Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Aluminum is one of man kind’s most useful materials, and the craftsmen at Crestliner have mastered the use of this metal in their line of durable boats. The most popular model of the family is the Fish Hawk 1850. This capable fishing platform combines a utilitarian layout with an outboard power configuration to deliver a go anywhere, multi-season machine.

The Fish Hawk starts with a deep-V hull that is welded and reinforced throughout, then filled with polyurethane foam to ensure a solid, vibration free unit. Neatly organized within the hull’s structure are storage lockers and roto-molded fish and bait wells. All this forethought provides the avid angler with a clutter free work space while protecting equipment and catch. Other slick ideas include multiple chair base mounts (6 total) so the two removable swivel seats can offer a multitude of seating options. And ‘Crest-Liner’, an innovative coating applied to the inside of the deck hatch’s which helps to deaden sound and vibration. All of these items work in unison to give an exceptionally quiet and solid ride, even when our test crew slammed the 18 foot, 3 inch boat into head seas.

The work space at the bow provides lots of room to move about and easy access to the dual storage lockers and centerline, 27-gallon livewell. The carpeted casting platform has a removable seat and simple access to the trolling motor controls. Providing juice to the trolling motor is a massive battery box that has room for several 12-volt units, ensuring plenty of shallow water fishing time.

In the cockpit, Crestliner offers two different console choices. The SC model has a single helm station with no protection for the companion side, while the DC version gives your fishing buddy their own console and wind screen. The latter is definitely the better choice on cold days. Both models use roto-molded consoles for super durability. The cockpit features a dry storage locker to starboard and a jumbo rod storage locker to port.

There is plenty of space for several rods in the compartment, but no way to secure them and keep them from becoming a tangled mess while navigating the rough stuff. Aft in the cockpit is a second livewell and a pair of concealed compartments that supply room for the engine’s battery and oil supply tank.

In total, I can see why the 1850 Fish Hawk is such a popular model. She delivers a great ride and handles amazingly for a fish boat. Equipped with a 150 horsepower engine (the maximum size for this boat), the 1850 was quick and carved tight turns without cavitation or any feeling of instability.

• Top speed for the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 SC is 50.9 mph (81.9 kph), burning 14.2 gallons per hour (gph) or 53.75 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 SC is 25.4 mph (40.9 kph), and the boat gets 7.04 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.99 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 196 miles (315.43 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 150-hp Mercury Optimax outboard.