Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006
2006
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VS
Monterey 328SS 2013 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 328SS 2013
2013
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Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 328SS 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 328SS 2013 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 328SS 2013 measures 32,2 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 10,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 at 22,0 feet (2006). At 5 lbs and 97 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 430 hp, the Monterey 328SS 2013 has a 110-hp advantage over the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006'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 328SS 2013 carries 142 gallons versus 57 gallons in the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 is rated for up to 6 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 328SS 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 328SS 2013 at 32,2 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 at 22,0 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
MakeMonterey
Model233 EX Explorer
Model328SS
Model Year2006
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.60 m)
Beam9 ft. 8 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.95
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches116
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (59 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (68 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] meters0.69
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [drive up] inches27
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (93 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail5,000 lbs. (2,270 kg)
Weight - Detail9,700 lbs. (4,400 kg)
Weight - kg2267.96
Weight - kg4399.84
Weight - lbs.5
Weight - lbs.97
Length - Meters6.95
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet32.17
Length - Inches9
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 0 in. (7.63 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]32 ft. 2 in. (9.7 m)
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 9 in. (6.95 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters6.93
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches273
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.5 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi SX
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail142 gal. (537.5 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77
Fuel tank capacity - Liters537.53
Fuel tank capacity - Gal57
Fuel tank capacity - Gal142
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine max320 hp
Engine maxT-430 hp (T-320.7 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)
Water capacity25 gal. (94.6 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail2 gal. (8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters7.57
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 328SS 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 328SS 2013?
The Monterey 328SS 2013 is the longer of the two at 32,2 feet overall. The Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 10,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 328SS 2013?
For trailering, the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 97 lbs for the Monterey 328SS 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 328SS 2013 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 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.
How many passengers can the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 carry?
The Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 has an official capacity rating of 6 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 328SS 2013 measures 116" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006. 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 233 EX Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 328SS 2013?
The Monterey 328SS 2013 has the bigger tank at 142 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006. That 85-gallon difference translates to roughly 255–425 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 and Monterey 328SS 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey 233 EX Explorer 2006 and the Monterey 328SS 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.