The Campion Explorer 822i 2012 vs Campion S 485 O/B SS 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Campion Explorer 822i 2012 measures 30,3 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 14,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 at 16,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Campion Explorer 822i 2012 tips the scales at 7 877 lbs - 6 937 lbs more than the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 at 940 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 430 hp, the Campion Explorer 822i 2012 has a 340-hp advantage over the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006's 90-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Campion Explorer 822i 2012 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Campion S 485 O/B SS 2006 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 822i 2012 could be the deciding factor.