Monterey 254FS 2009 vs Monterey 260SY 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FS 2009 or the Monterey 260SY 2013?

The Monterey 260SY 2013 is the longer of the two at 27,5 feet overall. The Monterey 254FS 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 1,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254FS 2009 or the Monterey 260SY 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey 254FS 2009 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 72 lbs for the Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 260SY 2013 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Monterey 254FS 2009 and Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 and Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 and Monterey 260SY 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FS 2009 and the Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 vs Monterey 260SY 2013

Monterey

Monterey 254FS 2009

2009

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Monterey

Monterey 260SY 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 254FS 2009 vs Monterey 260SY 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 254FS 2009 against a deep vee Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 at 26,0 ft versus Monterey 260SY 2013 at 27,5 ft. At 52 lbs and 72 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 254FS 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 260SY 2013'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 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Monterey 254FS 2009 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Monterey 260SY 2013 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeMonterey

Model254FS

Model260SY

Model Year2009

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Meters2.69

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Bridge clearance - Inches106

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise17℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (68.58 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [drive up] inches27

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

Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (101.6 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Meters1.02

Draft [max] - Inches41

Draft [max] - Inches4

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

Weight - Detail7,200 lbs. (3,266 kg)

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - kg3265.86

Weight - lbs.52

Weight - lbs.72

Length - Meters8.1

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet27.5

Length - Inches7

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 7 in. (8.1 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 6 in. (8.4 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 l 270 hp DP

Engine/s standardnot available

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)

Engine max320 hp (238.6 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)

Water capacity25 gal. (94.64 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail12 gal. (45.42 l) manual 9 gal. (34.06 l) Vacu-Flush

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68.14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. (1.83 m)

Water heater capacitynot available

Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)

Monterey 254FS 2009 vs Monterey 260SY 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FS 2009 or the Monterey 260SY 2013?

The Monterey 260SY 2013 is the longer of the two at 27,5 feet overall. The Monterey 254FS 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 1,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254FS 2009 or the Monterey 260SY 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey 254FS 2009 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 72 lbs for the Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 260SY 2013 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.

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

Both the Monterey 254FS 2009 and Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 and Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 and Monterey 260SY 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FS 2009 and the Monterey 260SY 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 254FS 2009 full specs ← Monterey 260SY 2013 full specs