges in bright sunlight and to prevent reflection of them onto to windshield. All of the normal outboard gauges are there plus a very logical array of the necessary switches and breakers. A classy looking stainless steel tilting steering wheel faces the standard, supportive, and comfortable sliding adjustable and removable helm seat. Driver and passenger seats are standard. All manner of optional regular or pedestal seating with or without power is available.
Out on the water, the 65-years of experience that Crestliner has building boats, and especially welded aluminum boats, certainly shows. This 1850 Raptor is a sweetheart as it performed all manner of manoeuvres from tight figure-8 turns to comfortable cruising to high speed runs responsively, quietly, and totally predictably with no discernable bad habits whatsoever. It simply does what you want it to do when you want it to do it. Powered by a Mercury 150 OptiMax, it held minimum planing speed at 12 mph at 2600 RPM; a slow cruising speed of 21 mph at 3000 RPM; a fast cruising speed of 35 mph at 4000 RPM; and topped out at 45 mph at a wide open throttle 5200 RPM. With the maximum rated horsepower capacity of 175 on hand, top speed would probably top 50 mph!
This 1850 Raptor not only “does-it-all,” it simply does it all with no muss or fuss and with loads of fun to boot.
| Length: |
18' 7" |
5.70 m |
| Beam: |
8' 0" |
2.45 m |
| Deadrise: |
17 Degrees |
|
| Dry weight: |
1470 lbs |
667 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: |
33 US gals |
125 l |
| Engine / Drive: |
Mercury 150 OptiMax |
