Monterey 278SS 2008 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 278SS 2008
2008
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VS
Monterey 350 SY 2007 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 350 SY 2007
2007
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Monterey 278SS 2008 vs Monterey 350 SY 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 278SS 2008 vs Monterey 350 SY 2007 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey 350 SY 2007 measures 37,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 9,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 278SS 2008 at 28,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 350 SY 2007 tips the scales at 165 lbs — 110 lbs less than the Monterey 278SS 2008 at 55 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 425 hp for the Monterey 278SS 2008 and 425 hp for the Monterey 350 SY 2007. 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 2008 carries 89 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Monterey 350 SY 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 278SS 2008 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 350 SY 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 350 SY 2007 at 37,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 278SS 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
MakeMonterey
Model278SS
Model350 SY
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.51
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches138
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise17℃
Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)
Weight - Detail16,500 lbs. (7,490 kg)
Weight - kg2494.76
Weight - kg7484.27
Weight - lbs.55
Weight - lbs.165
Length - Meters8.8
Length - Meters11.3
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet37
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 - Detail10 ft. (3.05 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters3.05
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches12
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (95 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]37 ft. 0 in. (11.3 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerc 350MAG BRIII 300 hp
Engine/s standardMercruiser twin 350 MAG MPI BR III
Fuel tank capacity - Detail89 gal. (337 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail230 gal. (869 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters336.9
Fuel tank capacity - Liters870.64
Fuel tank capacity - Gal89
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine max425 hp (316 kW)
Engine maxT-425 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity48 gal. (181 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (61 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail38 gal. (143 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57
Holding tank capacity - Liters143.85
Holding tank capacity - Gal16
Holding tank capacity - Gal38
Headnot available
HeadEnclosed, VacuFlush
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity11 gal. (41 l)

Monterey 278SS 2008 vs Monterey 350 SY 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 278SS 2008 or the Monterey 350 SY 2007?
The Monterey 350 SY 2007 is the longer of the two at 37,0 feet overall. The Monterey 278SS 2008 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 278SS 2008 or the Monterey 350 SY 2007?
For trailering, the Monterey 278SS 2008 has the edge at 55 lbs dry weight versus 165 lbs for the Monterey 350 SY 2007. 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.
How many passengers can the Monterey 278SS 2008 carry?
The Monterey 278SS 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 350 SY 2007 measures 138" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 278SS 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 278SS 2008 or the Monterey 350 SY 2007?
The Monterey 278SS 2008 has the bigger tank at 89 gallons, versus 23 gallons on the Monterey 350 SY 2007. That 66-gallon difference translates to roughly 198–330 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey 278SS 2008 and Monterey 350 SY 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey 278SS 2008 and the Monterey 350 SY 2007 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.