Matching a deep vee Eastern 22 Lobster 2008 against a modified vee Eastern 31 2008 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 380 hp, the Eastern 31 2008 has a 245-hp advantage over the Eastern 22 Lobster 2008's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Eastern 22 Lobster 2008 carries 52 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Eastern 31 2008. 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 31 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Eastern 22 Lobster 2008 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Eastern 31 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 31 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Eastern 22 Lobster 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.