Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
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
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
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