Monterey 220EX 2009 vs Monterey M5 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Monterey 220EX 2009 or the Monterey M5 2012?

The Monterey M5 2012 is the longer of the two at 25,8 feet overall. The Monterey 220EX 2009 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Monterey 220EX 2009 or the Monterey M5 2012?

For trailering, the Monterey 220EX 2009 has the edge at 4 200 lbs dry weight versus 5 200 lbs for the Monterey M5 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey M5 2012 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 220EX 2009 tops out at 320 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Monterey 220EX 2009 and Monterey M5 2012 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Monterey 220EX 2009 or the Monterey M5 2012?

The Monterey M5 2012 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 50 gallons on the Monterey 220EX 2009. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 220EX 2009 and Monterey M5 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Monterey 220EX 2009 and the Monterey M5 2012 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 220EX 2009 vs Monterey M5 2012

Monterey

Monterey 220EX 2009

2009

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Monterey

Monterey M5 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 220EX 2009 vs Monterey M5 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 220EX 2009 is a modified-V design and the Monterey M5 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey M5 2012 measures 25,8 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 220EX 2009 at 21,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey M5 2012 tips the scales at 5 200 lbs - 1 000 lbs less than the Monterey 220EX 2009 at 4 200 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 425 hp, the Monterey M5 2012 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 220EX 2009's 320-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 M5 2012 carries 80 gallons versus 50 gallons in the Monterey 220EX 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Monterey M5 2012 at 25,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 220EX 2009 at 21,0 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

MakeMonterey

Model220EX

ModelM5

Model Year2009

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

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

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.31

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches91

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise20°

Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (0.66 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (101.6 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (1.04 m)

Draft [max] - Meters1.02

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches40

Draft [max] - Inches41

Weight - Detail4,200 lbs. (1,905.1 kg)

Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)

Weight - kg1905.09

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - lbs.4200

Weight - lbs.5200

Length - Meters6.6

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet25.83

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 6 in. (6.6 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 10 in. (7.9 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerc 5.0 l 220 hp Alpha

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189.3 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal50

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max320 hp (238.6 kW)

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (37.9 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)

Maximum capacity1,775 lbs. (805.1 kg) 1,900 lbs. (861.8 kg) with gear

Maximum capacitynot available

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l) Manual: 12 gal. (45.42 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Monterey 220EX 2009 vs Monterey M5 2012 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Monterey 220EX 2009 or the Monterey M5 2012?

The Monterey M5 2012 is the longer of the two at 25,8 feet overall. The Monterey 220EX 2009 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Monterey 220EX 2009 or the Monterey M5 2012?

For trailering, the Monterey 220EX 2009 has the edge at 4 200 lbs dry weight versus 5 200 lbs for the Monterey M5 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey M5 2012 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 220EX 2009 tops out at 320 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.

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

Both the Monterey 220EX 2009 and Monterey M5 2012 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Monterey 220EX 2009 or the Monterey M5 2012?

The Monterey M5 2012 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 50 gallons on the Monterey 220EX 2009. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 220EX 2009 and Monterey M5 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Monterey 220EX 2009 and the Monterey M5 2012 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 220EX 2009 full specs ← Monterey M5 2012 full specs