Monterey 197FS 2013 vs Monterey 204FS 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 197FS 2013 or the Monterey 204FS 2011?

The Monterey 204FS 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,6 feet overall. The Monterey 197FS 2013 comes in at 19,6 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 204FS 2011 is rated to a maximum of 270 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 197FS 2013 tops out at 150 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Monterey 197FS 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Monterey 204FS 2011 is certified for 1. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Monterey 197FS 2013 and Monterey 204FS 2011 share an 8 ft. 4 in. (2.5 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Monterey 197FS 2013 and Monterey 204FS 2011?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 36 gallons and 36 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Monterey 197FS 2013 and Monterey 204FS 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 197FS 2013 and the Monterey 204FS 2011 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.

Boat Comparison

Monterey 197FS 2013 vs Monterey 204FS 2011

Monterey

Monterey 197FS 2013

2013

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Monterey

Monterey 204FS 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 197FS 2013 vs Monterey 204FS 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Monterey 197FS 2013 against a modified vee Monterey 204FS 2011 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 270 hp, the Monterey 204FS 2011 has a 120-hp advantage over the Monterey 197FS 2013's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 36 gal and 36 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 1 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Monterey 204FS 2011 and its 270-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Monterey 197FS 2013 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeMonterey

Model197FS

Model204FS

Model Year2013

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches1

Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 7 in. (2.31 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.31

Bridge clearance - Meters2.21

Bridge clearance - Inches91

Bridge clearance - Inches87

Deadrise19℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (40 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53.3 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86.3 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86.4 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Inches34

Length - Feet19.58

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 7 in. (6 m)

Length overall - Meters5.97

Length overall - Inches235

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,100 lbs. (1,406 kg)

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.31

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 8 in. (6.6 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail36 gal. (136 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters136.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal36

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typeInboard

Engine max150 hp (112 kW)

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity8 gal. (37.8 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)

Maximum capacity1,675 lbs. (760 kg)

Maximum people1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Monterey 197FS 2013 vs Monterey 204FS 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 197FS 2013 or the Monterey 204FS 2011?

The Monterey 204FS 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,6 feet overall. The Monterey 197FS 2013 comes in at 19,6 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 204FS 2011 is rated to a maximum of 270 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 197FS 2013 tops out at 150 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 people can each boat hold?

The Monterey 197FS 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Monterey 204FS 2011 is certified for 1. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Monterey 197FS 2013 and Monterey 204FS 2011 share an 8 ft. 4 in. (2.5 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Monterey 197FS 2013 and Monterey 204FS 2011?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 36 gallons and 36 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Monterey 197FS 2013 and Monterey 204FS 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 197FS 2013 and the Monterey 204FS 2011 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.

← Monterey 197FS 2013 full specs ← Monterey 204FS 2011 full specs