The Campion 552i SC 2005 vs Campion Chase 500ob 2012 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Campion 552i SC 2005 at 18,0 ft versus Campion Chase 500ob 2012 at 16,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion 552i SC 2005 tips the scales at 275 lbs — 136 lbs more than the Campion Chase 500ob 2012 at 139 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 225 hp, the Campion 552i SC 2005 has a 100-hp advantage over the Campion Chase 500ob 2012'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 552i SC 2005 carries 37 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Campion Chase 500ob 2012. 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 500ob 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Campion 552i 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 Chase 500ob 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Campion Chase 500ob 2012 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Campion 552i SC 2005. 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: Choose the Campion Chase 500ob 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 16,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion 552i 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.