Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey 290 CR 2008 vs Monterey M5 MSX 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Monterey 290 CR 2008 against a deep vee Monterey M5 MSX 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Monterey 290 CR 2008 measures 31,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey M5 MSX 2013 at 25,8 feet (2013). At 1 lbs and 52 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 M5 MSX 2013 has a 125-hp advantage over the Monterey 290 CR 2008's 300-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 290 CR 2008 carries 142 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Monterey M5 MSX 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey 290 CR 2008 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M5 MSX 2013 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey 290 CR 2008 at 31,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey M5 MSX 2013 at 25,8 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
Beam10 ft. 3 in. (3.1 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)
Beam - Meters3.12
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches123
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise20°
Weight - Detail10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg)
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)
Weight - kg4535.92
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - lbs.1
Weight - lbs.52
Length - Meters9.4
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet25.83
Length - Inches4
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 4 in. (9.4 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 10 in. (7.9 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 4 in. (9.4 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters9.55
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches376
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.66
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches26
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (104.1 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches41
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 4.3 GXi DP Twin 225hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail142 gal. (537 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters537.53
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal142
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Drive typeInboard
Engine maxTwin 300 hp (Twin 223.7 kW)
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed, VacuFlush
Headnot available
Water capacity38 gal. (144 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22 l)
Water heater capacitynot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal11