Monterey 278SC 2009 vs Monterey 320SY 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 278SC 2009 or the Monterey 320SY 2010?

The Monterey 320SY 2010 is the longer of the two at 33,8 feet overall. The Monterey 278SC 2009 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 5,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 320SY 2010 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.

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

The Monterey 278SC 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 13" for the Monterey 320SY 2010. 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 2009 or the Monterey 320SY 2010?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Monterey 320SY 2010. That 71-gallon difference translates to roughly 213–355 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 278SC 2009 and Monterey 320SY 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 278SC 2009 and the Monterey 320SY 2010 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 2009 vs Monterey 320SY 2010

Monterey

Monterey 278SC 2009

2009

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Monterey

Monterey 320SY 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 278SC 2009 vs Monterey 320SY 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Monterey 278SC 2009 against a modified vee Monterey 320SY 2010 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 278SC 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 320SY 2010'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 278SC 2009 carries 89 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Monterey 320SY 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Monterey 320SY 2010 at 33,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 278SC 2009 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

Model320SY

Model Year2009

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam10 ft. 10 in. (3.3 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.3

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches13

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) 8 ft. 7 in. (2.62 m) with arch

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 10 ft. 2 in. (3.1 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.62

Bridge clearance - Meters3.1

Bridge clearance - Inches103

Bridge clearance - Inches122

Deadrise21℃

Deadrise17℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail30 in. (76.2 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] meters0.76

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [drive up] inches3

Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (94 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (101.6 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Meters1.02

Draft [max] - Inches37

Draft [max] - Inches4

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

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.56

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Meters8.8

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet28

Length - Feet33.83

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.8 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 10 in. (10.3 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 300 hp 5.7 Gi DP

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681.37 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9

Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37

Fuel tank capacity - Gal89

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typeInboard

Drive typeInboard - Twin

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Engine maxT-320 hp (T-223.7 kW)

Operational Info

HeadroomMaximum: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)

Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity42 gal. (159 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (61 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (105.99 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57

Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99

Holding tank capacity - Gal16

Holding tank capacity - Gal28

Monterey 278SC 2009 vs Monterey 320SY 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 278SC 2009 or the Monterey 320SY 2010?

The Monterey 320SY 2010 is the longer of the two at 33,8 feet overall. The Monterey 278SC 2009 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 5,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 320SY 2010 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 13" for the Monterey 320SY 2010. 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 2009 or the Monterey 320SY 2010?

The Monterey 278SC 2009 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Monterey 320SY 2010. That 71-gallon difference translates to roughly 213–355 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 278SC 2009 and Monterey 320SY 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 278SC 2009 and the Monterey 320SY 2010 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 2009 full specs ← Monterey 320SY 2010 full specs