Monterey 234 FSX 2008 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 234 FSX 2008
2008
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VS
Monterey 263 EX 2008 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey 263 EX 2008
2008
View full specs →

Monterey 234 FSX 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2008 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 and the Monterey 263 EX 2008 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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 234 FSX 2008 at 24,0 ft versus Monterey 263 EX 2008 at 26,0 ft. At 43 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 FSX 2008'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 FSX 2008 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 FSX 2008 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeMonterey
MakeMonterey
Model234 FSX
Model263 EX
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.8 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise19℃
Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,951 kg)
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,540 kg)
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - lbs.43
Weight - lbs.56
Length - Meters7.3
Length - Meters8.1
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet26
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 0 in. (7.3 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
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0l SX 220hp
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 l SX 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail62 gal. (235 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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
HeadPorta-potti
Water capacity9 gal. (34 l)
Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)

Monterey 234 FSX 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 or the Monterey 263 EX 2008?
The Monterey 263 EX 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey 234 FSX 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 or the Monterey 263 EX 2008?
For trailering, the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Monterey 263 EX 2008. 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 263 EX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 234 FSX 2008 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 263 EX 2008 carry?
The Monterey 263 EX 2008 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.8 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 234 FSX 2008 or the Monterey 263 EX 2008?
The Monterey 234 FSX 2008 has the bigger tank at 62 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Monterey 263 EX 2008. That 56-gallon difference translates to roughly 168–280 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey 234 FSX 2008 and the Monterey 263 EX 2008 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.