Monterey 250 CR 2008 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 250 CR 2008
2008
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VS
Monterey 278SSX 2008 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 278SSX 2008
2008
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Monterey 250 CR 2008 vs Monterey 278SSX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 250 CR 2008 against a deep vee Monterey 278SSX 2008 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 250 CR 2008 at 27,0 ft versus Monterey 278SSX 2008 at 28,0 ft. At 61 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 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 250 CR 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 278SSX 2008 carries 89 gallons versus 77 gallons in the Monterey 250 CR 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Monterey 278SSX 2008 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Monterey 250 CR 2008 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeMonterey
MakeMonterey
Model250 CR
Model278SSX
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise21°
Weight - Detail6,100 lbs. (2,767 kg)
Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)
Weight - kg2766.91
Weight - kg2494.76
Weight - lbs.61
Weight - lbs.55
Length - Meters8.2
Length - Meters8.8
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet28
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 0 in. (8.2 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 0 in. (8.2 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 10 in. (8.8 m)
Length overall - Meters8.23
Length overall - Meters8.79
Length overall - Inches324
Length overall - Inches346
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi DP 270 hp
Engine/s standardMerc 350MAG BRIII 300 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail77 gal. (292 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters291.48
Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9
Fuel tank capacity - Gal77
Fuel tank capacity - Gal89
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max320 hp (238.6 kW)
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed
Headnot available
Sleeping capacity4
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22 l)
Water heater capacitynot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (61 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters79.49
Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57
Holding tank capacity - Gal21
Holding tank capacity - Gal16

Monterey 250 CR 2008 vs Monterey 278SSX 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 250 CR 2008 or the Monterey 278SSX 2008?
The Monterey 278SSX 2008 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Monterey 250 CR 2008 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 250 CR 2008 or the Monterey 278SSX 2008?
For trailering, the Monterey 278SSX 2008 has the edge at 55 lbs dry weight versus 61 lbs for the Monterey 250 CR 2008. 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 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 250 CR 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 people can each boat hold?
The Monterey 250 CR 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Monterey 278SSX 2008 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Monterey 250 CR 2008 and Monterey 278SSX 2008 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 250 CR 2008 or the Monterey 278SSX 2008?
The Monterey 278SSX 2008 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 77 gallons on the Monterey 250 CR 2008. That 12-gallon difference translates to roughly 36–60 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey 250 CR 2008 and Monterey 278SSX 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey 250 CR 2008 and the Monterey 278SSX 2008 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.