Both the Crownline 236 SC 2012 and the Crownline 262 EX 2009 are modified-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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Crownline 236 SC 2012 at 23,5 ft versus Crownline 262 EX 2009 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crownline 262 EX 2009 tips the scales at 5 600 lbs - 800 lbs less than the Crownline 236 SC 2012 at 4 800 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 425 hp, the Crownline 262 EX 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Crownline 236 SC 2012'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 262 EX 2009 carries 75 gallons versus 45 gallons in the Crownline 236 SC 2012. 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 262 EX 2009 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Crownline 236 SC 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline 262 EX 2009 could be the deciding factor.