Crownline 185 SS 2012 boat specs
Crownline
Crownline 185 SS 2012
2012
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VS
Crownline 270 BR 2008 boat specs
Crownline
Crownline 270 BR 2008
2008
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Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 270 BR 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 270 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 Crownline 270 BR 2008 measures 28,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 9,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crownline 185 SS 2012 at 18,4 feet (2012). At 32 lbs and 55 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Crownline 270 BR 2008 has a 205-hp advantage over the Crownline 185 SS 2012's 220-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crownline 270 BR 2008 carries 84 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Crownline 185 SS 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Crownline 270 BR 2008 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Crownline 185 SS 2012 at 18,4 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeCrownline
MakeCrownline
Model185 SS
Model270 BR
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam92 in. (2.33 m)
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail48 in. (1.22 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail68 in. (1.73 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.22
Bridge clearance - Meters1.73
Bridge clearance - Inches48
Bridge clearance - Inches68
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise23℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (40 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail2,950 - 3,200 lbs. (1,338 - 1,451 kg)
Weight - Detail5,300 - 5,500 lbs. (2,406 - 2,495 kg)
Weight - kg1451.49
Weight - kg2494.76
Weight - lbs.32
Weight - lbs.55
Length - Feet18.42
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Inches221
Length overall - Inches339
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters8.61
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches3
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercruiser
Engine makenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (94 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail84 gal. (318 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters317.97
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal84
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max220 hp
Engine max425 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardV5.7 GI DP 280 php
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,140 lbs. (517 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available

Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 270 BR 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Crownline 185 SS 2012 or the Crownline 270 BR 2008?
The Crownline 270 BR 2008 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Crownline 185 SS 2012 comes in at 18,4 feet, making it roughly 9,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 185 SS 2012 or the Crownline 270 BR 2008?
For trailering, the Crownline 185 SS 2012 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 55 lbs for the Crownline 270 BR 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Crownline 270 BR 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 185 SS 2012 tops out at 220 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Crownline 185 SS 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 270 BR 2008 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Crownline 270 BR 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 92" for the Crownline 185 SS 2012. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crownline 185 SS 2012 or the Crownline 270 BR 2008?
The Crownline 270 BR 2008 has the bigger tank at 84 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Crownline 185 SS 2012. That 59-gallon difference translates to roughly 177–295 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Crownline 185 SS 2012 and Crownline 270 BR 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Crownline 185 SS 2012 and the Crownline 270 BR 2008 are built by Crownline. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.