The Crownline 220 EX 2005 vs Crownline 316 LS 2005 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Crownline 220 EX 2005 at 2,0 ft versus Crownline 316 LS 2005 at 3,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crownline 316 LS 2005 tips the scales at 9 508 lbs — 9 464 lbs less than the Crownline 220 EX 2005 at 44 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 640 hp, the Crownline 316 LS 2005 has a 320-hp advantage over the Crownline 220 EX 2005's 320-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 220 EX 2005 carries 45 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Crownline 316 LS 2005. 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 Crownline 316 LS 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Crownline 220 EX 2005 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline 316 LS 2005 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Crownline 220 EX 2005 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 15 lbs per hp for the Crownline 316 LS 2005. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Bottom line: Choose the Crownline 316 LS 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 3,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crownline 220 EX 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.