The Monterey 290 Cruiser 2006 vs Monterey 298 SC 2002 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 290 Cruiser 2006 at 31,0 ft versus Monterey 298 SC 2002 at 31,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 298 SC 2002 tips the scales at 8 157 lbs — 8 156 lbs less than the Monterey 290 Cruiser 2006 at 1 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 Monterey 290 Cruiser 2006 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Monterey 298 SC 2002 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 142 gal and 142 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.