The Campion 542 SC 2005 vs Campion LS 645i SC 2006 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 LS 645i SC 2006 measures 21,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion 542 SC 2005 at 17,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion 542 SC 2005 tips the scales at 179 lbs — 142 lbs more than the Campion LS 645i SC 2006 at 37 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 LS 645i SC 2006 has a 170-hp advantage over the Campion 542 SC 2005's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 53 gal and 51 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Campion LS 645i SC 2006 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Campion 542 SC 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Campion LS 645i SC 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion LS 645i SC 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion 542 SC 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.