Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FSC 2008 or the Monterey 263 EX 2007?

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey 263 EX 2007 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 263 EX 2007 tops out at 375 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 people can each boat hold?

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Monterey 263 EX 2007 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Monterey 254FSC 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2007 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 254FSC 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 6 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 254FSC 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FSC 2008 and the Monterey 263 EX 2007 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 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2007

Monterey

Monterey 254FSC 2008

2008

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Monterey

Monterey 263 EX 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2007 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 254FSC 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Monterey 263 EX 2007's 375-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 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Monterey 263 EX 2007 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Monterey 254FSC 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Monterey 254FSC 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 26,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Monterey 263 EX 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeMonterey

Model254FSC

Model263 EX

Model Year2008

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise19℃

Weight - DetailTBD

Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,542 kg)

Length - Meters8.1

Length - Meters7.33

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet24

Length - Inches7

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in. (7.33 m)

Length overall - Meters8.1

Length overall - Meters7.32

Length overall - Inches319

Length overall - Inches288

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches25

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.56

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.07 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 l SX 300 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi SX

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (226 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max425 hp (315.9 kW)

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail2 gal. (7 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42

Holding tank capacity - Liters7.57

Holding tank capacity - Gal12

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed, porta-potti

Monterey 254FSC 2008 vs Monterey 263 EX 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FSC 2008 or the Monterey 263 EX 2007?

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Monterey 263 EX 2007 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 263 EX 2007 tops out at 375 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 people can each boat hold?

The Monterey 254FSC 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Monterey 263 EX 2007 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Monterey 254FSC 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2007 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 254FSC 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 6 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 254FSC 2008 and Monterey 263 EX 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FSC 2008 and the Monterey 263 EX 2007 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 254FSC 2008 full specs ← Monterey 263 EX 2007 full specs