Matching a deep vee Eastern 248 Islander 2012 against a modified vee Eastern Eastern 18 2010 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Eastern 248 Islander 2012 measures 24,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Eastern Eastern 18 2010 at 18,3 feet (2010). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern Eastern 18 2010 tips the scales at 1 225 lbs — 1 190 lbs less than the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Eastern 248 Islander 2012 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Eastern Eastern 18 2010 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 248 Islander 2012 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 18 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.