Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 vs Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 or the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004?

For trailering, the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 has the edge at 51 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 has a documented max rating of 600 hp. Engine specifications for the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 or the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004?

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 has the bigger tank at 101 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004. That 86-gallon difference translates to roughly 258–430 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 are built by Baja Marine. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 vs Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004

Baja Marine

Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008

2008

View full specs →

Baja Marine

Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 vs Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 vs Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 carries a rated maximum of 600 hp. Engine data for the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 carries 101 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 6 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.

Bottom line: The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeBaja Marine

Model278 Performance

Model302 Performance

Model Year2008

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise24℃

Weight - Detail5,100 lbs. (2,313 kg)

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs

Weight - kg2313.32

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - lbs.51

Weight - lbs.68

Length - Meters8.36

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet27

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 2 in. (8.89 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m)

Length overall - Detail30 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters8.36

Length overall - Meters9.3

Length overall - Inches329

Length overall - Inches366

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerCruiser? MX 6.2L/320 hp/Bravo I

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail101 gal. (382.3 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail150 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters382.33

Fuel tank capacity - Liters567.81

Fuel tank capacity - Gal101

Fuel tank capacity - Gal15

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeInboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max600 hp

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Maximum people6

Maximum people6 Passenger

Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 vs Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 or the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004?

For trailering, the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 has the edge at 51 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 has a documented max rating of 600 hp. Engine specifications for the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 or the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004?

The Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 has the bigger tank at 101 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004. That 86-gallon difference translates to roughly 258–430 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 and the Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 are built by Baja Marine. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Baja Marine 278 Performance 2008 full specs ← Baja Marine 302 Performance 2004 full specs