The Campion 505 BR 2009 vs Campion 550i BR 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Campion 550i BR 2008 measures 20,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion 505 BR 2009 at 16,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion 550i BR 2008 tips the scales at 2 886 lbs - 1 606 lbs less than the Campion 505 BR 2009 at 1 280 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Campion 550i BR 2008 has a 195-hp advantage over the Campion 505 BR 2009's 125-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Campion 550i BR 2008 carries 29 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Campion 505 BR 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Campion 550i BR 2008 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Campion 505 BR 2009 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Campion 550i BR 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion 550i BR 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 7 passengers and at 20,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion 505 BR 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.