The Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 vs Campion S 545i BR 2005 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 Explorer 542 SC 2012 at 19,5 ft versus Campion S 545i BR 2005 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 tips the scales at 199 lbs — 175 lbs more than the Campion S 545i BR 2005 at 24 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 S 545i BR 2005 has a 75-hp advantage over the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012's 150-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 542 SC 2012 carries 47 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Campion S 545i BR 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 542 SC 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Campion S 545i BR 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 542 SC 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 19,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion S 545i BR 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.