The Monterey 298 SC 2002 vs Monterey 378 SS 2020 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 378 SS 2020 measures 37,0 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 5,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 298 SC 2002 at 31,1 feet (2002). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 378 SS 2020 tips the scales at 16 000 lbs — 7 843 lbs less than the Monterey 298 SC 2002 at 8 157 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 378 SS 2020 tops out at 500 hp. Engine specs for the Monterey 298 SC 2002 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Monterey 298 SC 2002 carries 142 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Monterey 378 SS 2020. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Monterey 378 SS 2020 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Monterey 298 SC 2002 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Monterey 378 SS 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Monterey 378 SS 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 37,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Monterey 298 SC 2002 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.