Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 263 EX 2008 vs Monterey 280SY 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey 263 EX 2008 is a modified-V design and the Monterey 280SY 2013 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Monterey 263 EX 2008 at 26,0 ft versus Monterey 280SY 2013 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey 280SY 2013 tips the scales at 8 200 lbs - 2 600 lbs less than the Monterey 263 EX 2008 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 425 hp, the Monterey 280SY 2013 has a 50-hp advantage over the Monterey 263 EX 2008'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 280SY 2013 carries 90 gallons versus 60 gallons in the Monterey 263 EX 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey 263 EX 2008 is rated for up to 8 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 EX 2008 at 26,0 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 Year2008
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 - Inches110
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise17℃
Weight - Detail5,600 lbs. (2,540 kg)
Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - kg2540.12
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.5600
Weight - lbs.8200
Length - Meters8.1
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.1 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.8 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 5 in. (8.1 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters8.05
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches317
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
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail29 in. (74 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.74
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches29
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail42 in. (107 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.07
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches42
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 l SX 270 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal. (341 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69
Fuel tank capacity - Gal60
Fuel tank capacity - Gal90
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Operational Info
HeadPorta-potti
Headnot available
Water capacity17 gal. (64 l)
Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 1 in. (1.85 m)
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68.14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal18