When it comes to choosing the perfect fishing or recreational boat, Crestliner and Lund are two of the most respected names in the industry. Both brands have built a reputation for producing high-quality, durable boats designed to handle a variety of water conditions. But how do they stack up against each other? Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend boater, knowing the differences between Crestliner and Lund is crucial for making the right decision. In this guide, we’ll compare Crestliner vs Lund across key factors like build quality, performance, pricing, and overall value to help you choose the best boat for your needs.
Brand Overviews
Crestliner
- History and Reputation: Crestliner is a manufacturer of aluminium boats, known for their durable and long-lasting performance. The heart of every Crestliner boat is built with premium materials by skilled craftsmen.
- Target Audience: Crestliner caters to a wide range of boaters, from anglers seeking various fish species to families looking for recreational fun on the water.
- Core Values: Crestliner emphasizes innovation with its AP-X Hulls, reverse chine, and variable-degree deadrise designs. They also prioritize comfort and versatility, offering various models suited for fishing, watersports, and family activities.
Lund
- History and Reputation: Lund is renowned for building high-quality, durable fishing boats that have earned a legacy of performance and reliability.
- Target Audience: Lund primarily targets serious anglers, particularly those involved in tournament fishing and those who fish in challenging conditions like rough waters.
- Core Values:
- Craftsmanship: Lund boats are meticulously crafted with attention to detail, using premium materials and manufacturing processes.
- Performance: Lund emphasizes its signature hull design, which provides precise handling, fuel efficiency, and stability.
- Fishing Focus: Every detail in a Lund boat is designed to optimize the fishing experience, with features tailored for specific angling styles and target species.
- Durability and Legacy: Lund boats are built to last, with many older models still in use, showcasing their enduring quality and investment value.
Crestliner vs. Lund: Key Differences
While both Crestliner and Lund are reputable manufacturers of aluminium fishing boats, there are several key distinctions between them:
1. Specialisation and Target Market
- Crestliner: Offers a broader range of boats, including those designed for family recreation and watersports, in addition to fishing models. Their diverse lineup caters to anglers of all skill levels and families seeking versatile watercraft.
- Lund: Strongly focuses on fishing, particularly catering to serious and tournament anglers. Lund’s emphasis on features tailored for specific fishing styles and target species underscores this specialisation.
2. Model Lineups and Pricing
- Crestliner: Provides a wider selection of models, ranging from entry-level jon boats to larger, more feature-rich fishing boats. Crestliner boats span a wider price range, with options to suit different budgets, starting from $1,128 for basic models to $89,172 for premium options.
- Lund: Offers a more specialised lineup concentrated on fishing models. Lund boats generally tend towards the higher end of the pricing spectrum, with starting prices ranging from $1,265 for basic jon boats to $103,048 for their flagship models.
3. Emphasis and Features
- Crestliner: Highlights innovation in hull design and construction, aiming to deliver comfort, versatility, and durability. Crestliner promotes features like the AP-X Hull, reverse chine, and variable-degree deadrise for improved performance and handling. They also offer a “Build & Price” tool for customisation.
- Lund: Emphasises craftsmanship, performance, and a fishing-first philosophy. They underscore their signature hull design for precise handling, stability, and fuel efficiency, often mentioning features like the IPS hull. Lund actively engages with its community through initiatives like the “Ultimate Fishing Experience Show” and “Ultimate Fishing Camp”.
4. Marketing and Brand Identity
- Crestliner: Presents itself as a brand catering to a wider audience, including families and recreational boaters, alongside serious anglers. Their marketing emphasizes versatility, durability, and innovation.
- Lund: Cultivates a strong brand identity centred around a dedicated fishing heritage, targeting seasoned anglers and tournament professionals. Their marketing focuses on the “Lund difference,” highlighting craftsmanship, performance, and a deep-rooted passion for fishing.
These differences position Crestliner and Lund to appeal to distinct segments within the boating market. Crestliner’s broader approach offers accessibility and versatility, while Lund caters to those prioritising a premium, fishing-centric experience.
Similarities between Crestliner and Lund
Despite their differences, Crestliner and Lund share several key similarities as reputable boat manufacturers:
- Material: Both companies specialise in constructing boats using aluminium. This choice of material makes their boats durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion, ideal for diverse water conditions.
- Construction: Both Crestliner and Lund emphasize their commitment to quality construction. Crestliner boasts about its all-welded aluminium hulls built by skilled craftsmen using premium materials. Lund, renowned for its craftsmanship, also mentions its meticulous manufacturing processes, using top-quality materials to create boats designed for long-lasting performance.
- Target Audience: While each brand has its specific niche, both cater to fishing enthusiasts. Crestliner offers models specifically for various fishing styles, such as the Fish Hawk, designed for multi-species fishing. Lund particularly focuses on the needs of serious anglers, including tournament professionals, with models like the Pro-V and Pro Guide series.
- Focus on Customer Experience: Both brands are committed to enhancing the boating experience for their customers. Crestliner provides various resources like a dealer locator, boat show calendar, and apparel and gear. Lund actively engages its community through the “Ultimate Fishing Experience Show,” “Ultimate Fishing Camp,” and an extensive blog offering fishing tips and advice.
- Reputation for Quality: Both Crestliner and Lund have established reputations for producing high-quality, reliable boats built to endure. Crestliner highlights its durable, long-lasting performance, while Lund focuses on its legacy of craftsmanship and performance.
These shared attributes demonstrate that both Crestliner and Lund prioritise delivering quality boats that cater to the needs of fishing enthusiasts, albeit with different nuances in their target markets and brand philosophies.
A Comparison of Build Quality and Materials
Both Crestliner and Lund are respected manufacturers of aluminium boats, known for their commitment to quality construction and durable materials. However, there are some distinctions in their approaches and technologies.
Aluminium Construction and Durability
- Crestliner: Emphasises its “all-welded aluminium hulls“, highlighting the use of premium materials and skilled craftsmanship. Their website focuses on the strength and resilience of their boats, stating, “Our all welded aluminium boats are made to deliver durable, long-lasting performance from one season to the next”. Specific models, like the Commander Elite, are designed for challenging open-water conditions.
- Lund: While the sources don’t explicitly mention “all-welded construction,” they strongly focus on craftsmanship and using top-quality materials to ensure durability. The brand’s reputation for building boats that last is evident in statements like “From decades-old boats docked at resorts across North America to the latest innovative designs arriving in showrooms today – it’s been proven that every Lund can be a legacy”.
Standout Technologies and Design Features
- Crestliner: Promotes several innovative technologies:
- AP-X Hull: This hull design, featured on models like the Fish Hawk, is said to offer “more control, faster responsiveness and better engine performance”.
- Reverse Chine: This design feature is mentioned in the sources but not explained in detail. Research suggests that reverse chine hulls can enhance stability, particularly at rest, and improve performance in rough water.
- Variable-Degree Deadrise: Also mentioned but not explained in detail. Variable deadrise hulls typically offer a smoother ride in rough water and improved fuel efficiency.
- Lund: Emphasises their signature hull design, stating that “Lund’s signature hull design provides phenomenally precise handling, impressive fuel efficiency, and unmatched stability – all while ensuring a safe, comfortable ride”.
- IPS Hull: Featured in certain Lund models, the IPS (Integrated Power Strake) hull is designed to enhance performance by improving lift and reducing drag.
Summary
Both Crestliner and Lund are committed to building durable aluminium boats using quality materials and construction techniques. While the specific details on materials aren’t outlined, their marketing and reputations suggest a focus on durability and longevity. Crestliner distinguishes itself through its emphasis on specific hull technologies like the AP-X Hull, while Lund focuses on the overall performance and handling benefits of its signature hull design.
A Look at Performance and Handling
Crestliner
- Hull Designs for Different Water Conditions: Crestliner offers a variety of hull designs across its models, suggesting suitability for different water types:
- Deep-V Hulls: Models like the Fish Hawk, Commander, and Authority series feature deep-V hulls. These are generally well-suited for handling rougher water on larger lakes and open water.
- Mod-V Hulls: Boats in the Storm, Ridge, XF, XFC, and MX series have mod-V hulls. These offer a balance of stability and rough water performance, potentially suitable for both lakes and rivers.
- Flat Bottoms: Crestliner’s Jon boats and some utility models feature flat bottoms. These are best suited for calm waters like smaller lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, offering excellent stability and shallow water access.
- Engine Options and Performance: The sources list HP ranges for each Crestliner model, providing an indication of suitable engine power. For example, the 1850 Fish Hawk has a range of 115-200 HP, suggesting a capability for higher speeds and strong performance. However, specific speed capabilities are not mentioned.
- Fishing vs. Leisure Scenarios: Crestliner offers boats explicitly designed for both fishing and leisure. For instance, the Fish Hawk series is marketed as a “multi-species fishing boat” with features like livewells and rod storage. On the other hand, models like the Sportfish series are designed for both fishing and watersports, featuring a “conversion bow” that allows for quick transformation between activities.
Lund
- Hull Design and Performance: Lund focuses on its signature hull design for “precise handling, impressive fuel efficiency, and unmatched stability”. While not explicitly stating its suitability for specific water types, this suggests a generally good performance in a variety of conditions. Some models feature the IPS (Integrated Power Strake) hull, aimed at enhancing performance, lift, and reducing drag.
- Engine Options and Speed: Similar to Crestliner, the sources for Lund provide HP ranges for different models, but specific speed capabilities are not detailed.
- Fishing Focus: Lund heavily emphasizes its fishing-first approach. While some models, like the Adventure and Tyee series, are marketed as suitable for both fishing and family recreation, the overall brand focus is on angling.
Summary
The sources offer limited specific details on the performance and handling of Crestliner and Lund boats on various water types. Crestliner’s range of hull designs indicates its suitability for different conditions, while Lund’s focus is on its signature hull design for overall performance. Both brands offer engine options across their models, but specific speed capabilities are not outlined. Crestliner explicitly caters to both fishing and leisure, while Lund primarily targets the fishing market, although some models offer versatility for recreational activities.
Popular Crestliner and Lund Models
Crestliner
- 1850 Fish Hawk:
- Size: 18′ 7″ length, seating for 6
- Features: AP-X Hull, multiple livewells, ample storage
- Use Case: “Ultimate angling adventurer,” versatile for fishing, towing, and recreational activities
- 1750 Super Hawk:
- Size: 17′ 9″ length, seating for 7
- Features: Conversion bow (fishing to ski boat), fishing features
- Use Case: Designed for both fishing and recreational activities, offering a “best-in-class conversion bow”
- 1650 Kodiak:
- Size: 16′ 4″ length, seating for 5
- Features: Rugged deep-V hull
- Use Case: Multi-purpose boat suitable for fishing, camping excursions, and general tasks on the water
Lund
- 1875 Impact XS:
- Size: Length not explicitly stated, but part of the 1775-2075 range, suggesting around 18′ 7″. Seating capacity not provided.
- Features: Rear jump seats, ski pylon added to the standard Impact model
- Use Case: Family fishing and recreation, combining fishing features with amenities for watersports
- 1875 Pro-V Bass XS:
- Size: Length not explicitly stated, but likely around 18′ 7″, based on the model name. Seating capacity not provided.
- Features: Designed for tournament bass fishing
- Use Case: Specifically for bass fishing tournaments, prioritising features and performance for serious anglers
- 1650 Rebel XL:
- Size: 16 feet length
- Features: Features of larger Lund models in a compact package
- Use Case: Affordable option for anglers seeking a smaller, feature-rich boat
Direct Comparison Notes
- Fishability: Both brands offer models clearly designed for fishing, evident in features like livewells and rod storage. Crestliner’s Fish Hawk and Lund’s Pro-V Bass XS are prime examples.
- Size and Seating:Crestliner models generally offer a wider range of sizes within each series.
Exploring Prices for Crestliner and Lund Boats
Crestliner’s Price Spectrum
Crestliner presents a wide range of boat prices, accommodating various budget needs.
- Most Affordable: At the lower end, the CR Jon series starts at $1,128. This suggests Crestliner’s commitment to providing accessible options for those seeking basic fishing or utility boats.
- Mid-Range: The Kodiak series, starting at $20,906, exemplifies a mid-range option balancing affordability and ruggedness.
- Premium: At the top end of the price spectrum sits the 2250 Sportfish, starting at $89,172. This indicates Crestliner’s offerings for a more luxurious boating experience.
Lund’s Pricing Landscape
Lund also displays a broad price range, reflecting its diverse model lineup.
- Entry-Level: The Jon Boat series, starting at $1,265, marks Lund’s most affordable entry point, similar to Crestliner’s CR Jon.
- Moving Up the Price Ladder: The Rebel XL series, starting at $22,481, occupies a higher price point, likely due to its feature set, which mirrors aspects of larger Lund models.
- Flagship Model: The 2275 Baron, priced from $103,048, stands as Lund’s flagship model. This premium price tag reflects its advanced features and positioning for serious anglers on larger waters.
Comparing Entry-Level and Premium Models
- Entry-Level: Both brands offer entry-level models focused on affordability and basic functionality, primarily targeting smaller, calmer waters. Examples include the Crestliner CR Jon and the Lund Jon Boat.
- Premium: Premium models from both brands offer larger sizes, advanced hull designs, and a broader array of features. Crestliner highlights its AP-X Hull and Reverse Chine technologies, while Lund focuses on its signature hull design, suggesting a focus on performance and ride quality.
Which Boat Is Right For You?
Choosing the perfect boat depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. Both Crestliner and Lund offer diverse selections of aluminium boats, catering to different fishing styles, recreational activities, and budget considerations.
Fishing Enthusiasts
- Crestliner: For anglers seeking versatile fishing and watersports boats, models like the Fish Hawk and Super Hawk provide spacious layouts, ample rod storage, and optional ski pylons. The Pro Tiller series targets serious anglers with features designed for optimal fishing performance.
- Lund: Lund offers a strong range of fishing-focused boats. If you’re into bass fishing, consider the Renegade or Pro-V Bass XS series. For walleye enthusiasts, the Pro Guide and Fisherman models stand out. The Pro-V Musky XS caters specifically to musky anglers.
Family Outings
- Crestliner: The Sportfish series offers spacious layouts with conversion bows, allowing for quick transitions between fishing and recreational activities. The Hawk series also provides versatility for fishing and family fun.
- Lund: The Adventure and Tyee series are designed with family needs in mind, offering comfort, fishing features, and capabilities for watersports. The Impact XS also caters to families seeking a blend of fishing and recreational features.
Budget-Conscious Buyers
- Crestliner: Entry-level models like the CR Jon and Outreach prioritise affordability and basic functionality.
- Lund: The Jon Boat series represents Lund’s most affordable option, followed by the Fury series.
Beyond the basic model categories, carefully consider the following factors:
- Boat size and seating capacity: Determine the number of people you’ll typically have onboard and choose a boat with sufficient seating and space.
- Hull design: If you plan on fishing in rough waters or larger lakes, a Deep-V hull might be more suitable for stability and a smoother ride. Mod-V hulls are often favoured for shallower waters and agility.
- Engine power: Choose an engine with adequate horsepower to match your intended use, whether it’s leisurely fishing, watersports, or navigating choppy waters.
- Fishing features: Evaluate the availability of features like livewells, rod storage, trolling motor mounts, and electronics based on your fishing style and preferences.
- Additional options: Consider customising your boat with features like seating upgrades, covers, and electronics.
Remember, the sources provide “Starting At” prices, which don’t include the cost of additional features or engine upgrades. Be sure to factor these into your budget.
Finally, research warranty information and after-sales support offered by both Crestliner and Lund to make an informed decision. While not covered in the provided sources, these aspects are crucial for long-term ownership satisfaction.
FAQs Section
Q: What types of boats do Crestliner and Lund manufacture?
- Crestliner: Crestliner specialises in aluminium boats designed for a variety of purposes, including:
- Fishing: Deep-V models for large waters, Mod-V for bass and bay fishing, and Jon Boats for shallow waters.
- Sport and Recreation: Models like the Sportfish, Fish Hawk, and Super Hawk are well-suited for watersports and family outings.
- Hunt and Utility: The Retriever series offers centre console, side console, and tiller options geared towards hunting and utility applications.
- Lund: Lund also focuses on aluminium boats, with a particular emphasis on fishing. Their lineup includes:
- Core Fishing: Models like the Adventure, Angler, and Fisherman cater to a variety of fishing styles and preferences.
- Bass and Crappie: Series like the Renegade and Pro-V Bass XS are designed for bass and crappie anglers.
- Fishing and Sport: Boats like the Tyee, Impact XS, and Crossover XS blend fishing features with watersport capabilities.
- Utility and Hunting: The Alaskan, Predator, and Jon Boat series serve utility and hunting needs.
Q: What are the price ranges for Crestliner and Lund boats?
- Crestliner: Prices vary significantly depending on the model and its features. “Starting At” prices range from $1,128 for the basic CR Jon Boat to $89,172 for the premium 2250 Sportfish. Keep in mind that these base prices do not include the cost of optional features, engine upgrades, dealer fees, or taxes.
- Lund: Similarly, Lund boats span a wide price spectrum. “Starting At” prices range from $1,265 for the entry-level Jon Boat to $103,048 for the top-tier 2275 Baron. Additional features, engine choices, and customisations will impact the final price.
Q: Which brand offers better value for money?
- Both brands appear to provide competitive value within their respective price points.
- Crestliner: Crestliner emphasises specific hull technologies like the AP-X Hull, Reverse Chine, and Variable-Degree Deadrise. These features suggest a focus on performance and ride quality.
- Lund: Lund has a strong reputation for building durable boats. They highlight their “signature hull design” for stability, performance, and comfort.
- Ultimately, the best value for money depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Q: What are the key differences between Crestliner and Lund boats?
- Hull Technology: While both brands utilise aluminium construction, Crestliner places a heavier emphasis on promoting specific hull technologies, particularly in their premium models.
- Fishing Features: Lund tends to focus more explicitly on fishing-centric features, evident in models like the Pro Guide and Pro-V Bass XS, which are designed with specific fishing styles in mind.
- Price Point: Generally, Lund boats, especially in comparable models and sizes, are priced higher than Crestliner boats. This difference might be attributed to Lund’s reputation for durability and their strong focus on fishing features. This observation is based on general market knowledge and not explicitly stated in the sources.
Q: Which brand is better for serious anglers?
- Both Crestliner and Lund cater to serious anglers with dedicated fishing models.
- Crestliner’s Pro Tiller series and Lund’s Pro Guide series are popular choices among walleye anglers.
- For bass fishing, Crestliner offers the Fish Hawk and Super Hawk series, while Lund presents the Renegade and Pro-V Bass XS.
- Lund’s Pro-V Musky XS is specifically designed for musky fishing.
Q: Which brand is better for family outings and watersports?
- Both brands offer models suitable for family boating and watersports.
- Crestliner: The Sportfish series features conversion bows, facilitating transitions between fishing and watersports. The Hawk series also provides a balance of fishing features and family-friendly amenities.
- Lund: The Adventure and Tyee series cater to families with comfortable layouts and the option for watersports features.