Monterey 254FSX 2008 vs Monterey 318SSX 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FSX 2008 or the Monterey 318SSX 2009?

The Monterey 318SSX 2009 is the longer of the two at 31,0 feet overall. The Monterey 254FSX 2008 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254FSX 2008 or the Monterey 318SSX 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 318SSX 2009 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey 254FSX 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 254FSX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 318SSX 2009 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 254FSX 2008 carry?

The Monterey 254FSX 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 318SSX 2009 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 254FSX 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 254FSX 2008 or the Monterey 318SSX 2009?

The Monterey 318SSX 2009 has the bigger tank at 142 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey 254FSX 2008. That 134-gallon difference translates to roughly 402–670 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 254FSX 2008 and Monterey 318SSX 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FSX 2008 and the Monterey 318SSX 2009 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 254FSX 2008 vs Monterey 318SSX 2009

Monterey

Monterey 254FSX 2008

2008

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Monterey

Monterey 318SSX 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 254FSX 2008 vs Monterey 318SSX 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Monterey 254FSX 2008 against a deep vee Monterey 318SSX 2009 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey 318SSX 2009 measures 31,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 254FSX 2008 at 26,0 feet (2008). At 52 lbs and 8 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 254FSX 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the Monterey 318SSX 2009's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Monterey 318SSX 2009 carries 142 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Monterey 254FSX 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Monterey 254FSX 2008 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 318SSX 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 318SSX 2009 at 31,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 254FSX 2008 at 26,0 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

Model254FSX

Model318SSX

Model Year2008

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches114

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise22℃

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

Weight - Detail8,000 lbs. (3,629 kg)

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - kg3628.74

Weight - lbs.52

Weight - lbs.8

Length - Meters8.1

Length - Meters9.7

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet31

Length - Inches7

Length - Inches1

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

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail8 ft. 0 in. (2.4 m) with arch

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.44

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches96

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches36

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 10 in. (9.7 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 l SX 300 hp

Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 5.0 l GXI 270 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail142 gal. (538 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters537.53

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal142

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Drive typeInboard - Twin

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Engine maxT-320 hp (T-238.6 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Holding tank capacity - DetailVacuum flush: 9 gal. (45 l);

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters34.07

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal9

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed

Headroomnot available

HeadroomMaximum: 4 ft. 9 in. (1.4 m)

Water heater capacitynot available

Water heater capacity6 gal. (22 l)

Monterey 254FSX 2008 vs Monterey 318SSX 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 254FSX 2008 or the Monterey 318SSX 2009?

The Monterey 318SSX 2009 is the longer of the two at 31,0 feet overall. The Monterey 254FSX 2008 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 254FSX 2008 or the Monterey 318SSX 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 318SSX 2009 has the edge at 8 lbs dry weight versus 52 lbs for the Monterey 254FSX 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 254FSX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 318SSX 2009 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 254FSX 2008 carry?

The Monterey 254FSX 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 318SSX 2009 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 254FSX 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey 254FSX 2008 or the Monterey 318SSX 2009?

The Monterey 318SSX 2009 has the bigger tank at 142 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Monterey 254FSX 2008. That 134-gallon difference translates to roughly 402–670 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 254FSX 2008 and Monterey 318SSX 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 254FSX 2008 and the Monterey 318SSX 2009 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 254FSX 2008 full specs ← Monterey 318SSX 2009 full specs