Crownline 240 EX 2005 vs Crownline 266 BR 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 240 EX 2005 or the Crownline 266 BR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 240 EX 2005 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Crownline 266 BR 2004. 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 266 BR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 240 EX 2005 tops out at 320 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 240 EX 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Crownline 266 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Crownline 240 EX 2005 and Crownline 266 BR 2004 share an 102 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crownline 240 EX 2005 or the Crownline 266 BR 2004?

The Crownline 266 BR 2004 has the bigger tank at 69 gallons, versus 62 gallons on the Crownline 240 EX 2005. That 7-gallon difference translates to roughly 21–35 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crownline 240 EX 2005 and Crownline 266 BR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 240 EX 2005 and the Crownline 266 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 240 EX 2005 vs Crownline 266 BR 2004

Crownline

Crownline 240 EX 2005

2005

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Crownline

Crownline 266 BR 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crownline 240 EX 2005 vs Crownline 266 BR 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 240 EX 2005 vs Crownline 266 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 425 hp, the Crownline 266 BR 2004 has a 105-hp advantage over the Crownline 240 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 266 BR 2004 carries 69 gallons versus 62 gallons in the Crownline 240 EX 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 240 EX 2005 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Crownline 266 BR 2004 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline 240 EX 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crownline 240 EX 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crownline 266 BR 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeCrownline

Model240 EX

Model266 BR

Model Year2005

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam102 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail58.25 in. (1.48 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.47

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches58.25

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise22℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail35 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail4,800 - 5,000 lbs. (2,179 - 2,268 kg)

Weight - Detail4400 - 4600 lb

Weight - kg2267.96

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.5

Weight - lbs.46

Length - Meters6.9

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet22

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 6 in. (7.47 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in. (6.9 m)

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters6.86

Length overall - Meters8.08

Length overall - Inches27

Length overall - Inches318

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]59.75 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard5.7 l Bravo I 250 php

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail62 gal. (235 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail69 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters234.7

Fuel tank capacity - Liters261.19

Fuel tank capacity - Gal62

Fuel tank capacity - Gal69

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max320 hp

Engine max425 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,065 lbs. (937 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people13

Maximum peoplen

Crownline 240 EX 2005 vs Crownline 266 BR 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 240 EX 2005 or the Crownline 266 BR 2004?

For trailering, the Crownline 240 EX 2005 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Crownline 266 BR 2004. 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 266 BR 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline 240 EX 2005 tops out at 320 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 240 EX 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Crownline 266 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Crownline 240 EX 2005 and Crownline 266 BR 2004 share an 102 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Crownline 240 EX 2005 or the Crownline 266 BR 2004?

The Crownline 266 BR 2004 has the bigger tank at 69 gallons, versus 62 gallons on the Crownline 240 EX 2005. That 7-gallon difference translates to roughly 21–35 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crownline 240 EX 2005 and Crownline 266 BR 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 240 EX 2005 and the Crownline 266 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 240 EX 2005 full specs ← Crownline 266 BR 2004 full specs