The Campion 552i SC 2005 vs Campion Explorer 602i SC 2013 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 Explorer 602i SC 2013 measures 23,1 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 5,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion 552i SC 2005 at 18,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 602i SC 2013 tips the scales at 3 900 lbs - 1 150 lbs less than the Campion 552i SC 2005 at 2 750 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 Explorer 602i SC 2013 has a 95-hp advantage over the Campion 552i SC 2005's 225-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 Explorer 602i SC 2013 carries 60 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Campion 552i SC 2005. 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 Explorer 602i SC 2013 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 Explorer 602i SC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion Explorer 602i SC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 23,1 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.