
Crownline Boats is a mid-tier manufacturer of boats for offshore fishing, wake sports, and family recreation. They are known for their unique F.A.S.T. Tab hull design, which stands for Fin-Assisted Safe Turn. This design feature aerates the water to reduce drag and improve handling. Crownline boats tend to be heavier than their competitors, but their performance is highly regarded. The company was founded in 1991 in Whittington, Illinois, and has since grown to include a global network of over 90 dealers. Their boats are also backed by an impressive warranty, with the hull, stringers, transom, and deck covered for the boat's entire life for the original owner. While some owners have reported issues with gel coat cracking and rough rides in choppy waters, overall, Crownline boats are considered a good choice for those seeking a relaxing day on the water with family and friends.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Reputation | Comfort and innovation in hull design |
Price | $39,995 to $256,610 |
Performance | Good, owing to their unique F.A.S.T. Tab hull design |
Reliability | Average, with some complaints about poor customer service |
Durability | Good, with a lifetime warranty on the hull, stringers, transom, and deck |
Design | Heavy hulls with luxurious recreation as the primary design philosophy |
Parts for older models | Available for boats made within the last 5 years |
Typical problems | Rough ride, cracks in the gel coat, poor dealership relations |
Longevity | Comparable to other similar brands |
Value retention | Good, with lower-than-average depreciation |
What You'll Learn
- Crownline boats are heavier than competitors but have a good reputation for performance
- They are a solid mid-tier manufacturer, with a focus on luxury and comfort
- Crownline has one of the best warranties in the industry
- They are known for their Deck, Runabout, Bowrider, Cruisers, Ski, and Wakeboard models
- Crownline boats are affordable
Crownline boats are heavier than competitors but have a good reputation for performance
Crownline boats are heavier than their competitors. The company uses thick fiberglass in its construction, which contributes to the weight of the boats. Despite this, Crownline boats have a good reputation for performance due to their unique F.A.S.T. (Fin-Assisted Safe Turn) Tab hull design. This design features vented chines on the hull's surface, which aerate the water to reduce drag, while tabs prevent handling issues associated with chines. As a result, the hull handles turns effectively and responds well to trim adjustments.
Crownline's design philosophy prioritises luxurious recreation over all-out speed performance, resulting in heavier hulls with more amenities. The company acknowledges that their boats are heavier and attributes this to their focus on designing for functionality rather than a price point.
In terms of durability, Crownline boats are constructed with thick fiberglass, which is one of the factors that contributes to their weight. The company offers one of the best warranties in the industry, covering the hull, stringers, transom, and deck for the boat's lifetime for the original owner. Additionally, almost everything else on the boat, including the upholstery, is covered by a 5- to 12-month warranty.
When it comes to reliability, Crownline boats are considered a solid mid-tier option for offshore fishing, wake sports, or family recreation. Their F.A.S.T. Tab hull design enhances their performance, especially given the heavier hulls. The company's early models from the 1990s and early 2000s are generally well-regarded, with many of their current design principles and quality standards already in place during those early years.
However, some problems arose in the 2000s, with reports of rough rides in choppy waters and inconsistencies in fiberglass quality. There were also issues with resin not completely saturating the fiberglass, making it brittle. Despite these setbacks, Crownline has worked to repair its reputation and has introduced innovative designs, such as the F.A.S.T. Tab hull, to enhance their boats' performance and appeal.
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They are a solid mid-tier manufacturer, with a focus on luxury and comfort
Crownline Boats is a solid mid-tier manufacturer, with a focus on luxury and comfort. The company was founded in 1991 in Whittington, Illinois, and has since established itself as a reliable brand in the boating industry. Their boats are known for their innovative design, comfort, and performance, thanks to their unique F.A.S.T. Tab hull design. This design feature reduces drag and improves handling, resulting in a responsive and efficient ride.
Crownline boats tend to be heavier than their competitors, but this is by design. The company prioritizes function and luxury recreation over all-out speed performance. The heavier hulls are built with thick fiberglass, contributing to the boat's durability. In fact, Crownline boats are known for their sturdy construction, with one owner commenting that their boat was "built like an aircraft carrier" and could "take a beating".
The company offers a wide range of models, including Deck, Runabout, Bowrider, Cruisers, Ski, and Wakeboard boats, among others. They also provide one of the best warranties in the industry, covering the hull, stringers, transom, and deck for the boat's entire life for the original owner. Additionally, almost everything else on the boat, including the upholstery, is covered by a 5- to 12-month warranty.
When it comes to reliability, Crownline boats are known for their performance and durability. Their F.A.S.T. Tab hull design enhances handling and responsiveness, making them a popular choice for various activities such as wakeboarding, offshore fishing, and family recreation. However, some owners have noted that the boats can have a rough ride in choppy waters, especially the models from the mid-2000s.
In terms of durability, Crownline boats are built to last. The thick fiberglass construction and sturdy hulls contribute to their longevity. The company also offers an impressive warranty, covering the hull, stringers, transom, and deck for the original owner's lifetime. This warranty provides peace of mind and reflects Crownline's confidence in the quality of their boats.
Overall, Crownline boats offer a good combination of performance, comfort, and luxury. Their innovative designs, sturdy construction, and reliable performance make them a solid choice for boaters seeking a relaxing and enjoyable experience on the water. With a focus on luxury and comfort, Crownline has established itself as a trusted mid-tier brand in the boating industry.
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Crownline has one of the best warranties in the industry
Crownline boats are known for their durability and robust construction. The hull, stringers, transom, and deck are all covered under a lifetime warranty for the original owner, which is one of the best warranties in the industry. This warranty covers the treated-timber stringers and underfloor hull stiffeners, as well as the engine gauges.
The upholstery, canvas, stainless steel deck fittings, and gel coat are covered by a five-year warranty. The gel coat warranty specifically covers cosmetic gel coat cracking for 18 months.
The company's confidence in its product is evident through these extensive warranties, providing customers with peace of mind and assurance of the boat's quality.
In addition to the warranties, Crownline boats are also known for their spacious interiors, ergonomic seating, and efficient performance. The beamy hull, with its 18 degrees of deadrise at the transom, contributes to excellent efficiency and easy planing. The boat can comfortably handle bumpy waters and busy rivers, making it a reliable choice for various water conditions.
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They are known for their Deck, Runabout, Bowrider, Cruisers, Ski, and Wakeboard models
Crownline is a well-known and reputable boat manufacturer, offering a range of models to suit different needs and preferences. They are known for their Deck, Runabout, Bowrider, Cruisers, Ski, and Wakeboard models, each designed with attention to detail and a focus on performance and comfort.
The Deck models offer spacious and well-designed layouts, with ample storage options and attention to detail in the finishing. The Runabout models are ideal for those seeking a combination of performance and luxury, with powerful engines and well-appointed interiors. The Bowrider models are perfect for socialising and entertaining, with spacious cockpits and ergonomic seating arrangements.
The Cruisers, on the other hand, provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for longer voyages, offering amenities such as air conditioning, touchscreen controls, and spacious decks. For water sports enthusiasts, the Ski and Wakeboard models are excellent choices, with powerful performance and features designed specifically for towing and water sports.
Crownline boats are known for their innovative design and unique features, such as their F.A.S.T. (Fin-Assisted Safe Turn) Tab hull design, which improves handling and performance. The boats also tend to be heavier than competitors, which some users appreciate for the sense of stability it provides. The company prioritises luxury and comfort in its design philosophy, and this is reflected in the ample amenities and spacious layouts of their boats.
In terms of durability, Crownline boats are constructed with thick fiberglass, ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting vessel. The company offers one of the best warranties in the industry, covering the hull, stringers, transom, and deck for the boat's lifetime for the original owner. This provides peace of mind and showcases the company's confidence in the quality of their boats.
Overall, Crownline boats offer a good balance of performance, comfort, and luxury, making them a popular choice for boaters seeking a reliable and stylish vessel for their adventures on the water.
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Crownline boats are affordable
Crownline Boats is a reliable and affordable boat manufacturer, whether you're looking for a boat for wakeboarding, offshore fishing, or a family adventure. Their boats are unique in looks and are heavier than the competition. However, their distinctive F.A.S.T. (Fin-Assisted Safe Turn) Tab hull design gives them a good reputation for overall performance.
Crownline boats are a solid mid-tier manufacturer. They have a good reputation for performance and are known for their comfort and innovation in hull design. They build bowriders, cabin cruisers, wake boats, and center consoles in the competitive powerboat market. Crownline boats are also known for their durability. The fiberglass construction in their boats is very thick, which is one of the factors that make their hulls heavier than their competition. Crownline does not use any wood at or below the waterline in its construction.
The company offers one of the best warranties in the industry. The hull, stringers, transom, and deck are all covered for the boat's life for the original owner. Almost everything else on the boat is under a 5- to 12-month warranty, including the upholstery. Crownline boats are competitively priced and offer excellent value for money. For example, their 180BR model, priced at $35,990 with a 3.0lt MerCruiser petrol inboard motor, is good buying. With the maximum recommended 220hp 4.3lt MPI engine, the boat is priced at $41,990 and is still good buying.
Crownline boats are a good choice for those looking for a relaxing day on the water with family and friends. They are a reliable mid-tier brand that focuses on luxury and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Crownline boats are good for family recreation. The company prioritises luxurious recreation in its design philosophy, and its boats are known for their comfort and innovation in hull design. Crownline boats are heavier than those of their competitors, but their unique F.A.S.T. Tab hull design gives them a good reputation for performance.
Crownline is a solid mid-tier manufacturer. Their boats are heavier than those of their competitors, but their unique F.A.S.T. Tab hull design gives them a good reputation for performance. Their boats are also said to be more affordable than other brands.
Crownline boats built in the 1990s and early 2000s are generally well-regarded. However, some of the models from the 2000s have a reputation for riding roughly in choppy waters. There was also some inconsistency in the fiberglass quality during these years, with some boats showing poor fiberglass work.