Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC – Is It An Excellent Fishing Platform?

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC Review

Reference price: from $23,142

Type: Jon Boat

Weight: 970 pounds (boat net)

Seats: 7

What we like about it: A spacious center console, plenty of storage space, and a potent engine.

What we didn’t like about it: The position with the upholstery would have made it perfect, but the price may not be for everyone.

Rating (4.8/5)

Jon boats have become an increasingly popular choice among boaters, and there’s a good reason for that. They’re generally affordable, and their minimalistic design makes them lightweight and easy to transport in your truck, allowing you to explore various locations. Their flat-bottomed design enables them to navigate fishing spots that larger boats might struggle to access.

Crestliner, known for manufacturing boats tailored for professional anglers, constructs its boats using thick high-quality aluminum paired with fully welded technology. This dispels the notion that jon boats can’t handle rough waters. The Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC, one of its most popular models, excels on the water with its robust and durable hull, as well as its spacious center console.

Now let’s delve into the driving experience, passenger comfort, specifications, and other versions of the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC.

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Overall Impression

My neighbor Kolson is an avid angler who loves exploring various fishing spots by boat. He enjoys discovering lesser-known narrow waterways in search of different fish species. Recently, his newly purchased Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC jon boat arrived, which he got a few months ago.

He expressed his satisfaction with the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC’s center console and ample rod storage, which intrigued him deeply. It sounded like a fantastic boat. Seeing my curiosity, he invited me to join him for a fishing trip near our homes over the weekend, giving me a chance to experience it firsthand. I was more than eager to join the fishing adventure.

We agreed to set off early in the morning. As I arrived at the dock with Kolson, I was immediately impressed by the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC. The Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Camouflage hull and interior were not only stylish but also effectively concealed on the water.

Kolson kept emphasizing his fondness for the center console, which stood prominently in the boat. It served as the boat’s command center, robust and substantial, occupying a central position. A sizable windscreen was positioned in front of the console, deflecting light winds and aiding in smoother navigation. It even had a handrail upfront, securing the 90hp-rated engine’s power for a more stable ride, a thoughtful design for those with children on board like Kolson.

Driving Experience

Seeing my interest in the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC, Kolson urged me to step aboard and get to know it better. We needed to capitalize on the fish activity while they were still active on the water. While I had driven other boats before, I wasn’t familiar with the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC. Kolson had driven it several times, so he took the helm this time.

Next to the console of the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC was a generously padded spacious seat. Kolson invited me to sit beside him, allowing me a better view of how he operated the boat. If I wanted to, I could take the helm on the way back. I hadn’t expected to find such comfortable cushioned seating on a jon boat, and I settled in with a sense of ease.

Kolson gave me a brief overview of the dashboard and electronics atop the console of the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC. They were clear and sizable, and even with my nearsightedness, I could easily read them. I felt that navigating them wouldn’t be a stressful task.

Kolson had mentioned the powerful engine of the boat earlier, so I was prepared for its speed. As he throttled up, the boat left a long spray of water behind, and my excitement grew. It was hard to believe that this was the speed of a fishing boat.

Fishing Experience

Before long, we reached our chosen fishing spot. Our fishing rods were stored on the left side’s rod holders, accommodating up to four rods. While that was ample for us, there were six additional vertical rod holder placements on both sides of the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC’s console. This could cater to more crew members with rod storage needs.

Kolson flipped over the seats we had just occupied, revealing neatly arranged tackle boxes and life jackets. He took out the tackle box and asked me to prepare the fishing rods while he set up the fishing seat at the stern. He fetched the foldable chairs from the rear of the boat and set them up on the ground. With everything in place, we immediately got down to business. I believed that with the help of the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC, today would be a perfect opportunity for us to shine and reap a bountiful catch.

Specifications

As a spacious fishing platform, the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC doesn’t disappoint. In addition to its versatile casting deck, it offers ample storage space. It maximizes the bow space by incorporating hidden storage compartments throughout. Not only does this allow you to organize items effectively, but it also safeguards your valuables from getting wet.

The 16-gallon inflatable livewell at the center of the bow is easily accessible and sufficiently maintains fish freshness throughout the day. If you enjoy chatting with friends while fishing, you’ll appreciate its reliable tunnel system. You can secure your fishing rods, freeing up your hands. This considerate design makes it an outstanding fishing platform on the water.

Other Versions

For those with a more generous budget, the 1860 RETRIEVER CC TUNNEL offers even more peace of mind for your jon boat. It comes standard with the Mercury Jet 65 HP EFI 4-stroke engine and a Karavan trailer. Most importantly, it features a jet engine tunnel hull, elevating its beams higher than traditional hulls. This allows you to explore shallower waters with ease, running smoothly even in just a few inches of water.

In other aspects, the configuration of the 1860 RETRIEVER CC TUNNEL remains consistent with the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC. If your fishing environments demand more from your boat, the unique features of the 1860 RETRIEVER CC TUNNEL make it a superior choice.

What do we like about it

• Spacious casting deck platform.
• Ample storage areas for enhanced convenience.
• Easily accessible rod holders throughout.
• Collapsible backrest fishing seats for storage.
• Engine rated at 90hp for swift water navigation.
• Appropriate size for easy launch and accommodating more participants in every fishing expedition.

What we don’t like about it

• Limited comfortable padded seating.
• The price may not be suitable for everyone.

FAQ

• Is it safe to use a Jon boat?

While jon boats may not be as safe and stable as V-hull boats in rough waters, they are very safe in calm shallow waters as long as you stay within their weight capacity and designated speed limits. Their flat-bottom design is advantageous for navigating small lakes, rivers, and other calm waters.

• Can I stand up on a Jon boat?

The flat-bottom design of jon boats provides stability when standing. However, you need to ensure even weight distribution on the boat and avoid making abrupt movements. If you’re larger, you should assess whether standing is feasible in the current conditions.

• How Long Will a Jon Boat Last?

Although aluminum jon boats are sturdy and durable, they may not last a lifetime. However, with proper maintenance, using them for several decades is certainly achievable.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC SPECS

Length	18′
Fuel Capacity	19 GAL.
Deadrise	3.5°
Min HP Capacity	60
Max Weight Capacity	1,578 LBS
Transom Height	20″
Beam	85″

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Lengths	Maximum Horsepower	Maximum person capacity
Tracker Grizzly 1860 CC	19′ 2”	90HP	7 persons
Lowe Roughneck 1860 CC	18′	90HP	7 persons
G3 Boats Gator Tough 18 CC	18’1″	90HP	5 persons

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC vs Tracker Grizzly 1860 CC

The Tracker Grizzly 1860 CC, with its length of 19′ 2″, offers a larger casting space on the water. It comes equipped with a 60 ELPT FourStroke Mercury® FourStroke motor and a trailer. If you’re working with a tighter budget, it could be an enticing option.

The Tracker Grizzly 1860 C’s console setup is nearly identical to the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC. However, when it comes to storage space, it falls significantly short compared to the latter. The bow of the Tracker Grizzly 1860 C has only one smaller storage compartment, which can be locked. Additionally, it features just a 9-gallon livewell located at the front of the console. Given its standard capacity for 7 people, I believe this might be a bit limiting.

If you’re on a more modest budget but looking for a spacious fishing platform, it could be an excellent fit for you. Just be prepared for the possibility of limited space for storing your items.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC vs Lowe Roughneck 1860 CC

While the Lowe Roughneck 1860 CC is pricier than the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC, we believe it offers better features and quality overall. It truly is a more worthwhile investment in a boat.

Firstly, the Lowe Roughneck 1860 C features a fully welded Mod-V hull that excels not only in handling rough waters but also in providing a stable ride. Secondly, it comes with more seating options, allowing you, your friends, or your family to enjoy ample seating space. Additionally, the Lowe Roughneck 1860 C boasts a 19-gallon inflatable livewell. This means you have more space to store your catch.

However, the Lowe Roughneck 1860 C isn’t without its imperfections. Its console doesn’t have the same large windscreen as the 1860 Retriever CC, and it only offers rod holders capable of accommodating three fishing rods. I consider this a significant oversight on their part. Fishing rods are essential for anglers. Of course, you can decide which boat you prefer based on your own needs.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC vs G3 Boats Gator Tough 18 CC

The G3 Boats Gator Tough 18 CC is a jon boat that’s perfectly suited for serious anglers. It offers ample livewell and rod holders, allowing every passenger to experience optimal comfort while still accommodating its maximum load capacity.

The G3 Boats Gator Tough 18 CC features vinyl-based flooring that not only prevents slipping but is also easy to clean. The camouflage pattern style undoubtedly resonates with those who have a fondness for military watercraft. It not only provides a better vantage point for the captain but also ensures comfort for their legs and hips.

However, amidst this perfect layout, the bow of the G3 Boats Gator Tough 18 CC seems somewhat too simplistic. This is because it lacks additional features, which also means it doesn’t offer as much storage space as the 1860 Retriever CC. Nevertheless, for consumers primarily focused on fishing, I believe the G3 Boats Gator Tough 18 CC would suffice to meet your fishing needs.

Summary

Are you looking forward to having your fishing platform and inviting friends to join your fishing adventures at any time? While the Crestliner 1860 Retriever CC might not have as many comfortable seats, its fishing equipment and facilities are certainly comprehensive for most anglers. You can vigorously cast your fishing rods from its spacious 360° casting deck. If your budget allows, this would be a decision that offers great value for money.

If your budget doesn’t quite match the boats mentioned above, you can also consider other offerings from NeoBoats. They offer reasonably priced boats that still uphold high quality, making them an excellent choice for those seeking value. If you’re interested in learning about more boats, feel free to visit our homepage. You can also reach out to us directly to purchase a boat; we look forward to welcoming you.