Crestliner boats
Crestliner is an American aluminum boat builder specializing in fishing boats, jon boats, and multi species models, with 6024 registered hulls in the US fleet. The brand targets freshwater anglers and utility users with welded aluminum construction at accessible price points, with used models typically ranging from $5500 to $19500 and a median around $10000. Median hull length is 18 feet, reflecting the brand's focus on trailerable fishing rigs rather than offshore cruisers.
Crestliner used price range
From 1,504 live listings in BoatVerdict's market data (10th, 50th, 90th percentile).
See Crestliner values by model year →Are Crestliner boats reliable?
Welded aluminum construction offers durability and low maintenance compared to fiberglass, though Crestliner hulls require inspection of welds, floors, and fasteners as they age. The brand has 2 USCG recalls on record across the 6024 hull fleet, a modest rate that suggests no systemic safety issues. Ownership costs center on outboard maintenance, trailer upkeep, and addressing any floor rot in wood decked models from the early to mid 2000s.
Common problems to inspect on a used Crestliner
- Transom welds and hull seams for hairline cracks or corrosion
- Plywood flooring for soft spots or rot in pre 2010 models
- Riveted components and live well seams for minor leaks
- Trailer bunks, axles, and winch condition after years of ramp use
Crestliner used-boat buyer's guide
What Crestliner is on the used market
Crestliner is a Minnesota aluminum builder (since 1946, now Brunswick alongside Lund and Lowe) known for all-welded hulls aimed at the serious walleye and multispecies market — a half-step below sibling Lund in prestige and price, a clear step above Lowe and Tracker in construction. The 6,000 hulls in our sample skew toward 16–20 ft deep-V fishing layouts in the upper Midwest.
Known issues to inspect
Welded-hull inspection applies: transom and keel weld condition, signs of repeated stress repairs, and floor/deck plywood on pre-2010 boats. Crestliner's welded seams have a strong durability record; the practical issues live in the rigging, not the hull.
As with Lund, the electronics-and-trolling-motor package often represents a large share of the asking price — date-stamp every component, because 'fully rigged' with 2016 graphs is a discount conversation. Verify Mercury outboard history (Brunswick packages skew Mercury), check the livewells, and inspect the trailer bunks supported the hull correctly on heavily trailered boats.
Resale and value character
Crestliner is the quiet value pick of the premium aluminum tier: it gives up a little resale shine to Lund but costs meaningfully less to buy, and welded construction keeps old hulls saleable indefinitely. In walleye country the market is efficient and liquid; elsewhere expect slightly longer sale times. Buy on hull condition and rigging age, and the brand will neither help nor hurt you at exit.
Written by a BoatVerdict analyst · Updated 2026-06-11
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Models we cover in depth (1)
Recalls (2)
- ⚠ Recall
110023S4/6/2011LEVEL FLOTATION
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
110024S4/6/2011LEVEL FLOTATION
What this means before you buy →
USCG MIC entries (3)
Frequently asked questions
Are Crestliner boats good quality?
Crestliner builds welded aluminum fishing boats known for durability and value, with a 6024 hull US fleet spanning decades. Quality is solid for the price point, though fit and finish trails premium brands like Lund or Alumacraft.
Do Crestliner boats hold their value?
Crestliner resale is stable in the aluminum fishing boat segment, with used models selling from $5500 to $19500 depending on year, size, and condition. Median asking price of $10000 reflects accessible entry points but slower appreciation than fiberglass bass boats.
What years of Crestliner boats are most common?
The most registered Crestliner model years are 2003, 2002, 2019, 2004, 2022, and 2018, showing both a strong early 2000s fleet and recent production growth. Older hulls require closer inspection of floors and welds.
How long do Crestliner aluminum boats last?
Aluminum hulls can last 30 plus years with proper care, as the welded construction resists rot and impact damage better than fiberglass. Longevity depends on floor material, storage conditions, and whether the boat saw saltwater use, which accelerates corrosion of fasteners and fittings.
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