The Monterey 197 FS 2013 vs Monterey M-22 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 M-22 2020 measures 23,9 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 4,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 197 FS 2013 at 19,7 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey M-22 2020 tips the scales at 3 850 lbs — 1 050 lbs less than the Monterey 197 FS 2013 at 2 800 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the Monterey M-22 2020 has a 200-hp advantage over the Monterey 197 FS 2013's 150-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 M-22 2020 carries 52 gallons versus 36 gallons in the Monterey 197 FS 2013. 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 M-22 2020 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Monterey 197 FS 2013 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Monterey M-22 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Monterey M-22 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 23,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Monterey 197 FS 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.