Both the Monterey 204FS 2011 and the Monterey 220 EX 2008 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Monterey 204FS 2011 at 19,6 ft versus Monterey 220 EX 2008 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 220 EX 2008 tips the scales at 4 200 lbs - 1 100 lbs less than the Monterey 204FS 2011 at 3 100 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 320 hp, the Monterey 220 EX 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Monterey 204FS 2011's 270-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 220 EX 2008 carries 50 gallons versus 36 gallons in the Monterey 204FS 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 204FS 2011 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 220 EX 2008 wasn't available.