2010 Crestliner 1650 Canadian

By: Mike Milne

Nothing generates a Canadian’s patriotic pride quite like seeing an American boat builder name one of its models after us, because – as the marketing literature points out – it has “rock-solid durability” and is ready for “big water” and “foul weather” while offering “all day comfort.”

After testing the Crestliner1650 Canadian on some really big water (Lake Huron) on a very miserable day (it never stopped raining), I can attest to the boat’s ability to provide what fishermen consider a high level of comfort, when equipped like the test boat with a stand-up Bimini top and full side curtains.

But I can also vouch for the boat’s performance.

Powered by a 90-hp Mercury four stroke, the 1650 Canadian jumped onto plane and accelerated to 20 mph in 5.75 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 8.29 seconds. It travels at 21.3 mph at 3000 rpm, 26.1 mph at 3500 rpm  and 31.7 mph at 4000 rpm.
The stiff, welded-aluminum hull and four-stroke motor combine to keep sound levels low – 85 decibels at the helm while cruising and only 87 decibels at top speed.

The hull’s stiffness, 12-degree deadrise and wide reverse chines contribute to sharp handling in turns. Test day on Lake Huron was relatively calm, but the boat had no problems handling the ground swell of some big waves left over from recent storms.

With the canvas bow cover and top in place, the boat stays relatively warm and entirely dry. It is easy to enjoy the 1650 on the water even on an inclement day of Canadian weather.

All the requisite fishing amenities are in place in the 1650, as well, including three moveable swiveling fold-down pedestal seats, trolling motor rigging forward, two bow storage compartments and an aerated 24-gallon livewell forward of the high walk-through windshield.

There’s rod storage in the gunwales and a couple of compartments in the aft corners that will hold tackle trays. Cargo netting in the starboard side coaming area and in the bow area coamings will help keep gear organized.

One of the boat’s most endearing features and one that greatly boosts its durability quotient is the spray-on “Crest- Liner” non-skid covering the interior floors. It’s tougher than vinyl, but just as easy to clean. Carpeting isn’t in the same league in terms of convenience.

In true Canadian fashion, you won’t want to boast loudly about all the 1650’s attributes, but you will want to enjoy them out in the wide open waters where this boat will be right at home.

TEST BOAT ENGINE

Mercury 90 FourStroke, 105.7 ci / 1.732 L, inline four-cylinder, fourstroke gasoline outboard with electronic fuel injection producing 90 hp, driving a 23” pitch three-blade aluminum propeller.

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)

0-20 / 5.75 ; 0-30 / 8.29

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)

5000 / 43.4

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)

3000 / 21.3 ; 3500 / 26.1 ; 4000 / 31.7 ; 4500 / 37.6

SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (3500 rpm)

Helm – 85 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 87 dbA

SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED

Helm – 87 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 89 dbA