When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Crownline 240 LS 2009 and the Crownline 350 CR 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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 350 CR 2011 measures 36,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Crownline 240 LS 2009 at 25,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crownline 350 CR 2011 tips the scales at 165 lbs — 116 lbs less than the Crownline 240 LS 2009 at 49 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 860 hp, the Crownline 350 CR 2011 has a 435-hp advantage over the Crownline 240 LS 2009's 425-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 350 CR 2011 carries 193 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Crownline 240 LS 2009. 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 LS 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Crownline 350 CR 2011 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline 240 LS 2009 could be the deciding factor.