Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 180 FS Montura 2006 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 180 FS Montura 2006 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 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 280SY 2013 measures 29,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 11,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 180 FS Montura 2006 at 18,0 feet (2006). At 25 lbs and 82 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 280SY 2013 has a 235-hp advantage over the Monterey 180 FS Montura 2006's 190-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 180 FS Montura 2006 carries 28 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Monterey 280SY 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey 180 FS Montura 2006 is rated for up to 5 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 280SY 2013 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 280SY 2013 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 180 FS Montura 2006 at 18,0 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
Model180 FS Montura
Model280SY
Model Year2006
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m)
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches92
Beam - Inches11
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (54 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] meters0.74
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [drive up] inches29
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (87 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail42 in. (107 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters1.07
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches42
Weight - Detail2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg)
Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - kg1133.98
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.25
Weight - lbs.82
Length - Meters5.5
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet29
Length [over all with swim platform]20 ft. 3 in. (6.18 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.8 m)
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.50 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 11 in. (2.72 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.72
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches107
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 3.0 GL SX
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal. (341 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Fuel tank capacity - Gal9
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard
Engine max190 hp
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Operational Info
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m)
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68.14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal18