Crownline 260 EX 2004 vs Crownline E1 EC 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 260 EX 2004 or the Crownline E1 EC 2013?

For trailering, the Crownline E1 EC 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Crownline 260 EX 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 260 EX 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline E1 EC 2013 tops out at 300 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 260 EX 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Crownline E1 EC 2013 is certified for 9. 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 260 EX 2004 and Crownline E1 EC 2013 share an 102 in 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 260 EX 2004 or the Crownline E1 EC 2013?

The Crownline 260 EX 2004 has the bigger tank at 84 gallons, versus 37 gallons on the Crownline E1 EC 2013. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crownline 260 EX 2004 and Crownline E1 EC 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 260 EX 2004 and the Crownline E1 EC 2013 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 260 EX 2004 vs Crownline E1 EC 2013

Crownline

Crownline 260 EX 2004

2004

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Crownline

Crownline E1 EC 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crownline 260 EX 2004 vs Crownline E1 EC 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 260 EX 2004 vs Crownline E1 EC 2013 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 260 EX 2004 has a 125-hp advantage over the Crownline E1 EC 2013's 300-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 260 EX 2004 carries 84 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Crownline E1 EC 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 260 EX 2004 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Crownline E1 EC 2013 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Crownline 260 EX 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Crownline 260 EX 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Crownline E1 EC 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeCrownline

Model260 EX

ModelE1 EC

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise19℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (68.5 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inches27

Draft [max] - Detail35 in

Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (104 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches41

Weight - Detail5400 lbs. - 5600 lbs

Weight - Detail4,200 - 4,400 lbs. (1,905 - 2,041 kg)

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - lbs.56

Weight - lbs.44

Height [transom]65 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in. (6.24 m)

Length overall - Meters7.47

Length overall - Meters6.25

Length overall - Inches294

Length overall - Inches246

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet20.5

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail84 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail37 gal. (140 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters317.97

Fuel tank capacity - Liters140.06

Fuel tank capacity - Gal84

Fuel tank capacity - Gal37

Engine max425 hp

Engine max300 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercruiser

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people14 Persons

Maximum people9

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,450 lbs. (658 kg)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Crownline 260 EX 2004 vs Crownline E1 EC 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 260 EX 2004 or the Crownline E1 EC 2013?

For trailering, the Crownline E1 EC 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Crownline 260 EX 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 260 EX 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Crownline E1 EC 2013 tops out at 300 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 260 EX 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Crownline E1 EC 2013 is certified for 9. 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 260 EX 2004 and Crownline E1 EC 2013 share an 102 in 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 260 EX 2004 or the Crownline E1 EC 2013?

The Crownline 260 EX 2004 has the bigger tank at 84 gallons, versus 37 gallons on the Crownline E1 EC 2013. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crownline 260 EX 2004 and Crownline E1 EC 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 260 EX 2004 and the Crownline E1 EC 2013 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 260 EX 2004 full specs ← Crownline E1 EC 2013 full specs