Crownline Eclipse E275 Review

Part deck boat, part rocket ship, the new Crownline Eclipse E275 is a luxurious and versatile day boat that’s sure to please a lot of families.

There’s a lot to be said for doing the simple things really well, and that’s an approach that Crownline Boats has long taken to heart. The venerable builder of fiberglass sport boats has become one of the most respected nameplates on the water by focusing on the essence of what makes a boat great, adding in some sophisticated engineering, and then building it well with an exceptional focus on detail. That approach is clear in the brand’s newest crossover sterndrive, the Crownline Eclipse E275.

“Crossover sterndrive” is a bit of a mouthful, to be sure, but the E275 is more than a typical deck boat. In fact, the new model neatly bridges the best of traditional deck boat designs with the best of the smaller cruisers that they’ve effectively replaced in the market. The result is a boat that lacks nothing, and consistently over-delivers in every imaginable way.

Step aboard the E275 and its open floor plan and comfortable seating invite you to stay awhile.

Even before you step aboard, the Crownline Eclipse E275’s hybrid DNA is apparent with just a glance at the racy F.A.S.T. Tab hull, a Crownline design that brings sports car-like handling and a spirited ride. The stepped hull looks fast just sitting at the dock, and it is fast when you lay the throttle down. But the real joy in this hull is in its stability, reflecting a near-perfect balance of being able to go fast when you want to, yet without rolling around all over the place when at anchor.

Crownline’s attention to detail is legendary – right down to having little compartments with drains, where you can store wet mooring lines when not in use.

That the E275 is built for fun should be fairly obvious with a look at its transom. That big rear swim platform with its wide, rear-facing seat is an ideal place to pull on the skis or set up the wakeboard, while the rear-facing speakers – part of Crownline’s trademarked Social Swim Wet Sounds stereo package – keep riders in the groove and within easy earshot of all the tunes. There’s even a standard transom shower, so swimmers can rinse off their feet and keep sand out of the boat. The transom seat back is fully adjustable, to provide aft-facing or forward-facing seating at a touch. It will also lay flat to create a huge sun lounge.

A huge in-floor storage locker speaks to this boat’s water sports capabilities. Removable snap-in carpet provides comfort with easy cleaning at the end of the day.

You step into the main cockpit of the Crownline Eclipse E275 through a short transom gate walk-through, a safety feature that speaks to this boat’s appeal to younger families. Snap-in Highland carpet is a standard feature, providing excellent comfort while being easily removable for cleaning. The seating surrounds the aft cockpit on each side to create a living room-like entertaining space, with stainless steel cup holders and stereo speakers neatly integrated throughout. A removable side-mount table, which stows in its own dedicated drawer, accommodates afternoon card games or serves as a mid-day lunch spot. The upholstery in the E275 is a soft but durable UV-resistant vinyl that’s neatly stitched; seat cushions nicely balance comfort with support.

The hand-wrapped dash features a seven-inch Raymarine touchscreen as its primary instrument.

The driver and companion ride on nice bucket seats with flip-up bolsters. The hand-wrapped dash features a seven-inch Raymarine touchscreen as its primary instrument, displaying sonar and engine information with traditional round analog gauges on either side. The black diamond steering wheel is a nice new edition with the 2018 model year that gives the E275 an even more upscale look and feel. There’s a neat row of illuminated toggle switched for lights and electrical equipment, and of course the head unit for the standard Kicker KMC10 stereo with its full color LCD display, variable dimmer with day and night mode, AM/FM weatherband multi-regional tuner, USB charger for phones and tablets, AUX input and Bluetooth connectivity. It drives eight splash-proof Wet Sounds premium marine speakers, including the two on the swim platform.

Attention to detail continues in the bow, with delightful fender storage compartments just ahead of the windshield.

The passenger console houses the Crownline Eclipse E275’s impressive, oversized head compartment. It is fully enclosed for privacy, and spacious enough to use for a changing room as well. For a head compartment in a 27-foot day boat, this one is beautifully appointed, featuring custom cabinetry with a granite countertop, electric flush marine toilet, a handheld shower and an opening port light. And there’s a handy insert in the inside of the head door with netting for personal items. It’s normally difficult to get excited about a head compartment, but Crownline’s attention to detail hits this one out of the park.

The Eclipse E275 offers a choice of power options from both Mercury and Volvo Penta.

Up front in the bow, “hot tub” style bow lounge seats feature flip-up arm rests for added comfort. Stainless steel cup holders and grab handles are within easy reach, and there is a massive amount of storage space beneath the seats. That removable cockpit table can also be installed in the bow, if desired. There’s also a forward storage compartment that stows an anchor and rope while not in use.

Step on the throttle and the E275’s stepped hull comes into play, taking this boat from luxurious day cruiser to all-out thrill ride.

Choose from a range of available Mercury or Volvo Penta engines from 300 to 430 horsepower, and that stepped F.A.S.T. Tab hull makes its own statement. This is a boat that’s built without compromise. Families looking for a beautifully appointed, well-designed day boat will find the Crownline E275 certain to delight.