Monterey 263 ES 2007 vs Monterey 264FS 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 263 ES 2007 or the Monterey 264FS 2012?

The Monterey 264FS 2012 is the longer of the two at 26,6 feet overall. The Monterey 263 ES 2007 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 263 ES 2007 or the Monterey 264FS 2012?

For trailering, the Monterey 264FS 2012 has the edge at 54 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Monterey 263 ES 2007. 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 264FS 2012 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 263 ES 2007 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 2007 carry?

The Monterey 263 ES 2007 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 263 ES 2007 and Monterey 264FS 2012 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Monterey 263 ES 2007 and Monterey 264FS 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Monterey 263 ES 2007 and Monterey 264FS 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 263 ES 2007 and the Monterey 264FS 2012 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 2007 vs Monterey 264FS 2012

Monterey

Monterey 263 ES 2007

2007

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Monterey

Monterey 264FS 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Monterey 263 ES 2007 vs Monterey 264FS 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey 263 ES 2007 vs Monterey 264FS 2012 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey 263 ES 2007 at 24,0 ft versus Monterey 264FS 2012 at 26,6 ft. At 56 lbs and 54 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 264FS 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Monterey 263 ES 2007's 375-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Monterey 263 ES 2007 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 264FS 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey 264FS 2012 at 26,6 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey 263 ES 2007 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

Model264FS

Model Year2007

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise20℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (0.66 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inches25

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (1.04 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches38

Draft [max] - Inches41

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

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

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - lbs.56

Weight - lbs.54

Length - Meters7.33

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet24

Length - Feet26.58

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

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 7 in. (8.1 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 - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.5 m) With Arch or Tower Folded: 6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi SX

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (226 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Engine max375 hp

Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed, porta-potti

Headnot available

Water capacity18 gal. (68 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail17 gal. (64 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters64.35

Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64

Holding tank capacity - Gal17

Holding tank capacity - Gal11

Monterey 263 ES 2007 vs Monterey 264FS 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey 263 ES 2007 or the Monterey 264FS 2012?

The Monterey 264FS 2012 is the longer of the two at 26,6 feet overall. The Monterey 263 ES 2007 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey 263 ES 2007 or the Monterey 264FS 2012?

For trailering, the Monterey 264FS 2012 has the edge at 54 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the Monterey 263 ES 2007. 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 264FS 2012 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey 263 ES 2007 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 2007 carry?

The Monterey 263 ES 2007 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 263 ES 2007 and Monterey 264FS 2012 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Monterey 263 ES 2007 and Monterey 264FS 2012?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Monterey 263 ES 2007 and Monterey 264FS 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Monterey 263 ES 2007 and the Monterey 264FS 2012 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 2007 full specs ← Monterey 264FS 2012 full specs