Matching a deep vee Eastern 248 Islander 2012 against a modified vee Eastern 27 2008 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 Islander 2012 at 24,0 ft versus Eastern 27 2008 at 26,0 ft. At 35 lbs and 48 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 27 2008 tops out at 300 hp. Engine specs for the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 9 gal and 11 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Eastern 27 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Eastern 248 Islander 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 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 27 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 26,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Eastern 248 Islander 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.