The Monterey 238 SS 2022 vs Monterey 385 SS 2020 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 Monterey 385 SS 2020 measures 37,0 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 14,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 238 SS 2022 at 23,0 feet (2022). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 385 SS 2020 tips the scales at 16 000 lbs - 12 050 lbs less than the Monterey 238 SS 2022 at 3 950 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 380 hp for the Monterey 238 SS 2022 and 400 hp for the Monterey 385 SS 2020. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Monterey 385 SS 2020 carries 250 gallons versus 52 gallons in the Monterey 238 SS 2022. 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 Monterey 385 SS 2020 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Monterey 238 SS 2022 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Monterey 385 SS 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Monterey 385 SS 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 37,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Monterey 238 SS 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.