The Campion Explorer 622 WA 2012 vs Campion S 485 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Campion Explorer 622 WA 2012 measures 23,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 7,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion S 485 BR 2008 at 16,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 622 WA 2012 tips the scales at 262 lbs — 168 lbs more than the Campion S 485 BR 2008 at 94 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 Explorer 622 WA 2012 has a 135-hp advantage over the Campion S 485 BR 2008's 90-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 622 WA 2012 carries 71 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Campion S 485 BR 2008. 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 622 WA 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Campion S 485 BR 2008 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 622 WA 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Campion Explorer 622 WA 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 23,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Campion S 485 BR 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.