Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 350 SY 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 350 SY 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey 350 SY 2008 measures 37,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 13,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 at 24,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 350 SY 2008 tips the scales at 165 lbs — 109 lbs less than the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 at 56 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Monterey 350 SY 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006's 375-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 350 SY 2008 carries 23 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 350 SY 2008 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 350 SY 2008 at 37,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 263 ES 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
Model263 ES Explorer
Model350 SY
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.60 m)
Beam11 ft. 6 in. (3.5 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.51
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches138
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (98 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,542 kg)
Weight - Detail16,500 lbs. (7,484 kg)
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - kg7484.27
Weight - lbs.56
Weight - lbs.165
Length - Meters7.33
Length - Meters11.3
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet37
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.07 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]37 ft. 0 in. (11.3 m)
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in. (7.33 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail230 gal. (871 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters870.64
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal23
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine max375 hp
Engine maxTwin 425 hp (Twin 317 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMerc 350 BRIII twin 300 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Water capacity18 gal. (68 l)
Water capacity48 gal. (182 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail17 gal. (64 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail38 gal. (144 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters64.35
Holding tank capacity - Liters143.85
Holding tank capacity - Gal17
Holding tank capacity - Gal38
Headnot available
HeadEnclosed, VacuFlush
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity2
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity11 gal. (41 l)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee