The Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 vs Campion S 595i BR 2008 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 595i BR 2008 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 tips the scales at 199 lbs — 165 lbs more than the Campion S 595i BR 2008 at 34 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 S 595i BR 2008 has a 170-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 S 595i BR 2008 carries 53 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012. 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 S 595i BR 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Campion S 595i BR 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion S 595i BR 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion Explorer 542 SC 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.