Monterey 243 EX 2007 vs Monterey M5 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 243 EX 2007 or the Monterey M5 2013?

The Monterey M5 2013 is the longer of the two at 25,8 feet overall. The Monterey 243 EX 2007 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 3,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 243 EX 2007 or the Monterey M5 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey 243 EX 2007 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey M5 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 M5 2013 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 243 EX 2007 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.

Q: How many passengers can the Monterey 243 EX 2007 carry?

The Monterey 243 EX 2007 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.

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

Both the Monterey 243 EX 2007 and Monterey M5 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 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 243 EX 2007 or the Monterey M5 2013?

The Monterey 243 EX 2007 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey M5 2013. That 49-gallon difference translates to roughly 147–245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 243 EX 2007 and Monterey M5 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 243 EX 2007 and the Monterey M5 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 243 EX 2007 vs Monterey M5 2013

Monterey

Monterey 243 EX 2007

2007

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Monterey

Monterey M5 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 243 EX 2007 vs Monterey M5 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 243 EX 2007 vs Monterey M5 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 M5 2013 measures 25,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 3,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 243 EX 2007 at 22,0 feet (2007). At 5 lbs and 52 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 M5 2013 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 243 EX 2007'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 243 EX 2007 carries 57 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Monterey M5 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 243 EX 2007 is rated for up to 6 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M5 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey M5 2013 at 25,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 243 EX 2007 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

Model243 EX

ModelM5

Model Year2007

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise20°

Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (59 cm)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (92 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (104 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches41

Weight - Detail5,000 lbs. (2,269 kg)

Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)

Weight - kg2267.96

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - lbs.5

Weight - lbs.52

Length - Meters6.95

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet22

Length - Feet25.83

Length - Inches9

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 0 in. (7.63 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 10 in. (7.9 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

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi SX

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (215 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max320 hp

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

HeadVentilated, enclosed, porta-potti

Headnot available

Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail2 gal. (7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters7.57

Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Gal11

Monterey 243 EX 2007 vs Monterey M5 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 243 EX 2007 or the Monterey M5 2013?

The Monterey M5 2013 is the longer of the two at 25,8 feet overall. The Monterey 243 EX 2007 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 3,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 243 EX 2007 or the Monterey M5 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey 243 EX 2007 has the edge at 5 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey M5 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 M5 2013 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 243 EX 2007 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 243 EX 2007 carry?

The Monterey 243 EX 2007 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.

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

Both the Monterey 243 EX 2007 and Monterey M5 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 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 243 EX 2007 or the Monterey M5 2013?

The Monterey 243 EX 2007 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey M5 2013. That 49-gallon difference translates to roughly 147–245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 243 EX 2007 and Monterey M5 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 243 EX 2007 and the Monterey M5 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 243 EX 2007 full specs ← Monterey M5 2013 full specs