The MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 vs MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 measures 33,8 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 5,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 at 28,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 tips the scales at 12 500 lbs - 6 300 lbs less than the MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 at 6 200 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 MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 carries 200 gallons versus 110 gallons in the MasterCraft 280 STS 2007. 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 MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 is rated for 10 passengers, while the MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft MasterCraft 300 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 33,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.