Monterey 260SCR 2009 vs Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Monterey 260SCR 2009 or the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006?

The Monterey 260SCR 2009 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 260SCR 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 263 EX Explorer 2006 carry?

The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 260SCR 2009 and Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 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 260SCR 2009 or the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006?

The Monterey 260SCR 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 260SCR 2009 and Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Monterey 260SCR 2009 and the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 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 260SCR 2009 vs Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006

Monterey

Monterey 260SCR 2009

2009

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Monterey

Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 260SCR 2009 vs Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 260SCR 2009 vs Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 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 375 hp, the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 has a 55-hp advantage over the Monterey 260SCR 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 260SCR 2009 carries 80 gallons versus 60 gallons in the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Monterey 260SCR 2009 at 27,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 at 24,0 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

Model260SCR

Model263 EX Explorer

Model Year2009

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.60 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m) with arch

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.69

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches106

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise19℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] inches27

Draft [drive up] inches25

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

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (98 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters1.02

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches40

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - DetailTBD

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

Length - Meters8.4

Length - Meters7.33

Length - Feet27

Length - Feet24

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

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

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

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.5600

Length overall - Detailnot available

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

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters7.32

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches288

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 300 hp 5.7 Gi DP

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi SX

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Fuel tank capacity - Gal60

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeInboard

Drive typeI/O

Engine max320 hp (238.6 kW)

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed

Headnot available

HeadroomMaximum: 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 m)

Headroomnot available

Water capacity25 gal. (94.64 l)

Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)

Water heater capacity6 gal. (22 l)

Water heater capacitynot available

Holding tank capacity - DetailManual: 21 gal. (79.49 l) VacuFlush: 18 gal. (68.14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail2 gal. (8 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters79.49

Holding tank capacity - Liters7.57

Holding tank capacity - Gal21

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Monterey 260SCR 2009 vs Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Monterey 260SCR 2009 or the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006?

The Monterey 260SCR 2009 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 260SCR 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 263 EX Explorer 2006 carry?

The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 260SCR 2009 and Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 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 260SCR 2009 or the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006?

The Monterey 260SCR 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 260SCR 2009 and Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Monterey 260SCR 2009 and the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 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 260SCR 2009 full specs ← Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 full specs