The Eastern 22 Center Console 2012 is a modified-V design and the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 - Eastern 22 Center Console 2012 at 21,8 ft versus Eastern 248 Islander 2012 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 tips the scales at 3 500 lbs - 1 205 lbs less than the Eastern 22 Center Console 2012 at 2 295 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 Eastern 22 Center Console 2012 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 carries 90 gallons versus 64 gallons in the Eastern 22 Center Console 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 Eastern 248 Islander 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Eastern 22 Center Console 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 7 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Eastern 22 Center Console 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.