Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020
2020
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VS
Monterey M4 2020 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey M4 2020
2020
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Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 vs Monterey M4 2020 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 vs Monterey M4 2020 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 has a 100-hp advantage over the Monterey M4 2020'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 M4 2020 carries 5 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Monterey M4 2020 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 27,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Monterey M4 2020 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail27.80 ft
Length overall - Detail23.10 ft
Length - Feet27.8
Length - Feet23.1
Length overall - Meters8.47
Length overall - Meters7.04
Length overall - Inches334
Length overall - Inches277
Beam8.10 ft
Beam8.60 ft
Beam - Meters2.47
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Inches97
Beam - Inches103
Draft [max] - Detail3.60 ft
Draft [max] - Detail3.60 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.1
Draft [max] - Meters1.1
Draft [max] - Inches43
Draft [max] - Inches43
Draft Min1.80 ft
Draft Min2.20 ft
Displacementnot available
Displacement4500.00 lbs
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Horsepower400 hp
Horsepower300 hp
Drive typeoutboard
Drive typeinboard
Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO PENTA
Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO PENTA
Engine 2 Horsepower380 hp
Engine 2 Horsepower380 hp
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Operational Info
Water capacity8
Water capacity1
Holding tank capacity - Gal11
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Boat typePower
Boat typePower
Headnot available
Head1

Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 vs Monterey M4 2020 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 or the Monterey M4 2020?
The Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 is the longer of the two at 27,8 feet overall. The Monterey M4 2020 comes in at 23,1 feet, making it roughly 4,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Monterey M4 2020 tops out at 300 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 people can each boat hold?
The Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Monterey M4 2020 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Monterey M4 2020 measures 103" wide, compared to 97" for the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 or the Monterey M4 2020?
The Monterey M4 2020 has the bigger tank at 5 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020. That 4-gallon difference translates to roughly 12–20 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 and Monterey M4 2020 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey Elite 27 OB 2020 and the Monterey M4 2020 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.