Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 400SY 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 400SY 2009?

The Monterey 400SY 2009 is the longer of the two at 41,0 feet overall. The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 17,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 400SY 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 has the edge at 5 600 lbs dry weight versus 22 000 lbs for the Monterey 400SY 2009. 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 400SY 2009 is rated to a maximum of 435 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 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 passengers can the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 carry?

The Monterey 263 ES 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 400SY 2009 measures 150" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006. 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 263 ES Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 400SY 2009?

The Monterey 400SY 2009 has the bigger tank at 330 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006. That 270-gallon difference translates to roughly 810–1350 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 and Monterey 400SY 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 and the Monterey 400SY 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 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 400SY 2009

Monterey

Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006

2006

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Monterey

Monterey 400SY 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 400SY 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 400SY 2009 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 400SY 2009 measures 41,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 17,0 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 400SY 2009 tips the scales at 22 000 lbs - 16 400 lbs less than the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 at 5 600 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 435 hp, the Monterey 400SY 2009 has a 60-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 400SY 2009 carries 330 gallons versus 60 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 400SY 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 400SY 2009 at 41,0 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

MakeMonterey

Model263 ES Explorer

Model400SY

Model Year2006

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.60 m)

Beam12 ft. 6 in. (3.8 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.81

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches150

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] - Detail45 in. (114.3 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Meters1.14

Draft [max] - Inches38

Draft [max] - Inches45

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

Weight - Detail22,000 lbs. (9,979 kg)

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - kg9979.02

Weight - lbs.5600

Weight - lbs.22000

Length - Meters7.33

Length - Meters12.5

Length - Feet24

Length - Feet41

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

Length [over all with swim platform]41 ft. 0 in. (12.5 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

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 7 in. (3.23 m) with arch

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters3.23

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches127

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail330 gal. (1,249 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters1249.19

Fuel tank capacity - Gal60

Fuel tank capacity - Gal330

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeInboard - Twin

Engine max375 hp

Engine maxT-435 hp (T-324.37 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo T-500 hp diesel IPS

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeDiesel

Operational Info

Water capacity18 gal. (68 l)

Water capacity75 gal. (284 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail17 gal. (64 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail39 gal. (147 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters64.35

Holding tank capacity - Liters147.63

Holding tank capacity - Gal17

Holding tank capacity - Gal39

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed

Headroomnot available

HeadroomMaximum: 6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m)

Water heater capacitynot available

Water heater capacity6 gal. (22 l)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 400SY 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 400SY 2009?

The Monterey 400SY 2009 is the longer of the two at 41,0 feet overall. The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 17,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 400SY 2009?

For trailering, the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 has the edge at 5 600 lbs dry weight versus 22 000 lbs for the Monterey 400SY 2009. 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 400SY 2009 is rated to a maximum of 435 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 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 passengers can the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 carry?

The Monterey 263 ES 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Monterey 400SY 2009 measures 150" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006. 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 263 ES Explorer 2006 or the Monterey 400SY 2009?

The Monterey 400SY 2009 has the bigger tank at 330 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006. That 270-gallon difference translates to roughly 810–1350 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 and Monterey 400SY 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Monterey 263 ES Explorer 2006 and the Monterey 400SY 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 263 ES Explorer 2006 full specs ← Monterey 400SY 2009 full specs