Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 318SS 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 vs Monterey 318SS 2010 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 318SS 2010 measures 31,8 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 7,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 at 24,0 feet (2006). At 56 lbs and 8 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 375 hp, the Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 has a 55-hp advantage over the Monterey 318SS 2010'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 318SS 2010 carries 142 gallons versus 6 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.
The Monterey 263 EX Explorer 2006 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Monterey 318SS 2010 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 318SS 2010 at 31,8 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
Model263 EX Explorer
Model318SS
Model Year2006
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.60 m)
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches114
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (98 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,542 kg)
Weight - Detail8,000 lbs. (3,629 kg)
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - kg3628.74
Weight - lbs.56
Weight - lbs.8
Length - Meters7.33
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet31.83
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.07 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 10 in. (9.7 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. (2.4 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.44
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches96
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi SX
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail142 gal. (538 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters537.53
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal142
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine max375 hp
Engine maxT-320 hp (T-238.6 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail2 gal. (8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters7.57
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Headroomnot available
Headroom4 ft. 9 in. (1.4 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee