John wrote:
I have seen numerous Crownlines that look like they are well made. I would
like to get opinions from others who have owned Crownlines. Are they as
well made as they look or are looks deceiving.

I don't own a Crownline, but I have researched the line extensively and
written reviews on a few of their models over the last couple of years.

Crownline is currently building a very good boat. It doesn't make much
sense to fret about who builds the "best" boat, as we all have
different priorities. There is an obvious difference between Crownline
and some of its cheapest competitors, but no dramatic difference
between Crownline and some of the "platinum plated" trademarks you'd
pay much more to own. The main difference is that some of the premium
trademarks have a bit more panache' attached to the nameplate (and they
will let you pay for it, of course), but Crownline is still in the
process of building an excellent reputation.

I don't personally but a lot of stock in the JD Powers survey, but if
you do you might be interested to know that Crownline had the best
customer satisfaction rating, small runabout category, in the Powers
survey for the 2004 model year. Crownline shared a virtual tie for
first place in that same category with either Cobalt or Chaparral in
2005.
Before Crownline's back-to-back 1st place finishes no boat had ever
taken 1st place two years in a row.

The fit, finish, and choice of equipment and hardware is very good on
the Crownlines.

Among the design features they incorporate is a little adjustment to
the hull in the aft quarters to create a "vortex" immediately aft of
the transom. This is supposed to make a
substantial reduction in the "wandering" tendency during slow speed
operation of a typical sterndrive, and in my experience aboard
Crownlines it does. The Crownlines I have been aboard come to plane
quickly, are faster than lightnin' on a caffeine high, and maintain a
solid feel at high speed or when pounding through a moderate head sea.

If I were shopping for a trailer boat, Crownline would be on the short
list. If a quality build is important to you, it's my opinion that you
would not be disappointed with this brand.
Good luck to you. If you wind up with a Crownline or some other boat
that compares favorably, you can't go too far wrong.