The Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 vs Campion LS 645i SC 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 552i SC 2011 at 20,8 ft versus Campion LS 645i SC 2008 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion LS 645i SC 2008 tips the scales at 4 037 lbs — 866 lbs less than the Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 at 3 171 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 LS 645i SC 2008 has a 95-hp advantage over the Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011's 225-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 LS 645i SC 2008 carries 56 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011. 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 LS 645i SC 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Campion LS 645i SC 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion LS 645i SC 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.