Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 185 SS 2012 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 288 BR 2004 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 32 lbs for the Crownline 185 SS 2012. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 640 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Crownline 185 SS 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 288 BR 2004 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 measures 116" 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crownline 185 SS 2012 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 has the bigger tank at 129 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Crownline 185 SS 2012. That 104-gallon difference translates to roughly 312–520 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crownline 185 SS 2012 and Crownline 288 BR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 185 SS 2012 and the Crownline 288 BR 2004 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.

Boat Comparison

Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004

Crownline

Crownline 185 SS 2012

2012

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Crownline

Crownline 288 BR 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 640 hp, the Crownline 288 BR 2004 has a 420-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 288 BR 2004 carries 129 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Crownline 288 BR 2004 and its 640-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Crownline 185 SS 2012 with its 220-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCrownline

Model185 SS

Model288 BR

Model Year2012

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in. (2.33 m)

Beam116 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.95

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches116

Bridge clearance - Detail48 in. (1.22 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.22

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches48

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise24℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (40 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in

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

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 - Detail8

Weight - kg1451.49

Weight - kg3628.74

Weight - lbs.32

Weight - lbs.8

Length - Feet18.42

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Meters8.74

Length overall - Inches221

Length overall - Inches344

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]70 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercruiser

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (94 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail129 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64

Fuel tank capacity - Liters488.32

Fuel tank capacity - Gal25

Fuel tank capacity - Gal129

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max220 hp

Engine max640 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,140 lbs. (517 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people8

Maximum peoplen

Crownline 185 SS 2012 vs Crownline 288 BR 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 185 SS 2012 or the Crownline 288 BR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 288 BR 2004 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 32 lbs for the Crownline 185 SS 2012. 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 288 BR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 640 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 288 BR 2004 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 288 BR 2004 measures 116" 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 288 BR 2004?

The Crownline 288 BR 2004 has the bigger tank at 129 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Crownline 185 SS 2012. That 104-gallon difference translates to roughly 312–520 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crownline 185 SS 2012 and Crownline 288 BR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 185 SS 2012 and the Crownline 288 BR 2004 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.

← Crownline 185 SS 2012 full specs ← Crownline 288 BR 2004 full specs