The Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 vs Campion S 545i BR 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 Explorer 552i SC 2011 at 20,8 ft versus Campion S 545i BR 2006 at 18,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 tips the scales at 3 171 lbs - 771 lbs more than the Campion S 545i BR 2006 at 2 400 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 - 225 hp for the Campion Explorer 552i SC 2011 and 225 hp for the Campion S 545i BR 2006. 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 552i SC 2011 carries 47 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Campion S 545i BR 2006. 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 545i BR 2006 is rated for 8 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 S 545i BR 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion S 545i BR 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 18,0 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.