Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
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
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
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