Matching a modified vee Monterey 194 FS 2008 against a deep vee Monterey 204FS 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey 194 FS 2008 at 19,0 ft versus Monterey 204FS 2012 at 19,6 ft. At 31 lbs and 31 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 270 hp for the Monterey 194 FS 2008 and 270 hp for the Monterey 204FS 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 36 gal and 36 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Monterey 194 FS 2008 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Monterey 204FS 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Monterey 194 FS 2008 could be the deciding factor.