Monterey 298 SS 2007 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 298 SS 2007
2007
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VS
Monterey M5 2012 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey M5 2012
2012
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Monterey 298 SS 2007 vs Monterey M5 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 298 SS 2007 vs Monterey M5 2012 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 298 SS 2007 measures 29,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 3,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey M5 2012 at 25,8 feet (2012). At 8 lbs and 52 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey M5 2012 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 298 SS 2007'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 298 SS 2007 carries 142 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Monterey M5 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 298 SS 2007 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M5 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 298 SS 2007 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey M5 2012 at 25,8 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
MakeMonterey
MakeMonterey
Model298 SS
ModelM5
Model Year2007
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 10 in. (3.31 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters3.3
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches13
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise20°
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (0.66 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.66
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches26
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (95 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (1.04 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches41
Weight - Detail8,000 lbs. (3,631 kg)
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)
Weight - kg3628.74
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - lbs.8
Weight - lbs.52
Length - Meters9.03
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet25.83
Length - Inches7
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 10 in. (9.72 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 10 in. (7.9 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 7 in. (9.03 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters9.02
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches355
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail142 gal. (537 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters537.53
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal142
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Drive typeInboard
Engine maxT-320 hp
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed, VacuFlush
Headnot available
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity15 gal. (56 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l) Manual: 12 gal. (45.42 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Monterey 298 SS 2007 vs Monterey M5 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 298 SS 2007 or the Monterey M5 2012?
The Monterey 298 SS 2007 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Monterey M5 2012 comes in at 25,8 feet, making it roughly 3,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 298 SS 2007 or the Monterey M5 2012?
For trailering, the Monterey 298 SS 2007 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey M5 2012. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Monterey M5 2012 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 298 SS 2007 tops out at 320 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many passengers can the Monterey 298 SS 2007 carry?
The Monterey 298 SS 2007 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 298 SS 2007 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey M5 2012. 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 298 SS 2007 or the Monterey M5 2012?
The Monterey 298 SS 2007 has the bigger tank at 142 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey M5 2012. That 134-gallon difference translates to roughly 402–670 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey 298 SS 2007 and Monterey M5 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey 298 SS 2007 and the Monterey M5 2012 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.