Monterey 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M5 MSX 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M5 MSX 2013?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey M5 MSX 2013 comes in at 25,8 feet, making it roughly 0,2 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 M5 MSX 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey M5 MSX 2013 has the edge at 52 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: 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 M5 MSX 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M5 MSX 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M5 MSX 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and the Monterey M5 MSX 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 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M5 MSX 2013

Monterey

Monterey 254 FS 2008

2008

View full specs →

Monterey

Monterey M5 MSX 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M5 MSX 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 254 FS 2008 against a deep vee Monterey M5 MSX 2013 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 M5 MSX 2013 at 25,8 ft. At 52 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 425 hp for the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and 425 hp for the Monterey M5 MSX 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 8 gal and 8 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 M5 MSX 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M5 MSX 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeMonterey

Model254 FS

ModelM5 MSX

Model Year2008

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°

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

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - lbs.52

Length - Meters8.1

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet25.83

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] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches41

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 10 in. (7.9 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 - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Holding tank capacity - Gal11

Monterey 254 FS 2008 vs Monterey M5 MSX 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254 FS 2008 or the Monterey M5 MSX 2013?

The Monterey 254 FS 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey M5 MSX 2013 comes in at 25,8 feet, making it roughly 0,2 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 M5 MSX 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey M5 MSX 2013 has the edge at 52 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.

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 M5 MSX 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M5 MSX 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and Monterey M5 MSX 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254 FS 2008 and the Monterey M5 MSX 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 254 FS 2008 full specs ← Monterey M5 MSX 2013 full specs