Editor’s Note: Today, at the Discover Boating Miami Boat Show, Monterey Boats’ Elite 30 was awarded the Boat of the Year trophy by Editor-in-Chief Kevin Falvey. Look for our video with complete coverage of that event, coming soon.

Boating’s Boat of the Year (BOTY) stands as the most prestigious award in recreational boating. Why? There are many reasons, including the decades-long history of editorial objectivity used to select the BOTY. Boatbuilders do not pay to be considered for the award, nor do advertising dollars sway our Tech Team’s decision. The record stands for itself: Non-advertisers, and those who advertise very little, have both earned the honor of Boat of the Year.

What, then, is the BOTY criteria? 

First, it must be a boat we have tested in the ­preceding year. It must also meet or exceed all ABYC, NMMA, and other industry standards and ­regulations. The determining factor, though, is that the boat must excel in its category more than any other boat stands out in any other category. Often, and again the record bears this out, the BOTY is copied and sets a trend, advancing the state of the sport.

For 2024, we chose Monterey’s Elite 30 as BOTY by virtue of its layout. It’s the result of a new way of seeing boat design—melding the best features of a dual-console, a center-console and a bowrider. In doing so, it changes the way we think about and use boats. Congratulations, Monterey!

Read our full review of the Monterey Elite 30, here.

The post 2024 Boat of the Year: Monterey Elite 30 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Here’s a baker’s dozen of boats we think rate “must-see” status at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. From fishing boats to luxury boats to deck boats, these craft all share one thing in common: they possess some new, different or interesting design, construction or layout characteristics that we think boat buyers who consider themselves true fans of powerboats will be interested in learning about.

We’ve included the location of each of these must-see boats at either the Bahia Mar Marina or the Broward County Convention Center. Download the FLIBS app (available on both Google Play and the Apple Store). Map your route, hit the show and get your boat geek on!

Read Next: Must-See Marine Electronics at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Axopar 29 CCX

What: Termed a “hybrid center console” it is said to meld full on fishing with a refined experience underway.

Why: Modular cockpit offers four different layouts.

Where: Bahia Mar F/G Dock 49 (Nautical Ventures Dock)

Beneteau Antares 9

What: Termed, “The Ultimate Weekender,” this 30 footer offers two private cabins, a full galley and a head with shower.

Why: Truly private stateroom with solid bulkhead not a curtain.

Where: Bahia Mar, G/H Dock 29

Monterey Elite 30 OB

What: Honored as a Boating Magazine Boat of the Year category winner: Best Small Dayboat.

Why: The center helm is a true wow!

Where: Convention Center 2027

Phenom 43 Center Console

What: A no-holds barred CC said to offer performance, luxury and fishability. Fathom E-Power battery system extends the adventure without the need for a generator’s noise and fumes.

Why: The trademarked Phenom NextStep 3-Piece Hull Design is innovative and unique.

Where: Convention Center 2084

Sea Pro 225 FLX Sandbar

What: A unique take that offers versatility with an emphasis on those boaters who enjoy hitting the beach or sandbar.

Why: The special table that installs at water level for entertainment while wading and swimming.

Where: Convention Center 2030

Grady-White Freedom 345 DC

What: Grady-White will debut a new Freedom 345 dual console.

Why: This wide-beamed dual console sets high bars for luxury, fishability and quality.

Where: Convention Center 2025

Sōlace 28 HCS

What: This new bay boat is unique from design, to build to layout.

Why: The excellent execution of the convertible transom which transforms from seating to casting platform while concealing two 50-qt coolers.

Where: Convention Center 2021

Sailfish 232 Center Console

What: A category winner for Boating Magazine Boat of the Year 2024; honored as: Best Small Fishing Boat.

Why: Excellent mix of construction and standards for its price.

Where: Convention Center 2081

Regal 38 SAV

What: This boat cruises, fishes and entertains while displaying little compromise regardless of the activities you pursue on the water.

Why: Multi-position captain’s seats. Ever see a chair become a table? See this boat!

Where: Bahia Mar, H-Dock

Robalo R257

What: They say this boat is a leap forward in boat design.

Why: Check out that hardtop!

Where: Convention Center, 2061

Sea Ray SDX 230 Outboard

What: The latest outboard-powered deckboat from Sea Ray, the year 2025 model SDX 230. (*SDX250 shown in picture)

Why: Will it be luxurious, functional, or both?

Where: Bahia Mar, Dock G/H 45

Boston Whaler 330 Vantage

What: They say that this versatile model is the final piece in the evolution of Boston Whaler’s  dual-console lineup.

Why: Boston Whaler always showcases some cool and new features with new models.

Where: Bahia Mar, Dock C 300

NAVAN S30

What: The new NAVAN open-air center console.

Why: Unique T-Step Hulls.

Where: Bahia Mar, GH Dock

The post Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2024: Must-See Boats appeared first on Boating Mag.

It’s important that you know how we assess boats. First, the boat must be safe, as well as designed and built with industry best practices. We rely on the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for this, as well as other published and respected sources.

Secondly, we judge boats by their category peers. There’s little value in comparing a watersports boat to a fishing boat, for example. Also note that all categories of boats are not represented. This doesn’t mean that boats in other categories not shown here were in some way inferior. It simply means that no boats that we tested from other categories stood out in those categories as much as did these category winners.

Congratulations to the following 2024 Boat of the Year category winners!

Dayboat—Large: Regal 38 Surf

This boat, powered by the new Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drives, rates as the world’s largest wakesurf boat. Beyond that accolade, Regal built in tremendous versatility, delivering a boat that can entertain, overnight and even fish, all while providing surfing thrills safely. That the boat is finished beautifully, and loaded with thoughtful details, further solidifies its stature and status.

Dayboat—Small: Monterey Elite 30

The Monterey Elite 30 is an American-made dayboat that takes on the European builders, who have arguably owned this category for a number of years, with a wider beam, more horse- power and innovations such as its ingeniously executed centerline helm with all-glass display. Featuring a straight stem, but with more flare worked into the bow than similar boats, we found the ride and handling great.

Fishing—Large: NorthCoast 415HT

In a world where center-console fishing boats have come to rule the roost, NorthCoast debuts a cabin model to give CC buyers second thoughts. It delivers all the fishability an avid angler can use, plus a luxurious interior for when the boat is used as a cruiser, or simply for fisherman who don’t mind a comfortable place to get out of the heat, the cold or the wind enroute to the grounds. Outboard-powered, and with its deep-V hull, it will run faster, smoother, quieter and less smoky than the sedan fishing boats of the past.

Performance: Checkmate Pulsare 2400 BRX

Time was when boat buyers could choose from many new performance boats. With the Pulsare 2400 BRX, Checkmate gives boaters seeking such a boat an alternative to used boats—with the versatility of a bowrider. Running on V-bottom with a pad, and with a Mercury Racing motor set back on a jackplate, this boat really goes. It can be powered as a 65-mph run- about or, with the Mercury Racing 500R, for 90-plus- mph thrills. Inside, plush upholstery, a new digital dash, and other upgrades ensure user-friendly speed and comfort.

Watersports: KYMA K7 Supercharged

V-drive inboards do a great job, so why bother with water-jet power in this specialized category? We didn’t honor Kyma for simply being different.

The 6.2L 575 Indmar jet gives this boat shallower draft, better slow speed handling than a V-drive, and its wakesurf waves rank on par with those produced by V-drive boats, thanks to the innovative use of the Seakeeper Ride stability system.

Fishing—Small: Sailfish 232 Center Console

Usually, more expensive boats get honored with Boat of the Year awards: Expensive boats generally see more money applied to them for the R and D that creates innovation. Of course, there’s plenty to be said for a boat that delivers more bang for the buck than its competitors, even at a moderate price.. The Sailfish 232 Center Console’s ride and standard equipment are equivalent to boats costing more. It is a true “great buy.” A nice detail is the front-entry head, and there are enough seats and drink holders to allow this fishboat to serve as a runabout and retain great fishability.

The post Boat of the Year Category Winners 2024 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Nothing calls for change like an election year, and at this writing, Monterey is offering a bold new candidate for performance- and luxury-minded boating enthusiasts. We don’t use the word “unique” casually in referring to this sleek boat with sports-car flavors and cutting-edge ­European style—there’s nothing like it on the water.

The Elite 30’s appeal for votes begins with its square stem and sleek, tucked-to-the-stem, custom, polished stainless-steel anchor, a fresh look at a center helm, and a broad hardtop that straddles the cockpit port to starboard.

Engines

We’ve seen square-stem boats in the US before, and they can have an alarming gift for stabbing into the next wave, spraying water all over the cockpit. In hard turns, doubling back over rolling wakes, we saw none of that bad behavior. Though the stem brings up the foreword freeboard in a near-vertical angle to the water, that freeboard doesn’t begin until the hull beneath it flares out broadly to keep the stem comfortably above the seas. The 21-degree hull deadrise at the transom cleaves chop for a comfortable ride without allowing it to roll excessively with shifting crewmembers, broad seas or crisp turns. The power of dual Mercury 250 hp V-8 outboards offers exciting acceleration—3.2 seconds to plane and 5.6 seconds to 30 mph. Our top speed was over 53 mph, and the joy of having all this in your throttle hand comes not just from the raw power, but also the unique centered helm that you’ll need to see to believe.

Interior and Accessories

Helm styling is straight out of a performance sports car, with a pair of bucket seats separated by a center console that positions the throttle levers as comfortably as an eight-speed racing shifter and makes the joystick equally reachable. In top-level race boats, the throttle is so ­arranged as one-half the skippering crew manages the wheel while the throttle man reacts to the seas by varying rpm and 150 mph speeds. You could employ a throttle man in this vessel just for fun if you wish, but even at its maximum throttle speed, it handles like a charm, thrilling crewmembers while protecting them from unexpected changes to direction and acceleration.

The next remarkable plank to this compelling candidate’s platform is the design of the hardtop and windshield. Mention center console and hardtop, and you’ll picture enormous stanchions springing from the console fore and aft of the helm, blocking sight lines. The top may extend only halfway to the gunwales from the helm ­perimeter, leaving much unprotected from the sun. Not here. The hardtop rests on highly styled and brilliantly sturdy supports affixed to the gunwales, and it extends well forward of the racily raked windshield and aft over the lounge and bar back-to-back with the helm bucket seats. The safety-glass windshield is full width of the helm and bucket seats, but the windshield stops at the helm sides, allowing fresh air (and passengers) to pass through the cockpit on port or starboard passageways, refreshing us on our test day’s 95-degree, 95-percent-humidity summer swelter. The arrangement is a moderate blend of the extremes of a dual-console windshield and a typical fishing center console. Nothing better than a well-balanced candidate!

We scoured the marketplace for a similar deck and helm plan to no avail, but the Four Winns H9 at a length overall of 29 feet, 11 inches brings a challenger with that vertical-stem style and with a comfortable standard bowrider setup ($343,025 base price with test power and hardtop). It too boasts a glass cockpit, and the hardtop lowers and raises on concealed ram screws to shrink storage height and can even be dropped down for more rain protection while running from a storm. Four Winns’ new designs from across the pond are the result of the company’s purchase by Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest boat manufacturer.

Forward of the Monterey Elite’s windshield is another lounge that swings on hinges to reveal a comfortable changing room with a head and freshwater outlet that competes well with the Four Winns H9. There’s a ton of storage in drawers and cabinets on the Elite. While neither offers stand-up headroom, it’s deep enough aboard the Elite for comfortable movement. Door closed, the Elite’s forward lounge completes a triangular seating area with bow seats and padded
coamings to allow crew to relax and chat.

Read Next: Monterey 255 SS OB

Aft of the helm is the back-to-back lounge that I mentioned earlier. Nestled up to it is a refreshment bar with sink and fresh water. There are large coolers beneath the lounge. This faces a large lounge astern, giving up to six people face-to-face conversation in comfortable seating. A transom door leads to a spacious swim platform. The seatbacks rock forward, allowing boaters to face the water over the transom, or lay the ­seatbacks down for a comfortable sun lounge.

In a market filled with big, strong ­dayboat candidates, the Elite 30 stands out on the ­campaign trail. It may well emerge as the new sheriff in town.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury 250 DTX
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Rev 4 14.6″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 430 lb.

High Points

• Glass-cockpit design displays all switching, engine functions, temp, oil pressure, speed and more via the flush-mounted MFD.
• Foredeck and cockpit can be quickly shaded with carbon-fiber poles and canvas ­covering, installable in two minutes or less.
• USB and USBC charge points throughout. The skipper gets an inductive charger.

Low Point

• Natural light and/or ventilation in the form of a window or port would be welcome inside the console head compartment. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Monterey Elite 30 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Monterey’s 215 SS might just become the builder’s No. 1 seller. It deserves to be thanks to its smart faceted styling, solid construction, and exciting performance with Mercury outboard power.

Usually, 200 hp in a near-22-foot boat is relatively modest, but Merc’s new and efficient V-6 engine offers the torque to get on plane in 3.5 seconds, and made 30 mph in 8.8 seconds. Our top speed of 49.3 mph was held below the 50 mph mark, in our opinion, due to the high heat and humidity of the day. Its performance matched the fast look.

Coastal boaters are now opting for outboards due to their easy flush-and-stow maintenance. It takes only a few minutes to connect a dock hose and wash away the salt. In addition, the engine’s full tilt range is forgiving when it comes to sneaking across shallow flats.

For sterndrive fans, the 215 still owns the waterways in most inland regions. It’s popular for its wide-open transom and clear view of the water, which is unobstructed by an outboard but offers a similar deck plan in the bow and cockpit.

Either way, the design team has always managed to give Monterey boats a strong European look with a hint of Italian flair. In addition to its faceted look, carefully laid stripes and thunderbolts in the gelcoat give the 215 a sporty finish that remains on the luxury side of performance.

Inside, firm multidensity foam mimics the comfort of a BMW, and won’t bottom out in rough water or hard use. Monterey builds 90 percent of its parts in its factory, and if they didn’t build it, it took life on the CAD systems under that factory’s roof. All this brings the look and ride of the 215 together in solid excitement, but it does something else too. Monterey owners expect a lifetime of fun from their boat, and repair parts, including color-matched seat cushions and special hardware, will be available for years after the purchase.

The two-tone surf mat on our test boat gave the vessel a rich teak-and-holly look that also added cool comfort underfoot.

Monterey’s style is trendsetting, with many standard color options and a look that inspires boater envy.

High Points

• Durable, glossy finish is protected from blisters and print-through by careful lamination.
• Upholstery is hand-sewn and manufactured in Monterey’s plant using UV- and mildew-resistant vinyl.
• Available in outboard or sterndrive configurations.

Specs

LOA: 21′8″

Beam: 8′4″

Draft (max): 1′4″ (engine up)

Dry Weight: 3,500 lb.

Weight Capacity: 1,980 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 36 gal.

Price: $63,672 (starting)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury FourStroke 200 hp

Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 19″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

Fuel Load: 30 gal.

Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information

Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

The post 2021 Monterey 215SS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Editor’s Note: Check out our in-depth test of each model – Formula 380 SSC OB, Tiara Sport 38 LX, Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS, Monterey 385 SE, Sea Ray SLX 400

Formula 380 SSC

Formula is historically all about performance combined with top-level fit and finish. The 380 SSC has everything Formula brings to the table in this large dayboat that the builder calls a crossover. Beyond performance, the 380 SSC is designed for relaxation and entertainment. Start with the bow, which features a deep, secure and spacious lounge, with wraparound seating and stainless-steel grab rails along the gunwales. It makes a fantastic sun lounge, or you can set up the bow table for a social gathering point.

Like its predecessor Super Sport Crossover models—the 430 and 400—the Formula 380 SSC is a joy to operate. It’s a 10-ton boat that, once up and running, carves through the water with the grace of one of Formula’s 24-foot bowriders. While Formula enthusiasts have always appreciated the brand’s performance attributes, any boater looking to cruise or anchor at the sandbar in style will appreciate the layout.

Visibility from the helm is excellent, with the driver’s line of sight extending above the heads of any bow passengers. The flush-mounted multifunction-display screens are easy to read underway, and the standard Joystick Piloting system makes docking and close-quarters handling stress-free endeavors. We especially loved that the triple-wide helm bench had three independent flip-up bolsters, so the captain and crew could adjust their seats to individual tastes.

If you prefer your power hanging from the transom, Formula offers the boat with triple Mercury Verado and Mercury Racing configurations. You sacrifice some space on the swim platform and the hydraulic swim step, but you can have 1,350 hp worth of outboards making you go. No matter what power you choose, you’ll benefit from Formula’s Fas3Tech hull, a performance design with twin steps to improve efficiency and running attitude. Powered by twin Mercury Racing 520s coupled with Bravo Three XR sterndrives, we raced to a top speed of just over 51 mph, an excellent number for a boat this size. The 380 SSC definitely lives up to its performance roots while offering a layout that provides entertainment and creature comforts anyone who steps aboard will love.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 520 hp Mercury Racing
• Drive/Props: Bravo Three XR/BIII XR 21″ propsets
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 188 gal. Crew Weight: 430 lb.

Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; 260-724-9111; formulaboats.com

Tiara Sport 38 LX

Tiara Sport has earned the reputation for overbuilding its boats to withstand the worst conditions the Great Lakes and other big waters have to offer, and the latest Tiara Sport lineup is no exception. The 38 LX delivers that rugged ability with speed, power and a penchant for entertaining.

Our test boat boasted triple Mercury Verado 400s, but you can opt for triple Yamaha F350s, or Seven Marine 527 hp engines. The Mercs pushed us to over 55 mph (48-plus knots), which is more than enough to thrill everyone aboard. Cruise speed with these is right around 30 mph at 4,000 rpm, sipping 33 gph for 0.9 mpg, which isn’t bad when you’re pushing 9 tons of sleek, waterborne family fun through the water.

As for performance, the Tiara Sport 38 LX has a 20-degree deadrise at the transom, plus two full-length strakes underwater, and wide chine flats from bow to stern. What that means is the 38 LX slices the water like a knife through soft cheese. The strakes act like shock absorbers to soften the ride, the chines throw spray out to the side, and the result is what we’ve come to love about Tiara boats: soft-riding, stable, dry and seaworthy in all conditions.

On many outboard boats, you lose the swim platform, but the 38 LX has an ample platform to step aboard from a dock or climb aboard from a swim. We liked the one-level cockpit sole from transom to bow with no steps to trip Aunt Edna, and our test boat sported the optional faux-teak deck that looks terrific.

Tiara gets points for inventive aft seating with immense flexibility, with options to face aft or forward, and chaises with adjustable backs to lay flat as sun pads. And the space not used to house inboard or sterndrive engines creates tons of stowage, plus room for the standard Onan 5 kW diesel genset—you need it for the air conditioner, grill and other at-anchor niceties—and an optional Seakeeper 3 gyro. Under the standard full-beam hardtop with sunroof, you’ll find an L-shaped dinette to starboard with a gorgeous teak table, and an outdoor kitchen to port with a sink, drawer fridge and optional Kenyon grill.

The helm sports a double-wide seat with fold-up bolsters for standing and dual footrests at different heights. A padded anti-glare eyebrow shades twin Garmin 16-inch monitors, the Mercury joystick (a bow thruster is also standard), and digital throttles for smooth shifting. The companion seat is also innovative, and it swivels to face the dinette. The entire helm console tilts aft, giving full access to helm rigging. Competitors lack this convenience.

Forward, the bow seating wraps around, with folding armrests and undercushion stowage. The coaming backrests are a full 40 inches high for kiddie security. The bulkhead in front of the companion seat opens like a gull wing, revealing a spacious compartment with a teak step and designer flooring, VacuFlush electric head, and air conditioning.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 400 hp Mercury 400 Verados
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 331 gal. Water: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Tiara Sport – Holland, Michigan; 616-392-7163; tiarasport.com

Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS

The Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS includes everything most boaters love about their boats and combines them into a terrific dayboat with overnight capabilities. Upon first boarding and walking through the 38 GLS, most first-time boat shoppers will take away several high points, such as the foldout beach door that turns a big chunk of the starboard coaming into a water-level “beach,” a replacement for the transom platform you lose with outboards. It’s an elegant solution for allowing the corrosion resistance and other benefits of outboard power while simultaneously offering the ability to use the stern of the boat as a swimming, lounging and socializing center.

Even better, the aft seating swivels to face this “beach” so that parents can watch their little water rats paddle around. The rest of the 38 GLS’s capacious cockpit is notable for offering a full bar—complete with stools—and an outdoor kitchen including a grill, sink, refrigerator and ice maker. Cruisers Yachts makes the most of the bowrider seating with streamlined headrests and a removable table, adding flexibility and function.

The other takeaway is the cabin, which surprises first with 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom, second with a nearly queen-size berth in a private stateroom for naps or overnighting, and last—but really important—is an enclosed head with a hot-and-cold freshwater shower. That means no more rinse-offs on the transom, although there is another shower there. The settee/dinette below also converts into a double, offering comfy sleeping for four.

Standard power is a trio of 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards (350 hp Verados are optional), and we easily hit 53 mph with a bunch of people aboard and a full fuel tank. These Mercs give you joystick maneuvering for docking; they’re surprisingly fuel-efficient too. At a near 30 mph cruising speed, this boat has a range of almost 270 miles. Handling the boat at speed proved predictable, with no unpleasant surprises for the captain or crew.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 300 hp Mercury Verado
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Revolution 4 16″ x 18″ stainless-steel 4-blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 850 lb.

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

Monterey 385 SE

The Monterey 385 SE deck design gives this cruiser a feel of sporty luxury, and it has seating for the largest of crews. It’s a mega-bowrider with a well-designed layout. Start on the starboard-side, where there’s a double-wide sun lounge with a fold-down armrest. An included filler cushion covers the synthetic teak sole to complete a double-wide sun pad. There’s a single-width lounge with folding armrest on the port side too. Without the center cushion, the entire area could seat six to eight without crowding, and the cup holders are tucked in behind the cushions, under the bolsters, so drinks won’t be jostled.

Seating in the cockpit includes the first-mate’s double seat, with a foldaway step for stand-up options. An L-shaped lounge begins behind that seat, and as it turns the corner to the transom, the seat bottom widens to become a nearly 6-by-6-foot sun pad. It converts from a back-to-back bench to an aft-facing lounge. The cabin below has a large berth, a galley area, and an enclosed head with a shower—all practical and well-designed.

On the performance end, the 385 SE does not disappoint. When a boat like this can jump up onto plane in about 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of more than 57 mph, it’s certainly an eye-opener. But when it’s a 38-foot day cruiser with a connection to the water that happens to be sports-car-crisp (thanks to the Optimus 360 power steering with electronic throttle and shift), that’s downright startling. As we accelerated and trimmed up, the chines astern lifted nearly clear of the spray, yet the boat stayed hooked up and even accepted some authoritative rudder input, responding without complaint.

In port, the Optimus 360 joystick steering gives confidence to dock this boat like a runabout. Nudge the stick in the direction of travel, and the boat crabs sideways; twist the stick, and the boat pivots steadily. It’s the complete package.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha F300s
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Saltwater Series II 19″
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 125 gal. Water on Board: 7 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

Sea Ray 400 SLX

This 2017 Boating Boat of the Year still makes the grade as a boater’s version of a Swiss Army knife. The largest of the bowriders we’ve included here, it’s got a ton of well-thought-out amenities.

Why would we call it a Swiss Army knife? Start in the cockpit. The wide swim platform features a center section that lowers for easy water access, and the teak-planked starboard coaming folds out to vastly expand the deck. Sea Ray calls it a swim terrace and, though only for use at rest, it turns the cockpit into a waterfront patio. There’s a big sun pad next to it with a backrest cushion that transforms by spinning to create several sitting and lounging areas. There’s also a hidden compartment in the transom big enough to stow full-length stand-up paddleboards. No more strapping boards onto the hardtop.

The midcockpit has a wraparound dinette (using that movable backrest), and an outdoor galley with a sink is to starboard. Our test boat had double electric Kenyon grills plus an Isotherm fridge—both no-brainer options. An optional retractable sunshade deploys electrically from the hardtop. The double-wide seat opposite the helm spins around to face the cockpit seating, and the teak cockpit table unfolds to dining-size.

With our twin 380 hp Mercury sterndrive test power, the SLX 400 provided a performance that was nothing but sheer fun. In hard-over turns, it felt rock-solid, and no one aboard felt a need to reach for a grab rail. We topped out at a shade over 46 mph, and cruised at 3,500 rpm and 30-plus mph. If you prefer outboard power, the 400 SLX can be rigged with Mercury outboards.

Forward is another entertainment area, and getting there is easy and safe via a wide portside walkway and flush-mounted door, which combines with the folding windshield to protect the cockpit from wind and spray. Three forward-facing touring seats have folding armrests and storage bins on both sides. Seating on each side of the bow converts to a sun pad, and a removable table provides another area for munchies. Grab rails are everywhere, and the entire boat has padded coamings.

Stepping down from the helm through the slider and into the cabin, headroom is nearly 7 feet. The starboard-side head includes a shower and a VacuFlush toilet. A mini galley to port features a microwave and fridge, and a wraparound couch with a folding table converts into a V-berth. Tucked under the cockpit is a vast playroom with a queen-size mattress with padded backrests so you can stretch out.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 380 hp MerCruiser 8.2 Mag ECTs
• Drive/Props: Bravo III X/B3 24″ pitch stainless-steel propsets
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 240 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Sea Ray Boats – Vonore, Tennessee; 423-884-6631; searay.com

The post Five Big Bowriders Tested appeared first on Boating Mag.

The 255 SS OB may seem like simply an outboard revision of Monterey’s popular 258 sterndrive, but it’s actually much more than a bolt-on engine in the transom. Hull changes adapt the 255′s center of gravity, lift and stability to enhance the outboard’s performance. We tested the 255 SS in relatively tight quarters on the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, and the boat not only accelerated well and hit a rewarding top speed, more importantly, it held its midrange power for predictable performance turns. We confidently performed 180-degree turns in the narrow channel, and at speed limits dictated by manatee-avoidance rules, time and again.

Monterey’s reputation for durable construction comes from decades of consistent leadership and a steady workforce in its home town of Williston, Florida. Craftsmanship is improved by experienced workers, and each model comes off the line conforming to the expectations of the owner.

Monterey doesn’t just focus on performance, though. Style is what contributes to pride in ownership, and Monterey excels there too. The 255 SS is built with a worldly appeal that belies its small-town origin and is exemplified in the international maritime signal flags on the brand plate.

International in appeal, the seating is BMW-firm but Cadillac-comfortable. Upholstery is often overlooked as a predominant element in a boat, but without it, in spite of the 255′s beautiful lines, it would just be another mode of transportation. Monterey’s selection of supple, UV- and mildew-protected upholstery is proof that it recognizes the importance of a well-finished cockpit. Crisp corners and straight stitching bely the cushions’ ability to conform to seated crew, enhancing the exciting ride with comfort and security.

Polyurethane grab rails are stainless-steel-trimmed and handy to any of the 15 passengers the 255 is rated for. Coaming panels feature inset storage compartments (handy for dock lines, sunscreen and towels), stainless-steel cup holders and stereo speakers. You can find these storage areas in the port and starboard cockpit coamings, as well as both sides of the bow seating.

Bow seating is deep too, and the area is surrounded by polished, oval stainless-steel grab rails. Storage underneath the seats has drainage mats and empties to the bilge should moisture enter. The center bow cushion hides a molded-in compartment that can be used for a cooler or rope locker. The nonskid surface of the bow anchor locker offers secure boarding and also boasts a beach boarding ladder.

The wind dam is easy to overlook because the hinged door nests into the helm console. But when deployed, it seals the cockpit from the elements—a welcome feature in cool-weather boating.

Convertible-seating features in the cockpit offer several combinations of enjoyable luxury. An L-shaped lounge wraps from the portside console to the starboard-side stern boarding door. Three convertible features enhance the vessel’s versatile entertainment qualities. The front passenger seatback can optionally be tilted forward to create an aft-facing recliner lounge. The transom seatback also swings fore and aft. In its primary position, it offers comfortable forward-facing seating for three. Tilt it forward, and it offers those three passengers aft-facing lounge seating. Fold it fully forward, and the area is a large sun pad with just enough incline to the swinging cushion to make it comfortable for sunning on one’s back or belly. Finally, lift the center pad in the sun pad, and it props up to make a dual aft-facing rumble seat ideal for keeping an eye on the sunset or kids swimming off the transom platform.

The transom platform itself bears mentioning. While most boatbuilders bolt one on to a sterndrive version, then hang an outboard on it, Monterey developed an integrated platform to accept the motor without disrupting the beauty of the boat. The top and bottom of the platform are molded into the deck and hull, respectively, and when the deck and hull are joined, the platform is solidly included with connection points so hidden, it flows almost organically from the cockpit.

A boarding ladder is hidden under a hatch on the platform, and it’s reachable from the water, adding both convenience and safety. Further, the ladder faces starboard on the side of the platform, keeping bare feet away from the prop when reboarding.

Many runabout and sportboat builders are just catching up to the outboard revolution, and 25-footers are scarce. But Chaparral makes the 250 Suncoast ($97,450 similarly equipped). It handles a crew of 14, and its optional tower folds down electrically. You can have both boats for a lower price point with more basic equipment, but once you go north of $75,000, we’d suggest maxing out the options list.

Yes, the outboard revolution in runabouts is real, but with Monterey, it’s the constant evolution that continues to redefine family-fun machines.

High Points

• Stern boarding ladder faces sideways, away from the outboard, to avoid contact while reboarding.
• Bow boarding ladder adds a reboarding option for use on the beach or sandbar.
• Rumble seat on the aft sun pad is comfortable when at anchor.

Low Points

• Higher fuel capacity would cut trips to the marina for gas, but also cut into belowdecks storage.
• Storage access on the starboard-bow seatback is eliminated—a departure from other SS models.

Price: $103,844 (base with test power)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested

Engine: 300 hp Yamaha outboard

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II SDS 15 1/2″ x 17″ pitch 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 50 gal.

Water on Board: 0 gal.

Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

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Monterey’s new 215SS is the outboard version of their very popular 218 stern drive. When it comes to style and features, Monterey knows their business –– they’ve been building quality boats for decades. The 215SS is ideally equipped for watersports thanks to the optional wakeboard tower, and it has an integrated bimini to shade the cockpit. Since this boat is an outboard model, it brings some unique features like the large sun pad in the back that also boasts large amounts of storage underneath.

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Outboard power amplifies the liveaboard space offered by this -34-foot personal yacht. Instead of taking up valuable space with engines in the hull, mounting outboards on the transom returned the space to creature comforts—the Monterey 345 SY makes excellent use of it to provide comfort and convenience.

The salon belowdecks is roomier than 38s we’ve been on. A large double berth forward isn’t cramped by equally roomy couches lining the starboard side and forward bulkhead against the berth. Capitalizing on the extra interior space, an aft couch completes three sides of -comfortable seating. Convert it to another double berth for cozy quarters.

An ample portside galley features a sink, stove, microwave and generous counter space. To starboard is a head compartment with shower, flushing head, sink and a port light for illumination and ventilation. The salon also is lighted naturally with stylish side glass and an overhead hatch. In evening hours, subdued lighting provides ambience.

Topside has plenty of seating to enjoy the exciting ride. An aft lounge converts into a huge sun pad—a trademark of Monterey. From the portside transom door to aft of the skipper’s double-bench seat, couches surround the cockpit.

A refreshment galley with a standard sink boasts an optional refrigerator. A cocktail table can be mounted or stowed beneath the aft lounge. Added lounging options include the dual sun pad at the bow, and that area is made secure by a -surrounding stainless-steel rail.

That’s what the outboard power does inside the boat, but what it does on the transom is even more exciting. Excellent acceleration and satisfying top speeds make it as sporty as it is comfortable. Mercury’s integrated throttle and shift and power steering offer smooth operations, and our test boat was equipped with Mercury’s Joystick Steering and autopilot.

We used Skyhook to hold our position and the autopilot to return to port by -tapping out a route on the Raymarine.

Power, automation, comfort and good looks are hallmarks of a Monterey—and this one checked every box on the roster.

High Points

⋅Hardtop adds good looks and shade to the cockpit.

⋅Hardwood sole in the salon and wood steps add luxury.

⋅Optional refrigerator operates on 12, 24 or 120 volts.

Specs

LOA: 33′10″

Beam: 10′10″

Draft (max): 2′10″ (engines down)

Dry Weight: 13,700 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 180 gal.

Price: $335,273

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury V-8 FourStroke 300 hp

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Eco XP 17.5 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

Fuel Load: 130 gal.

Crew Weight: 530 lb.

More Information

Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

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When boating enthusiasts get a load of this new outboard-powered Monterey 305 SS, it might just might create a frenzy.

First, the 305 SS sets a new table for the horsepower gourmands, offering clean, quiet, easy-to-maintain propulsion in a hull and cockpit design that saves weight and maximizes crew comfort and convenience. Second, particularly in the case of Mercury’s new V-8 outboards, the 305 SS pampers the skipper with silky-smooth steering and crisp maneuverability, and rewards each nudge of the throttle with aggressive acceleration. Also available with the Mercury power is joystick steering and the unique ability to manage exhaust porting to give your motors a whisper-quiet Verado purr, or a throaty performance rumble and a little more unstately excitement. And then there’s the adaptive steering with sensors that measure the load on the motor as you feed in rudder, telling the four-stroke outboard to throttle up to maintain a smooth, steady turn. Few skippers can do it as well as these motors can.

This boat, like some runabout outboards, is sister to an earlier sterndrive launch. But not all such morphs are successful. Sterndrive power’s mass impacts the center of gravity, and simply ­removing it and bolting on outboards can create a Romanesque proboscis that rides bow-down, punching into seas with little or no grace and offering little of the outboard’s advantages.

But Monterey worked hard to manage the position of accommodations in the cockpit and at the transom, balancing the boat and at the same time giving boaters something besides just massive ­stowage in the former engine compartment.

Sure, there’s a cavernous compartment below what was the engine hatch — you could stow a fully inflated tow tube in there. A freshwater tank keeps the shower on the transom, and sink and head are supplied for all-day comfort. Plus, batteries, pumps and plumbing have never been easier to access for maintenance; simply touch the electric switch to raise that hatch.

Space-saving outboard power further ­accommodates passenger comfort with a multifunction aft seating module. Flip the aft cockpit seat back over flat to make a spacious sun pad. Recline it slightly to make an aft-facing lounge. The components and hardware are of durable, highly polished stainless steel for good looks, and they’re easy to operate. That goes for the aft rumble seat too. Pull it out, prop it up on its integrated stand, and enjoy the view of your kids swimming from a two-person settee. When it’s time to pull up stakes, squeeze a latch under the aft settee and it pops up, revealing a storage compartment to contain wet mooring lines and fenders. It comes up without protest on its own gas-assist shocks.

Also rare on outboard conversions is a convenient transom platform. The outboards usually bisect the platform, making it difficult to get from port to stern. Not here — walk with confidence to access shore power, water or waste ports.

It is amazing how much boating fun is had behind the helm seat — not in it. But the 305 keeps the inspiration going for the crew too. Sure, the captain gets an adjustable bucket seat facing a newly styled dashboard. Our tester featured both a new Mercury VesselView touchscreen, and a Raymarine Axiom chart plotter and sonar unit. You can bling that up with radar, Sirius satellite weather, and even — if you’re willing to take your hands off the helm — an autopilot.

There’s a Fusion Audio source unit at the dash, and JL speakers are liberally spread about the cockpit, powered by an amp and subwoofer JL “bazooka” speakers on the electric retractable radar arch. Yes, the ­super-solid arch slides upward or downward at the touch of a button.

Bow seating is deep, firmly padded to cushion riders in the toughest chop, though so smooth was the 305’s passage over doubled-­up wakes, we could’ve sat on plywood. Armrests fold down to give port and starboard riders forward-facing thrones with armrests for right and left hands, storage galore beneath, and plenty of space for four or more to enjoy the first-class seats.

Check out the Mercury V8 outboards that power this boat!

If you think we were impressed with Monterey’s performance and accommodations, forgive us while we lavish even more praise on its upholstery and hull appointments. Inside, the vinyl is of several different textures — colors complementary to the hull stripes, and stitching so complex and sporty-looking, it took extremely skilled upholsterers to pull it off.

Outside, the sleek hull shape is visually streamlined with tasteful striping, a contrasting hull bottom color — optional treatments all, but worth it for the visual excitement — and complementary polished stainless-steel trim, louvered vents and monogrammed hardware.

The entire profile is surprisingly sleek. Even the polished stainless-steel windlass and plow anchor blend into the lines, just like the powerful outboards, inviting the international boating community to embrace the new Monterey 305 SS with its highly demanded outboard power.

High Points

• Digital switches proved easy to operate and allowed us to program custom operations.
• Electric lift on the optional radar arch makes for convenient passage beneath bridges.
• Gas-assist shocks on the aft hatch make wet stowage of fenders and lines easy.

Low Points

• Front seat bolsters would’ve been more comfortable if they had thicker padding.
• Windlass area lacks a washdown for rinsing the anchor.

Price: $174,011 (with black 250 hp outboards)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engines: Twin Mercury V-8 250 hp
Drive/Props: Outboard/Rev 4 21″ pitch stainless-steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 65 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information
Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

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