Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 234 FS Montura 2006 vs Monterey 263 EX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 234 FS Montura 2006 vs Monterey 263 EX 2008 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey 234 FS Montura 2006 at 24,0 ft versus Monterey 263 EX 2008 at 26,0 ft. At 45 lbs and 56 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 375 hp, the Monterey 263 EX 2008 has a 55-hp advantage over the Monterey 234 FS Montura 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 234 FS Montura 2006 carries 62 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Monterey 263 EX 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Monterey 263 EX 2008 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Monterey 234 FS Montura 2006 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model234 FS Montura
Model263 EX
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.60 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise19℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (57 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (98 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs. (2,043 kg)
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,540 kg)
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - lbs.45
Weight - lbs.56
Length - Meters7.33
Length - Meters8.1
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet26
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 0 in. (7.33 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.1 m)
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 5 in. (8.1 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters8.05
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches317
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercruiser 5.0 l Alpha
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 l SX 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail62 gal. (234 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters234.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard
Engine max320 hp
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
HeadPortside
HeadPorta-potti
Water capacity9 gal. (34 l)
Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee