New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

[Vista600]

New guy to the forum - and new to purchasing a boat. I've been running SeaDoos about 10 years, but making the jump into buying a boat. Mainly going to use to cruise and pull ski/tube when the tourists are away.

I'm looking at an '07 Monterey 214fs. It has just under 100 hours and in good shape. Interior is being redone (stains from a cover) and the hull has a few cosmetic blemishes, but nothing to affect the gelcoat to be concerned. New custom covers, no bimini top, no extras or trailer (not needed). I will have it fully checked out before making the jump. Price is $19K. Sound reasonable?

On to my questions:

1) Anyone own/owned this boat with advice? I've searched and found fairly limited info on this model. Anyone with any experience they would like to share would be appreciated.

2) Any thoughts on how this boat may handle in a moderate lake chop? I'm on a freshwater lake that can get pretty wild with big water on weekends (fairly narrow channel with bluffs to bounce waves). Probably won't be doing much running during peak times - and definitely won't be in a hurry should I decide luck is on my side.
And this is a complete newbie question - The total length with the swim platform pushes it to just over 23'. Bigger is better handling rough water, right? So, will it handle like a 23' boat? I'm guessing not, but I need to get this nagging question answered.

3) Anyone with a Monterey want to comment on quality? Being new, I'm looking for dependable. I understand maintenance is key, but I'm looking for any overall quality issues. The fit and finish seems good or better.

...any other comments to throw out there are appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Monterey's are decent boats, probably in the middle of the pack in terms of quality. I had my eye on a 298 at one point, but found that they are somewhat rare.

Just curious which engine it has? Bowrider or Cuddy Cabin?

You should be fine with lake chop, etc. Price seems OK versus NADA.

Use SAMS or NAMS to get a surveyor in your area to check the boat out.

The swim platform does not do anything for the handling of the boat, it will be a 21 footer. I assume that you are talking about the extended swim platform in addition to the molded in platform.

Also, having the molded-in platforms often makes it tough to tell how much of the boat's length is actually hull. As a rule of thumb, I usually take 2 feet off of the overall length.

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Monterey's are decent boats, probably in the middle of the pack in terms of quality. I had my eye on a 298 at one point, but found that they are somewhat rare.

Just curious which engine it has? Bowrider or Cuddy Cabin?

You should be fine with lake chop, etc. Price seems OK versus NADA.

Use SAMS or NAMS to get a surveyor in your area to check the boat out.

The swim platform does not do anything for the handling of the boat, it will be a 21 footer. I assume that you are talking about the extended swim platform in addition to the molded in platform.

Also, having the molded-in platforms often makes it tough to tell how much of the boat's length is actually hull. As a rule of thumb, I usually take 2 feet off of the overall length.

Thanks for the welcome and reply!
The boat has a mercury 5.0 mpi. It is a bow rider with the extended swim platform. And thanks for confirming about the swim platform and handling. I'm hoping to take it out for a test run soon- even if it is a cold ride.
Thanks again!

 

[billyman]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

I had a 2006 180 and despite it's small form-factor, I thought the build quality was as good as it gets. All stowage areas were clean-finished w/ rubber mats, fit and finish was great, and creature features were nice (stainless steel cupholders, pop-up cleats, metal hardware (latches) on doors and ski-locker). I loved that boat and hated to get rid of her, but HAD TO HAVE something bigger.

I highly recommend Monterey boats. Keep us posted and show us some pictures.

Best of luck!!

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

I am on my 2nd Monterey. They are not middle of the pack, they are same level as Sea Ray and Regal in runabouts, #3 in overall sales in that category supports the statement.

The 214FS will not handle like a 23 ft. boat. It is a 20' hull with swimplatform and will handle accordingly. are you considering the 214FS in Wisconsin by any chance?

Any specific questions regarding Monterey, ask away.

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

I am on my 2nd Monterey. They are not middle of the pack, they are same level as Sea Ray and Regal in runabouts, #3 in overall sales in that category supports the statement.

The 214FS will not handle like a 23 ft. boat. It is a 20' hull with swimplatform and will handle accordingly. are you considering the 214FS in Wisconsin by any chance?

Any specific questions regarding Monterey, ask away.

Thanks for the great info. The boat is in Missouri at a dealer. Was purchased at a dealer auction in Minnesota, per the listing dealer. Sounds like Monterey is confirmed as a solid brand. I love the lines, fit and finish. I'm thinking the size would be a good first boat. I'm not new to the water, but am to full size boats. My hesitation is that the lake I am on is rough and most people say 24 ft is the minimum size they would run. Is there that much of a difference? Open to any and all advice. Thanks!

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Thanks for the great info. The boat is in Missouri at a dealer. Was purchased at a dealer auction in Minnesota, per the listing dealer. Sounds like Monterey is confirmed as a solid brand. I love the lines, fit and finish. I'm thinking the size would be a good first boat. I'm not new to the water, but am to full size boats. My hesitation is that the lake I am on is rough and most people say 24 ft is the minimum size they would run. Is there that much of a difference? Open to any and all advice. Thanks!

In Addition - I know common sense goes a long way. Big water weekends will be spent at the pool or on the deck.
I'm at lake of the ozarks.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

The 214FS is a great first boat. It will handle most wakes with ease, the bigger cruiser wakes, just slow down a little until you pass their wake.You should expect
low 50's at WOT with the 5.0L engine. Plenty adequate for this model.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Thanks for the great info. The boat is in Missouri at a dealer. Was purchased at a dealer auction in Minnesota, per the listing dealer. Sounds like Monterey is confirmed as a solid brand. I love the lines, fit and finish. I'm thinking the size would be a good first boat. I'm not new to the water, but am to full size boats. My hesitation is that the lake I am on is rough and most people say 24 ft is the minimum size they would run. Is there that much of a difference? Open to any and all advice. Thanks!

The 24 footers will obviously be a bit better, but if it is out of budget range then so be it. since the boat was obtained out of state at an auction, you should inquire as to if the dealer has proper title to the boat, and it should be part of your 'contingencies' in the purchase and sale agreement.

 

[Insteada]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

A 21' boat on LOTO is a little small in my opinion unless you are only taking it out early or only middle of the week. If you boat there regularly you know that the weekend "bathtub" effect really starts Friday and runs through Sundays pretty easily. That is a good boat, but I'm not sure it's a good boat for LOTO. Shame you will be testing it off-season or you could do the water test during busy periods. We run our boat up there often and it is fine but can still bump around coming out of the no wake zone by Dog Days or when some yackhole with a speed-on can't control themselves. If you are talking about the one at Igauna, it looked like a nice boat.

 

[emilsr]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

In Addition - I know common sense goes a long way. Big water weekends will be spent at the pool or on the deck.
I'm at lake of the ozarks.

Where are you at on the lake? Once you get past about the 65mm it smooths out a lot, but anything past Capt Ron's (34?) is better than the area around the toll bridge. There's tons of smaller boats in the high numbers.

I watched a friend of ours take a wave over the bow on his 40' go-fast in the grand glaize once; sometimes it doesn't matter how big the boat is on that lake, ALL boats are too small.

Monterey makes a fine boat. You'll like it.

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

A 21' boat on LOTO is a little small in my opinion unless you are only taking it out early or only middle of the week. If you boat there regularly you know that the weekend "bathtub" effect really starts Friday and runs through Sundays pretty easily. That is a good boat, but I'm not sure it's a good boat for LOTO. Shame you will be testing it off-season or you could do the water test during busy periods. We run our boat up there often and it is fine but can still bump around coming out of the no wake zone by Dog Days or when some yackhole with a speed-on can't control themselves. If you are talking about the one at Igauna, it looked like a nice boat.

That's the one! I will be out mid-week and can do early on weekends. The occasional weekend run with a chance on my life would be possible. I'm on the 22MM, which I know anyone familiar with LOTO just made a face - but, once I get out of my cove and head toward higher MM's, it's really not so bad. I take my SeaDoo out at all times and manage pretty well.
Thanks for the info!

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Where are you at on the lake? Once you get past about the 65mm it smooths out a lot, but anything past Capt Ron's (34?) is better than the area around the toll bridge. There's tons of smaller boats in the high numbers.

I watched a friend of ours take a wave over the bow on his 40' go-fast in the grand glaize once; sometimes it doesn't matter how big the boat is on that lake, ALL boats are too small.

Monterey makes a fine boat. You'll like it.

I'm at the 22MM - middle of the madness at times. That's where the house is located, so I'm stuck on area of the lake. I wouldn't be headed toward lower MM's on the weekends. As you know, LOTO is overrun with vessels belonging in much larger waters. I will definitely agree that pretty much any boat is too small at times.
I'm stuck between getting a boat I like within my comfort zone or one that will be more suited for the lake. My gut says to go within my comfort zone and make it work on the lake (meaning non-peak times and testing during busier times to feel it out once I'm ready for that).

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

The 24 footers will obviously be a bit better, but if it is out of budget range then so be it. since the boat was obtained out of state at an auction, you should inquire as to if the dealer has proper title to the boat, and it should be part of your 'contingencies' in the purchase and sale agreement.

Good advice! Thanks for that!

 

[emilsr]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

I'm at the 22MM - middle of the madness at times. That's where the house is located, so I'm stuck on area of the lake. I wouldn't be headed toward lower MM's on the weekends. As you know, LOTO is overrun with vessels belonging in much larger waters. I will definitely agree that pretty much any boat is too small at times.
I'm stuck between getting a boat I like within my comfort zone or one that will be more suited for the lake. My gut says to go within my comfort zone and make it work on the lake (meaning non-peak times and testing during busier times to feel it out once I'm ready for that).

Good call. Stay within your comfort zone. I honestly believe people make too much out of the whole "go bigger" thing there.

We have a 26' Baja (the boat in my avatar, and that pic was taken during the Support our Troops Poker Run in 2010). As soon as we moved there (our house was just inside the 1mm) literally EVERYONE (including the real estate agent) told us we'd be upgrading soon. Guess what? We didn't.....yet there was not a time that we felt we couldn't be out on the main channel. Sure it was rough, sure it was uncomfortable occasionally, but MOST of the time our boat was plenty big enough. In your case you'll need to pick and choose your times during peak days, but there's no reason to get a boat just for the 3 holiday weekends.

Case in point; here we are running in the roughest part of the lake (toll bridge). It's like this more often than not:

 

[Vista600]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Good call. Stay within your comfort zone. I honestly believe people make too much out of the whole "go bigger" thing there.

We have a 26' Baja (the boat in my avatar, and that pic was taken during the Support our Troops Poker Run in 2010). As soon as we moved there (our house was just inside the 1mm) literally EVERYONE (including the real estate agent) told us we'd be upgrading soon. Guess what? We didn't.....yet there was not a time that we felt we couldn't be out on the main channel. Sure it was rough, sure it was uncomfortable occasionally, but MOST of the time our boat was plenty big enough. In your case you'll need to pick and choose your times during peak days, but there's no reason to get a boat just for the 3 holiday weekends.

Case in point; here we are running in the roughest part of the lake (toll bridge). It's like this more often than not:

Great video. Reminds me of early October, which is one of my favorite times to be on the water. I've made that run many times.

I agree about everyone saying to go bigger and I will want a bigger boat and yadda yadda - that may not be the case for me. I love taking the bike out because I feel connected to the water. I'm not wanting a huge Cadillac Escalade out there. I like the "sports" part of watersports. Thanks for the info about your Baja. I used to keep my bikes at Village on the 3, so I know it can get nasty around there on weekends.

...and, love the dog in the vid.

 

[emilsr]

Re: New Buyer - '07 Monterey 214fs

Great video. Reminds me of early October, which is one of my favorite times to be on the water. I've made that run many times.

Good eye. October 5th, 2010 is when that video was taken.