Both the Eastern 248 Tournament 2011 and the Eastern 26 Center Console 2008 are modified-V designs, the first built in fibreglass and the second in composite, so 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Eastern 248 Tournament 2011 at 24,0 ft versus Eastern 26 Center Console 2008 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern 248 Tournament 2011 tips the scales at 3 625 lbs - 125 lbs more than the Eastern 26 Center Console 2008 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 300 hp, the Eastern 26 Center Console 2008 has a 150-hp advantage over the Eastern 248 Tournament 2011'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 26 Center Console 2008 carries 110 gallons versus 90 gallons in the Eastern 248 Tournament 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.