Campion 485 BR 2009 boat specs
Campion
Campion 485 BR 2009
2009
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VS
Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 boat specs
Campion
Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012
2012
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Campion 485 BR 2009 vs Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Campion 485 BR 2009 against a deep vee Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Campion 485 BR 2009 at 16,0 ft versus Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 at 17,4 ft. At 94 lbs and 117 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Campion 485 BR 2009 and 100 hp for the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 carries 26 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Campion 485 BR 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Campion 485 BR 2009 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: The Campion 485 BR 2009 and Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeCampion
MakeCampion
Model485 BR
ModelExplorer 492 CC
Model Year2009
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Beam7 ft. 1 in. (2.16 m)
Beam - Meters1.98
Beam - Meters2.16
Beam - Inches78
Beam - Inches85
Deadrise16℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in. (35.5 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail14 in. (35 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] inches14
Draft [drive up] inches14
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.75 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (78.75 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches31
Weight - Detail940 lbs. (427 kg)
Weight - Detail1,170 lbs. (532 kg)
Weight - kg426.38
Weight - kg530.7
Weight - lbs.94
Weight - lbs.117
Height - Detail4 ft. 2 in. (1.27 m)
Height - Detail5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Height - Meters1.27
Height - Meters1.57
Height - Inches5
Height - Inches62
Length - Meters4.9
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet17.42
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 1 in. (4.9 m)
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.31 m)
Length overall - Meters4.9
Length overall - Meters5.31
Length overall - Inches193
Length overall - Inches209
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.51 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail12.9 gal. (49 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters49.21
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12.9
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max90 hp
Engine max100 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people5
Maximum people5

Campion 485 BR 2009 vs Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Campion 485 BR 2009 or the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012?
The Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 is the longer of the two at 17,4 feet overall. The Campion 485 BR 2009 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 1,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Campion 485 BR 2009 or the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012?
For trailering, the Campion 485 BR 2009 has the edge at 94 lbs dry weight versus 117 lbs for the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 is rated to a maximum of 100 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Campion 485 BR 2009 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Campion 485 BR 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Campion 485 BR 2009 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 1 lbs per hp compared to 1 lbs per hp for the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 measures 85" wide, compared to 78" for the Campion 485 BR 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Campion 485 BR 2009 or the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012?
The Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 has the bigger tank at 26 gallons, versus 13 gallons on the Campion 485 BR 2009. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Campion 485 BR 2009 and Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Campion 485 BR 2009 and the Campion Explorer 492 CC 2012 are built by Campion. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.