The Monterey 288SS 2013 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey 288SS 2013 at 29,0 ft versus Monterey 298 SS 2021 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 298 SS 2021 tips the scales at 6 800 lbs — 6 729 lbs less than the Monterey 288SS 2013 at 71 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 560 hp, the Monterey 298 SS 2021 has a 130-hp advantage over the Monterey 288SS 2013's 430-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 1 gal and 1 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.