Monterey 220 EX 2007 vs Monterey 278SC 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 220 EX 2007 or the Monterey 278SC 2009?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Monterey 220 EX 2007 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 7,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 220 EX 2007 tops out at 320 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

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

Both the Monterey 220 EX 2007 and Monterey 278SC 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 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 Monterey 220 EX 2007 or the Monterey 278SC 2009?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey 220 EX 2007. That 84-gallon difference translates to roughly 252–420 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 220 EX 2007 and Monterey 278SC 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 220 EX 2007 and the Monterey 278SC 2009 are built by Monterey. 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

Monterey 220 EX 2007 vs Monterey 278SC 2009

Monterey

Monterey 220 EX 2007

2007

View full specs →

Monterey

Monterey 278SC 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 220 EX 2007 vs Monterey 278SC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 220 EX 2007 vs Monterey 278SC 2009 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 278SC 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 220 EX 2007's 320-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 278SC 2009 carries 89 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Monterey 220 EX 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Monterey 278SC 2009 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 220 EX 2007 at 21,0 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

MakeMonterey

Model220 EX

Model278SC

Model Year2007

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise21℃

Length - Meters6.56

Length - Meters8.8

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet28

Length - Inches6

Length - Inches1

Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 6 in. (6.56 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.8 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) 8 ft. 7 in. (2.62 m) with arch

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.62

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches103

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (94 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches37

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,540 kg)

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.56

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GL SX

Engine/s standardVolvo 300 hp 5.7 Gi DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal89

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max320 hp

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

HeadPorta-potti

Headnot available

Water capacity10 gal. (37 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Headroomnot available

HeadroomMaximum: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)

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

Monterey 220 EX 2007 vs Monterey 278SC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 220 EX 2007 or the Monterey 278SC 2009?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Monterey 220 EX 2007 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 7,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 220 EX 2007 tops out at 320 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

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

Both the Monterey 220 EX 2007 and Monterey 278SC 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 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 Monterey 220 EX 2007 or the Monterey 278SC 2009?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey 220 EX 2007. That 84-gallon difference translates to roughly 252–420 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 220 EX 2007 and Monterey 278SC 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 220 EX 2007 and the Monterey 278SC 2009 are built by Monterey. 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.

← Monterey 220 EX 2007 full specs ← Monterey 278SC 2009 full specs