Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 204FS 2012 vs Monterey 278SS 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Monterey 204FS 2012 against a modified vee Monterey 278SS 2010 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely 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 Monterey 278SS 2010 measures 28,8 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 9,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 204FS 2012 at 19,6 feet (2012). At 31 lbs and 55 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 278SS 2010 has a 155-hp advantage over the Monterey 204FS 2012's 270-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Monterey 278SS 2010 carries 89 gallons versus 36 gallons in the Monterey 204FS 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey 204FS 2012 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 278SS 2010 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 278SS 2010 at 28,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 204FS 2012 at 19,6 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
Model Year2012
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.5 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches1
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Arch: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) With Arch Up: 8 ft. 7 in. (2.62 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.21
Bridge clearance - Meters2.62
Bridge clearance - Inches87
Bridge clearance - Inches103
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (94 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail3,100 lbs. (1,406 kg)
Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)
Weight - kg1406.14
Weight - kg2494.76
Weight - lbs.31
Weight - lbs.55
Length - Feet19.58
Length - Feet28.83
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 8 in. (6.6 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.8 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 7 in. (6 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.97
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches235
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal. (136 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9
Fuel tank capacity - Gal36
Fuel tank capacity - Gal89
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max270 hp (201 kW)
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Maximum capacity1,675 lbs. (760 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people1,500 lbs. (680 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (61 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal16