Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Crownline 280 CR 2011 vs Crownline E6 EC 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Crownline 280 CR 2011 against a deep vee Crownline E6 EC 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Crownline 280 CR 2011 at 28,7 ft versus Crownline E6 EC 2013 at 26,3 ft. At 76 lbs and 57 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 425 hp for the Crownline 280 CR 2011 and 430 hp for the Crownline E6 EC 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 280 CR 2011 carries 75 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Crownline E6 EC 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 280 CR 2011 at 28,7 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Crownline E6 EC 2013 at 26,3 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeCrownline
MakeCrownline
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam102 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail79.5 in. (2 m) without arch
Bridge clearance - Detail62 in. (1.57 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.03
Bridge clearance - Meters1.57
Bridge clearance - Inches79.5
Bridge clearance - Inches62
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise19℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (102 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail7,400 - 7,600 lbs. (3,356 - 3,447 kg)
Weight - Detail5,400 - 5,700 lbs. (2,449 - 2,586 kg)
Weight - kg3447.3
Weight - kg2585.47
Weight - lbs.76
Weight - lbs.57
Length - Feet28.67
Length - Feet26.33
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in. (8.74 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 4 in. (7.99 m)
Length overall - Meters8.74
Length overall - Meters8.03
Length overall - Inches344
Length overall - Inches316
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makeMercruiser
Engine model350 MAG MPI Bravo III
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (284 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Horsepower300 php
Horsepowernot available
Engine max425 hp
Engine max430 hp
Operational Info
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity15 gal. fresh water