Crestliner boats are made by Crestliner, a division of Brunswick Corporation, the publicly traded parent company that also owns Mercury Marine, Boston Whaler, and Lund.
The brand is known for all welded aluminum fishing boats built for durability on the Great Lakes and other big water fishing destinations.
Brunswick Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BC and is one of the largest marine manufacturers in the world.
Knowing that Crestliner shares a parent company with Lund helps explain why the two brands are often built at the same Minnesota facility and are frequently compared by shoppers.
This article covers Crestliner’s ownership, where the boats are built, its all welded aluminum construction, and how it compares to its sister brand, Lund.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Crestliner Boats?
Crestliner traces its roots to 1946 in Little Falls, Minnesota, and has passed through several corporate owners over its history, including Outboard Marine Corporation and Genmar Holdings.
Brunswick Corporation acquired Crestliner in 2004 as part of the Brunswick Boat Group, which also includes Lund, Boston Whaler, and Sea Ray.
Some owners who purchased Crestliner boats before the 2004 ownership change have reported difficulty getting older warranty claims honored, since Genmar’s bankruptcy predated the Brunswick acquisition.
Where Are Crestliner Boats Made?
Crestliner boats are manufactured in New York Mills, Minnesota, where Brunswick consolidated production alongside its sister brand, Lund, according to a report on the Crestliner and Lund production merger from Boats.com.
Crestliner also operates a facility in Lebanon, Missouri, which produces welded hunting, fishing, and utility jon boats for the brand.
Because Crestliner and Lund are built at the same location, owner forums frequently note that the two brands share some manufacturing processes even though each retains its own design team and construction style.
What Makes Crestliner’s Construction Different?
Crestliner was one of the earliest builders to move away from riveted aluminum construction in favor of an all welded hull, a shift an authorized Crestliner dealer profile from Rapid Marine credits as central to the brand’s reputation for durability.
The company backs most models with a limited lifetime hull warranty, though most other warrantied components are prorated and generally do not transfer to a second owner.
Crestliner has also introduced composite flooring options on newer models to address earlier complaints about plywood decking degrading over time.
Crestliner vs Lund: How Do the Sister Brands Compare?
Crestliner uses all welded construction, while Lund is best known for its riveted aluminum hulls, a distinction the two brands’ fans have debated for decades.
Forum members who have owned both brands often describe Lund as delivering a slightly drier ride in rough water, while Crestliner owners point to a wider beam and greater stability at rest.
Because both brands are part of Brunswick Boat Group, buyers get access to a similar dealer network and Mercury engine pairing regardless of which sister brand they choose.
Are Crestliner Boats Any Good?
Crestliner earns largely positive reviews from long term owners on forums like The Hull Truth and Walleye Central, with several members reporting 15 to 27 years of use without major structural issues.
Professional bass angler John Cox is frequently cited by forum members as proof the brand can compete on tour against fiberglass boats, which speaks to Crestliner’s reputation among serious anglers.
Recurring complaints on PissedConsumer and boating forums center on peeling decals, weak or overly ground welds on some models, and slow warranty response from dealers rather than structural hull failures.
A smaller number of owners have reported transom or floor rot on older models tied to plywood components, an issue Crestliner has addressed on newer boats with composite flooring options.
The honest takeaway is that Crestliner has a strong reputation for structural durability that holds up across decades of ownership, but buyers should confirm dealer responsiveness and inspect welds and decking closely on any used model.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crestliner Boats
Who owns Crestliner today?
Crestliner is owned by Brunswick Corporation, which acquired the brand in 2004 as part of the Brunswick Boat Group.
Where is Crestliner’s main factory located?
Crestliner’s main production facility is in New York Mills, Minnesota, alongside its sister brand, Lund.
Does Crestliner’s hull warranty transfer to a new owner?
Crestliner’s hull warranty generally does not fully transfer to a second owner, and most other component warranties are prorated, so buyers of used models should confirm coverage before purchase.
Is Crestliner better than Lund?
Neither brand is objectively better, since Crestliner’s welded construction and Lund’s riveted construction each have loyal followings among anglers who prioritize different qualities in a hull.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.