Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 263 ES 2007 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 263 ES 2007 vs Monterey 280SY 2013 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 280SY 2013 measures 29,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 263 ES 2007 at 24,0 feet (2007). At 56 lbs and 82 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 280SY 2013 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 9 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 280SY 2013 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 280SY 2013 at 29,0 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
Model Year2007
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches11
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] meters0.74
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [drive up] inches29
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail42 in. (107 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Meters1.07
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches42
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,542 kg)
Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.56
Weight - lbs.82
Length - Meters7.33
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet29
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.07 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.8 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 - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 11 in. (2.72 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.72
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches107
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
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 - Detail90 gal. (341 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal9
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max375 hp
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed, porta-potti
Headnot available
Water capacity18 gal. (68 l)
Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail17 gal. (64 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68.14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters64.35
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Gal17
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m)
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)