Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey Elite 30 OB 2020 vs Monterey M5 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey Elite 30 OB 2020 vs Monterey M5 2012 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 Elite 30 OB 2020 measures 30,0 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 4,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Monterey M5 2012 at 25,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey Elite 30 OB 2020 tips the scales at 8 600 lbs — 8 548 lbs more than the Monterey M5 2012 at 52 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 M5 2012 has a 125-hp advantage over the Monterey Elite 30 OB 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 M5 2012 carries 8 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Monterey Elite 30 OB 2020. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Monterey Elite 30 OB 2020 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M5 2012 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Monterey Elite 30 OB 2020 at 30,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey M5 2012 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.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail30.00 ft
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length - Feet30
Length - Feet25.83
Length overall - Meters9.14
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches360
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Beam9.10 ft
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)
Beam - Meters2.77
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches109
Beam - Inches102
Draft [max] - Detail3.20 ft
Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (1.04 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.98
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches41
Draft Min2.30 ft
Draft Minnot available
Displacement8600.00 lbs
Displacementnot available
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise20°
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (0.66 m)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.66
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches26
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.52
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 10 in. (7.9 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Liters757.08
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Horsepower300 hp
Horsepowernot available
Drive typeoutboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO PENTA
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Horsepower300 hp
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeoutboard
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity2
Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Gal11
Holding tank capacity - Gal12
Holding tank capacity - Liters41.64
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l) Manual: 12 gal. (45.42 l)
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeMonterey
Modelnot available
ModelM5
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2012
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee