Both the Crownline 245 SS 2012 and the Crownline E2 EC 2012 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 245 SS 2012 at 25,0 ft versus Crownline E2 EC 2012 at 24,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Crownline E2 EC 2012 tips the scales at 5 500 lbs - 600 lbs less than the Crownline 245 SS 2012 at 4 900 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 430 hp, the Crownline 245 SS 2012 has a 110-hp advantage over the Crownline E2 EC 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 E2 EC 2012 carries 55 gallons versus 50 gallons in the Crownline 245 SS 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 E2 EC 2012 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Crownline 245 SS 2012 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline E2 EC 2012 could be the deciding factor.