The Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 is a deep-V design and the Eastern Eastern 26 2009 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 at 26,3 ft versus Eastern Eastern 26 2009 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 tips the scales at 4 900 lbs - 1 400 lbs more than the Eastern Eastern 26 2009 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 Eastern 27 Tournament 2012 carries a rated maximum of 225 hp. Engine data for the Eastern Eastern 26 2009 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 110 gal and 110 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 26 2009 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 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 26 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.