When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Eastern 248 Center Console 2012 and the Eastern 27 Islander 2013 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Eastern 27 Islander 2013 measures 27,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Eastern 248 Center Console 2012 at 24,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern 248 Center Console 2012 tips the scales at 1 985 lbs — 1 977 lbs more than the Eastern 27 Islander 2013 at 8 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 248 Center Console 2012 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the Eastern 27 Islander 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Eastern 27 Islander 2013 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Eastern 248 Center Console 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Eastern 27 Islander 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 27 Islander 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 27,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Eastern 248 Center Console 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.