Monterey 234SS 2013 vs Monterey 254FSC 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 234SS 2013 or the Monterey 254FSC 2009?

The Monterey 254FSC 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey 234SS 2013 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 234SS 2013 or the Monterey 254FSC 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 254FSC 2009 has the edge at 54 lbs dry weight versus 395 lbs for the Monterey 234SS 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 254FSC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 234SS 2013 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 234SS 2013 carry?

The Monterey 234SS 2013 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Monterey 234SS 2013 and Monterey 254FSC 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 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 234SS 2013 or the Monterey 254FSC 2009?

The Monterey 234SS 2013 has the bigger tank at 52 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey 254FSC 2009. That 44-gallon difference translates to roughly 132–220 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 234SS 2013 and Monterey 254FSC 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 234SS 2013 and the Monterey 254FSC 2009 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 234SS 2013 vs Monterey 254FSC 2009

Monterey

Monterey 234SS 2013

2013

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Monterey

Monterey 254FSC 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 234SS 2013 vs Monterey 254FSC 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Monterey 234SS 2013 against a modified vee Monterey 254FSC 2009 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey 234SS 2013 at 23,0 ft versus Monterey 254FSC 2009 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 234SS 2013 tips the scales at 395 lbs — 341 lbs more than the Monterey 254FSC 2009 at 54 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 254FSC 2009 has a 125-hp advantage over the Monterey 234SS 2013'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 234SS 2013 carries 52 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Monterey 254FSC 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 234SS 2013 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 254FSC 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 254FSC 2009 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 234SS 2013 at 23,0 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

Model234SS

Model254FSC

Model Year2013

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Tower: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m) 6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m) with arch lowered 8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m) with arch

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inches25

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (94 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (104.1 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches37

Draft [max] - Inches41

Weight - Detail3,950 lbs. (1,792 kg)

Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,450 kg)

Weight - kg1791.69

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - lbs.395

Weight - lbs.54

Length - Feet23

Length - Feet26

Length [over all with swim platform]23 ft. (7.01 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 7 in. (8.1 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches7

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal52

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max300 hp (223.7 kW)

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 l 300 hp SX

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (37.8 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)

Maximum capacity1,900 lbs. (862 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people1,775 lbs. (805 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity2

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - DetailManual: 12 gal. (45.42 l) VacuFlush: 9 gal. (34.06 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Monterey 234SS 2013 vs Monterey 254FSC 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 234SS 2013 or the Monterey 254FSC 2009?

The Monterey 254FSC 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey 234SS 2013 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 234SS 2013 or the Monterey 254FSC 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 254FSC 2009 has the edge at 54 lbs dry weight versus 395 lbs for the Monterey 234SS 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 254FSC 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 234SS 2013 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 234SS 2013 carry?

The Monterey 234SS 2013 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.

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

Both the Monterey 234SS 2013 and Monterey 254FSC 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 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 234SS 2013 or the Monterey 254FSC 2009?

The Monterey 234SS 2013 has the bigger tank at 52 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey 254FSC 2009. That 44-gallon difference translates to roughly 132–220 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 234SS 2013 and Monterey 254FSC 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 234SS 2013 and the Monterey 254FSC 2009 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 234SS 2013 full specs ← Monterey 254FSC 2009 full specs