Both the Crownline 235 SS 2013 and the Crownline 300 LS 2009 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Crownline 300 LS 2009 measures 30,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 6,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crownline 235 SS 2013 at 23,4 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crownline 300 LS 2009 tips the scales at 8 900 lbs - 3 600 lbs less than the Crownline 235 SS 2013 at 5 300 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 600 hp, the Crownline 300 LS 2009 has a 170-hp advantage over the Crownline 235 SS 2013's 430-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 300 LS 2009 carries 84 gallons versus 45 gallons in the Crownline 235 SS 2013. 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 235 SS 2013 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Crownline 300 LS 2009 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline 235 SS 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Crownline 235 SS 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 23,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crownline 300 LS 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.