Monterey 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2012?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey M3 MSX 2012 comes in at 23,8 feet, making it roughly 2,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2012?

For trailering, the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey 254 FS 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 carry?

The Monterey 254 FS 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.

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

Both the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2012?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey M3 MSX 2012. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M3 MSX 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2012

Monterey

Monterey 254 FS 2008

2008

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Monterey

Monterey M3 MSX 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 254 FS 2008 against a deep vee Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 at 26,0 ft versus Monterey M3 MSX 2012 at 23,8 ft. At 52 lbs and 45 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 254 FS 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey M3 MSX 2012's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 8 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 254 FS 2008 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey M3 MSX 2012 at 23,8 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

Model254 FS

ModelM3 MSX

Model Year2008

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise20°

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

Weight - Detail4,500 lbs. (2,041 kg)

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.52

Weight - lbs.45

Length - Meters8.1

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet23.83

Length - Inches7

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 7 in. (8.1 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters8.1

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches319

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (0.68 m)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches27

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (0.99 m)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches39

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]23 ft. 10 in. (7.04 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 l SX 300hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189.3 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Engine max320 hp (223.7 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (37.9 l)

Holding tank capacity - DetailVacuum flush: 9 gal. (45 l); Optional manual flush: 12 gal. (34 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Monterey 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2012?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey M3 MSX 2012 comes in at 23,8 feet, making it roughly 2,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2012?

For trailering, the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey 254 FS 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 254 FS 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 carry?

The Monterey 254 FS 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 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2012?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey M3 MSX 2012. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M3 MSX 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 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 254 FS 2008 full specs ← Monterey M3 MSX 2012 full specs