Monterey 224FS 2011 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 224FS 2011 or the Monterey 280SY 2013?

The Monterey 280SY 2013 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Monterey 224FS 2011 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 8,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 224FS 2011 or the Monterey 280SY 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey 224FS 2011 has the edge at 35 lbs dry weight versus 82 lbs for the Monterey 280SY 2013. 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 280SY 2013 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 224FS 2011 tops out at 300 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 passengers can the Monterey 224FS 2011 carry?

The Monterey 224FS 2011 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 224FS 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 11" for the Monterey 280SY 2013. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 224FS 2011 or the Monterey 280SY 2013?

The Monterey 224FS 2011 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 9 gallons on the Monterey 280SY 2013. That 46-gallon difference translates to roughly 138–230 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 224FS 2011 and Monterey 280SY 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 224FS 2011 and the Monterey 280SY 2013 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 224FS 2011 vs Monterey 280SY 2013

Monterey

Monterey 224FS 2011

2011

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Monterey

Monterey 280SY 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 224FS 2011 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 224FS 2011 against a deep vee Monterey 280SY 2013 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey 280SY 2013 measures 29,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 224FS 2011 at 21,0 feet (2011). At 35 lbs and 82 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 280SY 2013 has a 125-hp advantage over the Monterey 224FS 2011's 300-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 224FS 2011 carries 55 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Monterey 280SY 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 224FS 2011 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 280SY 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 280SY 2013 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 224FS 2011 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

Model224FS

Model280SY

Model Year2011

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.79

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches11

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Tower: 7 ft. 5 in. (2.26 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 11 in. (2.72 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.26

Bridge clearance - Meters2.72

Bridge clearance - Inches89

Bridge clearance - Inches107

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise17℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58.4 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] meters0.74

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [drive up] inches29

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail42 in. (107 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters1.07

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches42

Weight - Detail3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg)

Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)

Weight - kg1587.57

Weight - kg3719.45

Weight - lbs.35

Weight - lbs.82

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet29

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 9 in. (6.9 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.8 m)

Length overall - Detail21 ft. (6.4 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches252

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208.2 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal. (341 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal9

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max300 hp (223.7 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)

Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)

Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people1,775 lbs. (805 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m)

Water heater capacitynot available

Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68.14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Monterey 224FS 2011 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 224FS 2011 or the Monterey 280SY 2013?

The Monterey 280SY 2013 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Monterey 224FS 2011 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 8,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 224FS 2011 or the Monterey 280SY 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey 224FS 2011 has the edge at 35 lbs dry weight versus 82 lbs for the Monterey 280SY 2013. 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 280SY 2013 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 224FS 2011 tops out at 300 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 passengers can the Monterey 224FS 2011 carry?

The Monterey 224FS 2011 has an official capacity rating of 1 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 224FS 2011 measures 102" wide, compared to 11" for the Monterey 280SY 2013. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 224FS 2011 or the Monterey 280SY 2013?

The Monterey 224FS 2011 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 9 gallons on the Monterey 280SY 2013. That 46-gallon difference translates to roughly 138–230 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 224FS 2011 and Monterey 280SY 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 224FS 2011 and the Monterey 280SY 2013 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 224FS 2011 full specs ← Monterey 280SY 2013 full specs