The Campion Chase 500i 2012 vs Campion Explorer EX20 OB SC 2022 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 EX20 OB SC 2022 measures 23,0 feet overall (2022), giving it roughly 5,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion Chase 500i 2012 at 17,1 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer EX20 OB SC 2022 tips the scales at 2 800 lbs — 822 lbs less than the Campion Chase 500i 2012 at 1 978 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 250 hp, the Campion Explorer EX20 OB SC 2022 has a 115-hp advantage over the Campion Chase 500i 2012's 135-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 500i 2012 carries 24 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Campion Explorer EX20 OB SC 2022. 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 EX20 OB SC 2022 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Campion Chase 500i 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Campion Explorer EX20 OB SC 2022 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion Explorer EX20 OB SC 2022 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion Chase 500i 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.