Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Campion Chase 530ob 2012 vs Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Campion Chase 530ob 2012 against a modified vee Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Campion Chase 530ob 2012 at 17,8 ft versus Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011 at 19,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011 tips the scales at 199 lbs — 181 lbs less than the Campion Chase 530ob 2012 at 18 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 150 hp for the Campion Chase 530ob 2012 and 150 hp for the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011 carries 47 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Campion Chase 530ob 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 7 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Campion Chase 530ob 2012 and Campion Explorer 542 SC 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
ModelChase 530ob
ModelExplorer 542 SC
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m)
Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m)
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches92
Weight - Detail1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Weight - Detail1,990 lbs. (905 kg)
Weight - kg816.47
Weight - kg902.65
Weight - lbs.18
Weight - lbs.199
Length - Feet17.83
Length - Feet19.5
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 10 in. (5.44 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in. (5.94 m)
Length overall - Meters5.44
Length overall - Meters5.94
Length overall - Inches214
Length overall - Inches234
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail15.5 in. (39.5 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches15.5
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail32.5 in. (82.5 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches32.5
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail5 ft. 11 in. (1.82 m)
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters1.8
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches71
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24.3 gal. (92 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal. (177.5 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24.3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal47
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp
Engine max150 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people7
Maximum people7