Monterey 254FSC 2010 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FSC 2010 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2013?

The Monterey 254FSC 2010 is the longer of the two at 26,6 feet overall. The Monterey M3 MSX 2013 comes in at 23,8 feet, making it roughly 2,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254FSC 2010 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey M3 MSX 2013 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Monterey 254FSC 2010. 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 254FSC 2010 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey M3 MSX 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 254FSC 2010 and Monterey M3 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 254FSC 2010 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2013?

The Monterey 254FSC 2010 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey M3 MSX 2013. 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 254FSC 2010 and Monterey M3 MSX 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FSC 2010 and the Monterey M3 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 254FSC 2010 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2013

Monterey

Monterey 254FSC 2010

2010

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Monterey

Monterey M3 MSX 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 254FSC 2010 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 254FSC 2010 against a deep vee Monterey M3 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 254FSC 2010 at 26,6 ft versus Monterey M3 MSX 2013 at 23,8 ft. At 54 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 254FSC 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey M3 MSX 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 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: The Monterey 254FSC 2010 at 26,6 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey M3 MSX 2013 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

Model254FSC

ModelM3 MSX

Model Year201

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 - DetailWithout Arch: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m) With Arch Lowered: 6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise20°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (68 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] - Detail39 in. (99 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches41

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,450 kg)

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

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.54

Weight - lbs.45

Length - Feet26.58

Length - Feet23.83

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

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

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 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. (56.8 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (37.9 l)

Holding tank capacity - DetailManual: 12 gal. (45.42 l) Vacu-Flush: 9 gal. (34.06 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 254FSC 2010 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FSC 2010 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2013?

The Monterey 254FSC 2010 is the longer of the two at 26,6 feet overall. The Monterey M3 MSX 2013 comes in at 23,8 feet, making it roughly 2,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254FSC 2010 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2013?

For trailering, the Monterey M3 MSX 2013 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Monterey 254FSC 2010. 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 254FSC 2010 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey M3 MSX 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 254FSC 2010 and Monterey M3 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 254FSC 2010 or the Monterey M3 MSX 2013?

The Monterey 254FSC 2010 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey M3 MSX 2013. 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 254FSC 2010 and Monterey M3 MSX 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FSC 2010 and the Monterey M3 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 254FSC 2010 full specs ← Monterey M3 MSX 2013 full specs