2003 crestliner superhawk or 2001 crestliner sportfish

[Sh0velhead]

Afternoon folks, my first post to this board.

I am looking at purchasing a used boat and am having a hard time deciding between the 2 above boats.

The 2003 has a Merc 115 4 stroke on it, the 2001 has a newer 2010 150 hp etec ho on it.

The 2003 is $5000 cheaper than the 2001, however the 2010 Rude still has 2 years warranty left.

I am a little concerned over my google searches and the powerhead issues with the Rude. Not sure if these issues have been resolve or not, can't seem to find any resent nightmare stories on this issue.

I'm also a little concerned with the 2003/115 merc being underpowered as both units are 1850.

Anyone willing to give me some insight?

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: 2003 crestliner superhawk or 2001 crestliner sportfish

Here's a short discussion in 2003 comparing the 2:
Crestliner Sportfish 1850 or Superhawk 1800 - Walleye Message Central

Here's a 2010 review on the e-tec, albeit a 135hp and on a Skiff. General e-tec info would apply to e-tecs as a whole. Compares it to a 4 stroke.
Evinrude E-TEC 130 H.P. Outboard 2010 Engine Test / Reviews Videos, Specs, Fast Facts, Captain reports | BoatTEST.com

Here's my opinion.

Assuming the boats are in like condition, on the surface I would look hard at the 2001. The motor is the heart of the boat. Being that it's much newer and has a warranty is a major plus. I've heard nothing but good things about e-tecs. If I had to re-power, that's what I would buy.

Here's a recent thread about e-tecs:
http://forums.iboats.com/johnson-evinrude-outboards/should-i-repower-etec-595991.html#post4147057

I think the 2003 is under powered with the 115. Being a 4 stroke exploits that issue even more. Also, those years the hulls were tail heavy too(crestliner issue, tanks mounted too far back), the 4 stroke will add to that issue. Don't get me wrong, I do like 4 strokes. However, I don't like the added weight. The 150 etec will run circles around the 115. Much better out of the hole too.

Good luck.......

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2003 crestliner superhawk or 2001 crestliner sportfish

If you are confusing Ficht motors with E-tec, those two are very different power heads. If E-tecs were an issue you be reading about it in these forums. Can't says as I've seen more than four or five issues since inception.

 

[Sh0velhead]

Re: 2003 crestliner superhawk or 2001 crestliner sportfish

If you are confusing Ficht motors with E-tec, those two are very different power heads. If E-tecs were an issue you be reading about it in these forums. Can't says as I've seen more than four or five issues since inception.

Heres one of the threads that has me concerned about the Rude etec's - however they are older threads, dating to 2009, just wondering if they have sorted out the issues they had:

Evinrude E-tec Motors - Topix

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 2003 crestliner superhawk or 2001 crestliner sportfish

Something to be aware of with that vintage of Superhawk/Sportfish, they had fuel tank bracket issues that would cut into the tank and cause it to leak. I got one that wasn't caught during the initial recall by Crestliner, but they sent me a free tank. I'm pretty sure they would have paid to have it replaced at a local dealership, but I preferred not to have someone else ripping on my boat.... Checkout the recall, I think the Superhawk falls in the recall and the Sportfish is outside of the recall. (Tank brackets were redesigned from aluminum to plastic.) A quick call to Crestliner should clear up whether or not the fuel tank is an issue, or has been replaced on the boat's you're looking at, you'll need the HIN so they can look it up.

I agree with Musky that they are stern heavy, though I have 2 additional batteries in the stern of mine. (The fuel tank is located mid-ship, starting just behind the console(s) and going back 4'. on mine) I'm not much help on the outboards as I have an I/O in my Superhawk.