Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Monterey M-45 2020 vs Monterey M3 MSX 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Monterey M-45 2020 vs Monterey M3 MSX 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey M-45 2020 at 24,0 ft versus Monterey M3 MSX 2012 at 23,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey M-45 2020 tips the scales at 4 500 lbs — 4 455 lbs more than the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 at 45 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 350 hp, the Monterey M-45 2020 has a 30-hp advantage over the Monterey M3 MSX 2012's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
The Monterey M-45 2020 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 wasn't available.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Monterey M-45 2020 and its 350-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Monterey M3 MSX 2012 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail24.00 ft
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet23.83
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Beam8.60 ft
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.5 m)
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches103
Beam - Inches102
Draft [max] - Detail3.20 ft
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.98
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft Min1.60 ft
Draft Minnot available
Displacement4500.00 lbs
Displacementnot available
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise20°
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (0.68 m)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.69
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches27
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs. (2,041 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.45
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]23 ft. 10 in. (7.04 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Horsepower350 hp
Horsepowernot available
Drive typeoutboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO PENTA
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Horsepower380 hp
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189.3 l)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max320 hp (223.7 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity1
Water capacity10 gal. (37.9 l)
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeMonterey
Modelnot available
ModelM3 MSX
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2012
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee