Matching a modified vee Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 against a deep vee Eastern Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 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 — Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 at 24,0 ft versus Eastern Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 at 22,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 tips the scales at 255 lbs — 220 lbs less than the Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 at 35 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 Explorer 2011 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Eastern Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Eastern Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 carries 52 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Eastern 248 Explorer 2011. 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 Explorer 2011 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Eastern Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 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 Explorer 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 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 Eastern 22 (Lobster) 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.