Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 278SS 2010: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats
Both the Monterey 254FSC 2008 and the Monterey 278SS 2010 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 425 hp for the Monterey 254FSC 2008 and 425 hp for the Monterey 278SS 2010. 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 278SS 2010 carries 89 gallons versus 80 gallons in the Monterey 254FSC 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 278SS 2010 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 278SS 2010 at 28,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 254FSC 2008 at 26,0 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
Model Year2008
Model Year2010
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
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21℃
Weight - DetailTBD
Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)
Length - Meters8.1
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet28.83
Length - Inches7
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 7 in. (8.1 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters8.1
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches319
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Arch: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) With Arch Up: 8 ft. 7 in. (2.62 m)
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
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2494.76
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.5500
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.8 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 l SX 300 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9
Fuel tank capacity - Gal80
Fuel tank capacity - Gal89
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max425 hp (315.9 kW)
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailVacuum Flush: 9 gal. (45 l); Optional Manual Flush: 12 gal. (34 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (61 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57
Holding tank capacity - Gal12
Holding tank capacity - Gal16