The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

MARCH 2010

Length overall  17' 7" Beam  8' Draft  14" (engine up) Deadrise  17 degrees Weight1,400 lb Fuel 33 gals Max. power  140 hp Base Price  $20,995

The welded aluminum construction of Crestliner's 1750 Raptor TE makes sense for Chesapeake boaters who want a tough, affordable, efficient boat that fishes well but converts easily to family use. Features range from rod storage to twin swivel seats and an optional stern bench that converts to a casting deck. A 90-hp outboard combines performance with fuel efficiency. The aluminum hull makes trailering easy with a six-cylinder tow vehicle. Crestliner Boats, Little Falls, Minn. 320-632-6686, www.crestliner.com