The Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 is a modified-V design and the Eastern Eastern 27 2010 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 248 Explorer 2011 at 24,0 ft versus Eastern Eastern 27 2010 at 26,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern Eastern 27 2010 tips the scales at 4 800 lbs - 1 300 lbs less than the Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 at 3 500 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 27 2010 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 27 2010 carries 110 gallons versus 90 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 Eastern 27 2010 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Eastern Eastern 27 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern Eastern 27 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 26,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Eastern 248 Explorer 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.