The Campion 542 SC 2007 vs Campion Chase 650i SC 2011 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 Chase 650i SC 2011 measures 23,1 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion 542 SC 2007 at 19,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Chase 650i SC 2011 tips the scales at 421 lbs — 222 lbs less than the Campion 542 SC 2007 at 199 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 375 hp, the Campion Chase 650i SC 2011 has a 225-hp advantage over the Campion 542 SC 2007's 150-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 Chase 650i SC 2011 carries 56 gallons versus 53 gallons in the Campion 542 SC 2007. 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 Chase 650i SC 2011 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Campion 542 SC 2007 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Campion Chase 650i SC 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion Chase 650i SC 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 23,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion 542 SC 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.