The Campion Chase 500i 2012 vs Campion S 485 O/B SS 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Campion Chase 500i 2012 at 17,1 ft versus Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Chase 500i 2012 tips the scales at 1 978 lbs - 1 038 lbs more than the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 at 940 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 135 hp, the Campion Chase 500i 2012 has a 45-hp advantage over the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Campion Chase 500i 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 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 500i 2012 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 comes in at 10 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Campion Chase 500i 2012. 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 500i 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 6 passengers and at 17,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.