Monterey 224FSC 2012 vs Monterey 278SSX 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 224FSC 2012 or the Monterey 278SSX 2010?

The Monterey 278SSX 2010 is the longer of the two at 28,8 feet overall. The Monterey 224FSC 2012 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 7,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 224FSC 2012 or the Monterey 278SSX 2010?

For trailering, the Monterey 224FSC 2012 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 55 lbs for the Monterey 278SSX 2010. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SSX 2010 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 224FSC 2012 tops out at 300 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: How many passengers can the Monterey 224FSC 2012 carry?

The Monterey 224FSC 2012 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Monterey 224FSC 2012 and Monterey 278SSX 2010 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 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 224FSC 2012 or the Monterey 278SSX 2010?

The Monterey 278SSX 2010 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Monterey 224FSC 2012. That 34-gallon difference translates to roughly 102–170 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 224FSC 2012 and Monterey 278SSX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 224FSC 2012 and the Monterey 278SSX 2010 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 224FSC 2012 vs Monterey 278SSX 2010

Monterey

Monterey 224FSC 2012

2012

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Monterey

Monterey 278SSX 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 224FSC 2012 vs Monterey 278SSX 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Monterey 224FSC 2012 against a modified vee Monterey 278SSX 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 278SSX 2010 measures 28,8 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 7,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 224FSC 2012 at 21,0 feet (2012). At 39 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 278SSX 2010 has a 125-hp advantage over the Monterey 224FSC 2012's 300-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 278SSX 2010 carries 89 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Monterey 224FSC 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 224FSC 2012 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 278SSX 2010 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 278SSX 2010 at 28,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 224FSC 2012 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

Model224FSC

Model278SSX

Model Year2012

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Tower: 7 ft. 5 in. (2.26 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Arch: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) With Arch Up: 8 ft. 7 in. (2.62 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.26

Bridge clearance - Meters2.62

Bridge clearance - Inches89

Bridge clearance - Inches103

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise21℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (0.58 m)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches37

Weight - Detail3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg)

Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)

Weight - kg1769.01

Weight - kg2494.76

Weight - lbs.39

Weight - lbs.55

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet28.83

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 9 in. (6.9 m)

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

Length overall - Detail21 ft. (6.4 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches252

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208.2 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal89

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max300 hp (223.7 kW)

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people1,775 lbs. (805 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

Monterey 224FSC 2012 vs Monterey 278SSX 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 224FSC 2012 or the Monterey 278SSX 2010?

The Monterey 278SSX 2010 is the longer of the two at 28,8 feet overall. The Monterey 224FSC 2012 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 7,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 224FSC 2012 or the Monterey 278SSX 2010?

For trailering, the Monterey 224FSC 2012 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 55 lbs for the Monterey 278SSX 2010. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SSX 2010 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 224FSC 2012 tops out at 300 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.

How many passengers can the Monterey 224FSC 2012 carry?

The Monterey 224FSC 2012 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Monterey 224FSC 2012 and Monterey 278SSX 2010 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 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 224FSC 2012 or the Monterey 278SSX 2010?

The Monterey 278SSX 2010 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Monterey 224FSC 2012. That 34-gallon difference translates to roughly 102–170 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 224FSC 2012 and Monterey 278SSX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 224FSC 2012 and the Monterey 278SSX 2010 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 224FSC 2012 full specs ← Monterey 278SSX 2010 full specs