The Eastern 248 Explorer 2012 is a modified-V design and the Eastern 27 Lobsterfisherman 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 248 Explorer 2012 at 24,0 ft versus Eastern 27 Lobsterfisherman 2012 at 26,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern 27 Lobsterfisherman 2012 tips the scales at 4 900 lbs - 1 400 lbs less than the Eastern 248 Explorer 2012 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Eastern 27 Lobsterfisherman 2012 has a 75-hp advantage over the Eastern 248 Explorer 2012's 150-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 27 Lobsterfisherman 2012 carries 110 gallons versus 90 gallons in the Eastern 248 Explorer 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 27 Lobsterfisherman 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Eastern 248 Explorer 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 Lobsterfisherman 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 27 Lobsterfisherman 2012 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 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.