The 1750 Offers Versatility For Both Fish And Ski Enthusiasts

Gull Lake in Brainerd Minnesota proved to be a perfect spot for testing the capabilities of Crestliner’s new Sportfish 1750 outboard. It was pleasantly cool for this Floridian transplant. The changing weather from sunny to overcast and stormy gave us plenty of opportunity to challenge the Sportfish’s abilities in changing environments. We had to run out between the rain squalls to keep the test equipment dry, but she responded nimbly each time and dodged the big clouds with ease.

The 1750 Sportfish is Crestliner’s newest entry level boat for the Sportfish line. It may be entry level, but that is all that seems small about this craft. She carries an 89” beam and a length of 17’ 1”. At this size, she fits in most garages or carports. She only weighs 1300 lbs, which makes her very trailerable by most vehicles designed for towing. John Janousek, Crestliner’s National Promotional Manager, had my test boat around the lot and in the water before I could even get to the dock to help! It doesn’t surprise me that this is one of their most popular models.

If you are looking for rivets to hold this hull together, quit looking. Crestliner claims to have innovated the welded hull design back in 1964. They are very confident of the utility of the welded hull design. Until 2003 models came out, they offered a “20 plus 3” warranty on their boats. This year it has changed to a “Lifetime plus 3” guarantee. Their website has complete details. This design helps them provide you with almost the same look you get with most fiberglass hull designs in fishing boats. The Baked Armor-Guard paint process and Crestliner graphics package give you a nice look usually not found on an aluminum hull boat.

Up front you have room for the optional trolling motor. The trolling motor panel includes a 12/24-volt switch and main motor tilt switch. They know what it is like to try to bait a hook in the dark, so they have a task light mounted in the back of the bow navigation light. A waterproof switch on top turns on a small flashlight type bulb so you can watch yourself put the hook in your finger! No more excuses. This light doesn’t interfere with the navigation lights and is small enough not to wash out your night vision.

The bow changes from fish identity to ski identity almost as fast as Superman changes identity. Remove the forward fish seat and pole, flip the port and starboard sides of the floor up to make padded seats and you are ready to go skiing! Very smart use of space!

The Sport windshield is a walk-thru, but unlike most of its cousins out there, there are no side support bars to create huge blind spots. Even when the sun did finally peak out, I couldn’t find any glare spots to annoy me.

The cockpit area seats were very comfortable. The Pro Form II seats mounted on eleven-inch posts allow swivel and removal if you chose. The companion area has a large non-glare glove box. There are safety grab rails and courtesy lights here in the cockpit. The helm instruments and switches were laid out for easy access. The tilt wheel is comfortable from the elevated deluxe helm.

While in fishing identity, you will find she is ready to tackle the big fish. The side panels come low to the floor to form toeholds when you need some leverage to fight the big fish. You can lock your rods away in the lockable storage on the port side.

The rear bench seat is a sweet change for 2003. Flip it over and you have a large casting platform! There is an aerated 22-gallon livewell with baitwell here. The 25” transom is ready to hang any motor you wish from a 90 hp to 150 horses. There is even room to add your kicker motor here.

Handling was firm and responsive. Best cruise on this model was at 4000 rpm. At cruise you may expect to run about 29.9 mph and burn about 6.6 gph or 4.53 miles per gallon. She was quiet at 81 dbA. Top speed was 42 mph, burning 13 gph or 3.24 miles per gallon. For a multi-purpose boat, she has a quick hole shot at 3 seconds. She took 7 seconds to reach 30 mph using the 115 hp Yamaha.

From bow to stern, this Sportfish 1750 is ready to blast off in a fishing contest or rocket you up onto your skis. How often can you get one boat with two identities like this? Check out more details about Crestliner’s Sportfish 1750 here at our website or at a dealer near you.

By Capt. Bob Smith

Test Captain

• Top speed for the Crestliner Sportfish 1750 is 37.9 MPH (61 KPH), burning 9.0 gallons per hour (GPH) or 34.06 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Crestliner Sportfish 1750 is 29.9 MPH (48.1 KPH), and the boat gets 4.53 miles per gallon (MPG) or 1.93 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 126 miles (202.78 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1x115-hp Yamaha.


• Time to plane for the Crestliner Sportfish 1750 is 3.0 sec. seconds.


• Time from 0 to 30 of the Crestliner Sportfish 1750 is 7.0 sec. seconds.

Crestliner Sportfish 1750 Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Fishfinder
Systems
Battery Charger/Converter	Max Pro
CD Stereo
Exterior Features
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Platform
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional