Monterey 276 1996, reliable??

[dluvpauline]

I am considering the purchase of a 1996 Monterey 276. it has a single 7.4 motor. Can anyone offer any experience or insight into whether these boats and their motor/outdrives are reliable and a good value?

 

[tommays]

Re: Monterey 276 1996, reliable??

Well i am guessing it has a merc bravo drive


Is it trailered or used in saltwater


In general there are no big problems BUT it really depends on how it was used and serviced



Tommays

 

[dluvpauline]

Re: Monterey 276 1996, reliable??

I believe it is a merc bravo. I will confirm tonight after the test drive. It is in a wet slip here in OC and has been so for the past 5 years. The guy that is selling it uses it regularly for fishing.

 

[dluvpauline]

Re: Monterey 276 1996, reliable??

Just to confirm it is in salt water.
I asked how many hours were on the motor and he said he was not sure since it did not have an hour gauge. Would it not have come with one? Does this mean someone removed the gauge? he says he has put less than 400 on it since 2001.

 

[tommays]

Re: Monterey 276 1996, reliable??

It would be best to find out the serial numbers on the drive and motor one of the pros should ba able to tell exactly what you have

The matiance records are the only way to tell what was done over the years

But in general is the boat raw water cooled or fresh water cooled

It would have a heat exchanger with antifreeze if it was fresh water cooled

A boat that was used in saltwater for that amount of time is going to require far more matiance than the same boat in a freshwater lake




Tommays

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Monterey 276 1996, reliable??

hour meter is a option. many boats don't have one.