Monterey 243 EX 2008 vs Monterey 278SS 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 243 EX 2008 or the Monterey 278SS 2009?

The Monterey 278SS 2009 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Monterey 243 EX 2008 comes in at 25,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 243 EX 2008 or the Monterey 278SS 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 243 EX 2008 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 55 lbs for the Monterey 278SS 2009. 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 278SS 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 243 EX 2008 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: How many passengers can the Monterey 243 EX 2008 carry?

The Monterey 243 EX 2008 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 243 EX 2008 and Monterey 278SS 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 243 EX 2008 or the Monterey 278SS 2009?

The Monterey 278SS 2009 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Monterey 243 EX 2008. That 32-gallon difference translates to roughly 96–160 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 243 EX 2008 and Monterey 278SS 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 243 EX 2008 and the Monterey 278SS 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 243 EX 2008 vs Monterey 278SS 2009

Monterey

Monterey 243 EX 2008

2008

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Monterey

Monterey 278SS 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 243 EX 2008 vs Monterey 278SS 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 243 EX 2008 against a deep vee Monterey 278SS 2009 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey 243 EX 2008 at 25,0 ft versus Monterey 278SS 2009 at 28,0 ft. At 5 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 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 243 EX 2008'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 278SS 2009 carries 89 gallons versus 57 gallons in the Monterey 243 EX 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 243 EX 2008 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 278SS 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 278SS 2009 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 243 EX 2008 at 25,0 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

Model243 EX

Model278SS

Model Year2008

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise21℃

Weight - Detail5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg)

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

Weight - kg2267.96

Weight - kg2494.76

Weight - lbs.5

Weight - lbs.55

Length - Meters7.6

Length - Meters8.8

Length - Feet25

Length - Feet28

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 0 in. (7.6 m)

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

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in. (7.6 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.62

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches3

Length overall - Inchesnot available

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

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 l SX 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 300 hp 5.7 Gi DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal89

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

HeadPorta-potti

Headnot available

Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

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 243 EX 2008 vs Monterey 278SS 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 243 EX 2008 or the Monterey 278SS 2009?

The Monterey 278SS 2009 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Monterey 243 EX 2008 comes in at 25,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 243 EX 2008 or the Monterey 278SS 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 243 EX 2008 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 55 lbs for the Monterey 278SS 2009. 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 278SS 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 243 EX 2008 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.

How many passengers can the Monterey 243 EX 2008 carry?

The Monterey 243 EX 2008 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 243 EX 2008 and Monterey 278SS 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 243 EX 2008 or the Monterey 278SS 2009?

The Monterey 278SS 2009 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Monterey 243 EX 2008. That 32-gallon difference translates to roughly 96–160 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 243 EX 2008 and Monterey 278SS 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 243 EX 2008 and the Monterey 278SS 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 243 EX 2008 full specs ← Monterey 278SS 2009 full specs