The Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 is a deep-V design and the Eastern Eastern 18 2010 is a modified-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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 measures 26,3 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 8,1 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 27 Tournament 2012 tips the scales at 4 900 lbs - 3 675 lbs more than the Eastern Eastern 18 2010 at 1 225 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 Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 carries a rated maximum of 225 hp. Engine data for the Eastern Eastern 18 2010 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 carries 110 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Eastern Eastern 18 2010. 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 Tournament 2012 is rated for 8 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 27 Tournament 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Eastern 27 Tournament 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 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.