I have had a 1992 252 and now own a 2005 282. I regularly fish on a 2004 300, a 2003 300, and a 2002 282. The waters we fish are are the NW Pacific out of Oregon, with consistent swell and wind chop.
As mentioned, there are pros and cons on both boats, and it really depends on how you plan to use it.
The 300 is bigger, and the difference in the beam is noticeable in the cabin, with extra space also in the cockpit, but not so much more that it is pronounced in my opinion. The 300 below deck feels MUCH more spacious.
The size difference in the helm area of the 300 vs the 282 is significant that 3 people can comfortably be up in the helm vicinity.
The 300 busts through bigger chop better simply due to displacement if nothing else.
Downside of the 300- If you fish, and I mean TRULY fish, with 4-5 people, the Marlin, even with the larger size is not laid out as well as the 282. Two big misses on the 300 are right behind the helm seat. The storage center on the 300 eliminates the fish box that is on the 282, reducing on board fish capacity In addition, it is so high that it is totally impractical for anyone to ride offshore there as your legs cannot reach the deck. On the port side the livewell box is unfortunately more elevated than on the 282, and with the companion seat in the helm area, you cannot recline comfortably. (If you have the companion seat on the 282, it also interferes) So- for practical fishing applications, the 300 is simply not set up as well as the 282. The 305 Express has the best helm and seating arrangement of any of them, but unfortunately completely eliminates any stern facing seating, and with no walk around is out of the question for bow fishing functionality.
Downsides fo the 282- Tighter helm, cabin that is functional, but smaller, rear berth is much smaller, no gen option, not as good of a ride.
Powerplants make a difference. All of the 282's and 300's I have been on have been using the F225's. Most are running 17" with a buddy that has a 282 running 19's. My 282 will turn 6000 RPM with half load at WOT. It cruises currently at just under 2mpg at 4000 rpm. My buddy with the 19's only gets to 5500, but does a solid 2mpg. Real world rough water running but at cruise speed he sees 1.7mpg or so. The Marlins turning 17's will not get over 5400rpm in real world, and both are coming in at around 1.25 mpg. One Marlin is being repowered with 250's as we speak, and another is waiting until the end of this season to get the new 300's.
All of the 300's that I am around have trailers and their owners will tow them if needed. One guy- Hoghunter on the board here, tows his all over the NW and shows that it truly can be considered a trailer boat with the right trailer, tow rig, and knowledge of towing. But reality is that most people don't enjoy towing a 10' 6" beam boat around that much.
The 282 being 9'6" beam is very comfortable to tow with a Heavy 3/4 ton or 1 ton. I have no issue towing the 282 anywhere, but I do primarily keep it moored. One of the other 282's is strictly a trailer boat, and he tows it all over the NW, even just over to the coast and back for a day trip.
If you want to go overnight, the Honda 2000 portable generator is the model of choice for the 282.
2004+ on the 300 or 2005+ on the 282 for "current" stylings. Both of these have the drop down stern seat and stern fish box, which is a great addition.
