Monterey 278SC 2008 vs Monterey 300SCR 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 278SC 2008 or the Monterey 300SCR 2011?

The Monterey 300SCR 2011 is the longer of the two at 31,3 feet overall. The Monterey 278SC 2008 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 3,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 278SC 2008 or the Monterey 300SCR 2011?

For trailering, the Monterey 300SCR 2011 has the edge at 1 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Monterey 278SC 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SC 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 300SCR 2011 tops out at 300 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 278SC 2008 carry?

The Monterey 278SC 2008 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 300SCR 2011 measures 123" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 278SC 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 278SC 2008 or the Monterey 300SCR 2011?

The Monterey 300SCR 2011 has the bigger tank at 142 gallons, versus 89 gallons on the Monterey 278SC 2008. That 53-gallon difference translates to roughly 159–265 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 278SC 2008 and Monterey 300SCR 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 278SC 2008 and the Monterey 300SCR 2011 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 278SC 2008 vs Monterey 300SCR 2011

Monterey

Monterey 278SC 2008

2008

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Monterey

Monterey 300SCR 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 278SC 2008 vs Monterey 300SCR 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Monterey 278SC 2008 against a modified vee Monterey 300SCR 2011 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey 300SCR 2011 measures 31,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 278SC 2008 at 28,0 feet (2008). At 56 lbs and 1 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 278SC 2008 has a 125-hp advantage over the Monterey 300SCR 2011's 300-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 300SCR 2011 carries 142 gallons versus 89 gallons in the Monterey 278SC 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 278SC 2008 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 300SCR 2011 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 300SCR 2011 at 31,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 278SC 2008 at 28,0 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

Model278SC

Model300SCR

Model Year2008

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam10 ft. 3 in. (3.1 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.12

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches123

Deadrise21℃

Deadrise19℃

Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,540 kg)

Weight - Detail10,000 lbs. (4,436 kg)

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - kg4535.92

Weight - lbs.56

Weight - lbs.1

Length - Meters8.8

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet28

Length - Feet31.33

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 10 in. (8.8 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters8.79

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches346

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 10 ft. 3 in. (3.14 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters3.12

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches123

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (63.5 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches25

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 [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 4 in. (9.4 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerc 350MAG BRIII 300hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail142 gal. (537 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9

Fuel tank capacity - Liters537.53

Fuel tank capacity - Gal89

Fuel tank capacity - Gal142

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Drive typeInboard - Twin

Engine max425 hp (316 kW)

Engine maxT-300 hp (T-223.7 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity38 gal. (143.7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (61 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (105.9 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal16

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (2 m)

Monterey 278SC 2008 vs Monterey 300SCR 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 278SC 2008 or the Monterey 300SCR 2011?

The Monterey 300SCR 2011 is the longer of the two at 31,3 feet overall. The Monterey 278SC 2008 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 3,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 278SC 2008 or the Monterey 300SCR 2011?

For trailering, the Monterey 300SCR 2011 has the edge at 1 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Monterey 278SC 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 278SC 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 300SCR 2011 tops out at 300 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 278SC 2008 carry?

The Monterey 278SC 2008 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 300SCR 2011 measures 123" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 278SC 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 278SC 2008 or the Monterey 300SCR 2011?

The Monterey 300SCR 2011 has the bigger tank at 142 gallons, versus 89 gallons on the Monterey 278SC 2008. That 53-gallon difference translates to roughly 159–265 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 278SC 2008 and Monterey 300SCR 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 278SC 2008 and the Monterey 300SCR 2011 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 278SC 2008 full specs ← Monterey 300SCR 2011 full specs