When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Eastern 248 Explorer 2012 and the Eastern Eastern 31 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 Eastern 31 2013 measures 31,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 7,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Eastern 248 Explorer 2012 at 24,0 feet (2012). At 35 lbs and 12 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Eastern 248 Explorer 2012 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Eastern Eastern 31 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 Eastern 31 2013 is rated for 9 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 Eastern 31 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern Eastern 31 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,3 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.