Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 298 SS 2021 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 298 SS 2021 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 560 hp, the Monterey 298 SS 2021 has a 135-hp advantage over the Monterey 254FSC 2008's 425-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 254FSC 2008 carries 8 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Monterey 298 SS 2021. 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: The Monterey 298 SS 2021 at 29,0 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
MakeMonterey
Makenot available
Model254FSC
Modelnot available
Model Year2008
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam9.00 ft
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches108
Deadrise20℃
Deadrisenot available
Weight - DetailTBD
Weight - Detailnot available
Length - Meters8.1
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches7
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 7 in. (8.1 m)
Length overall - Detail29.00 ft
Length overall - Meters8.1
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches319
Length overall - Inches348
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3.70 ft
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.13
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches44
Draft Minnot available
Draft Min2.50 ft
Displacementnot available
Displacement6800.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
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 - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeOther
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeinboard
Engine max425 hp (315.9 kW)
Engine maxnot available
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower560 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity15
Holding tank capacity - DetailVacuum Flush: 9 gal. (45 l); Optional Manual Flush: 12 gal. (34 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64
Holding tank capacity - Gal12
Holding tank capacity - Gal11
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower