Crownline 270 CR 2004 vs Crownline 280 CR 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 270 CR 2004 or the Crownline 280 CR 2013?

For trailering, the Crownline 280 CR 2013 has the edge at 76 lbs dry weight versus 76 lbs for the Crownline 270 CR 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 280 CR 2013 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 270 CR 2004 and Crownline 280 CR 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 270 CR 2004 or the Crownline 280 CR 2013?

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 75 gallons on the Crownline 280 CR 2013. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Crownline 270 CR 2004 and Crownline 280 CR 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 270 CR 2004 and the Crownline 280 CR 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 270 CR 2004 vs Crownline 280 CR 2013

Crownline

Crownline 270 CR 2004

2004

View full specs →

Crownline

Crownline 280 CR 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Crownline 270 CR 2004 vs Crownline 280 CR 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 vs Crownline 280 CR 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 425 hp for the Crownline 270 CR 2004 and 430 hp for the Crownline 280 CR 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Crownline 270 CR 2004 carries 85 gallons versus 75 gallons in the Crownline 280 CR 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Crownline 270 CR 2004 and Crownline 280 CR 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeCrownline

Model270 CR

Model280 CR

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in

Beam102 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise18℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [max] - Detail36 in

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail7400 lbs. - 7600 lbs

Weight - Detail7,400 - 7,600 lbs. (3,356 - 3,447 kg)

Weight - kg3447.3

Weight - lbs.76

Height [transom]79.5 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in. (8.74 m)

Length overall - Meters8.13

Length overall - Meters8.74

Length overall - Inches32

Length overall - Inches344

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail79.5 in. (2 m) without arch

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.03

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches79.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28.67

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (284 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Fuel tank capacity - Gal75

Engine max425 hp

Engine max430 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMercruiser

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum peopleN

Maximum peoplenot available

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity26 gal. fresh water

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Crownline 270 CR 2004 vs Crownline 280 CR 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Crownline 270 CR 2004 or the Crownline 280 CR 2013?

For trailering, the Crownline 280 CR 2013 has the edge at 76 lbs dry weight versus 76 lbs for the Crownline 270 CR 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Crownline 280 CR 2013 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 270 CR 2004 and Crownline 280 CR 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 270 CR 2004 or the Crownline 280 CR 2013?

The Crownline 270 CR 2004 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 75 gallons on the Crownline 280 CR 2013. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Crownline 270 CR 2004 and Crownline 280 CR 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Crownline 270 CR 2004 and the Crownline 280 CR 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 270 CR 2004 full specs ← Crownline 280 CR 2013 full specs