Monterey M4 2020 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey M4 2020
2020
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VS
Monterey M5 2012 boat specs
Monterey
Monterey M5 2012
2012
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Monterey M4 2020 vs Monterey M5 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Monterey M4 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Monterey M4 2020 at 23,1 ft versus Monterey M5 2012 at 25,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Monterey M4 2020 tips the scales at 4 500 lbs — 4 448 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 M4 2020's 300-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 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Monterey M4 2020 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Monterey M5 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Monterey M5 2012 at 25,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Monterey M4 2020 at 23,1 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 - Detail23.10 ft
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length - Feet23.1
Length - Feet25.83
Length overall - Meters7.04
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches277
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] - Detail3.60 ft
Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (1.04 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.1
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches43
Draft [max] - Inches41
Draft Min2.20 ft
Draft Minnot available
Displacement4500.00 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 - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Horsepower300 hp
Horsepowernot available
Drive typeinboard
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 - Detail80 gal. (302.8 l)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max425 hp (316.9 kW)
Operational Info
Head1
Headnot available
Water capacity1
Water capacity15 gal. (56.8 l)
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail11 gal. (41.6 l) Manual: 12 gal. (45.42 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters45.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal12
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

Monterey M4 2020 vs Monterey M5 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Monterey M4 2020 or the Monterey M5 2012?
The Monterey M5 2012 is the longer of the two at 25,8 feet overall. The Monterey M4 2020 comes in at 23,1 feet, making it roughly 2,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Monterey M4 2020 or the Monterey M5 2012?
For trailering, the Monterey M5 2012 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Monterey M4 2020. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Monterey M5 2012 is rated to a maximum of 425 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 passengers can the Monterey M4 2020 carry?
The Monterey M4 2020 has an official capacity rating of 7 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Monterey M4 2020 measures 103" wide, compared to 102" for the Monterey M5 2012. 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 M4 2020 or the Monterey M5 2012?
The Monterey M5 2012 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Monterey M4 2020. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Monterey M4 2020 and Monterey M5 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Monterey M4 2020 and the Monterey M5 2012 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.