Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 278SC 2010 vs Monterey 320SY 2009 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Monterey 278SC 2010 and the Monterey 320SY 2009 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 278SC 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 320SY 2009'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 2010 carries 89 gallons versus 18 gallons in the Monterey 320SY 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Monterey 320SY 2009 at 33,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 278SC 2010 at 28,8 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 Year201
Model Year2009
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 - DetailWithout Arch: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) With Arch Up: 8 ft. 7 in. (2.62 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 2 in. (3.1 m) with arch
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 - DetailTBD
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.56
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet28.83
Length - Feet33
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)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters10.3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
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 (316.8 kW)
Engine maxT-320 hp (T-223.7 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo T-270 hp 5.0 GXi DP
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)
HeadroomMaximum: 6 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
Headnot available
HeadEnclosed
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22 l)