What do you think of Montereys?

[traderdavel]

New to boating. Wife and 2 small kids. Looking at buying a 1998 Monterey 276 cruiser for Long Island waters. Has Merc 7.4 with 230 hrs, generator, and all creature comnforts. Boat looks clean, and survey came back with minimal fixes. I don't see many Montereys on the water, (won't see my boat coming and going), but wondering if that is a good thing. Please let me know any thoughts you may have.

 

[KCook]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Is all the gear on board original. Or is it mostly new stuff? I ask because old electronics is not desirable. If it doesn't have the current electronics, figure in the cost of replacing that.

In the cruiser category I think Monterey is a decent choice. For the same price Four Winns, Regal, or Sea Ray would be better choices. But the price usually is not the same, so a Monty can be a nice deal.

Kelly Cook
(Monty fan)

 

[traderdavel]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Most of the electronics are original. From the survey all worked fine. Is there anything in particular I should look for? I also heard Monterey's were a higher end boat. Are there particular problems with them.

 

[IOSLVR]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Not sure what to look for on a cruiser traderdave but I just recently bought a Monterey 208LS and love it. I felt the same about not ever hearing of Monterey but found out the popularity of them on mostly the East coast ( they are built in Williamston, FL). As far as high end the story is told that a family member of Chaparral boats separated and started this company. While looking I thought alot of Chaparral and got a heck of a deal on this Monterey and felt it was very close in quality. Good luck!

 

[KCook]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Here is a link to a Monterey discussion on another site -

http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=52501

Kelly

 

[tommays]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Your in saltwater is the engine RAW water cooled OR freshwater cooled (heat exchanger)


If it is raw water then the conditon and age of the exaust system becomes a big issue




Tommays

 

[cmcpherson]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Well, I have owned 2 Sea Rays and I now own a Monterey. The truth is that I can't really tell any big difference between the 2 brands quality wise. My Monterey is a 24' open bow without all the electronics, so I can't answer any questions about that. I am extremely happy with the Monterey, to me it far outpaced everyone in quality/value respect. I am in Illinois and we don't see too many of them around here either, but the other owners I talk to are all extremely satisfied with them as well.

 

[traderdavel]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Thank you for all your replies. I am very much a Newbie.
To: tommays - unfortunately about 80% of boats here are raw water cooled. Something I will have to deal with, but thanks for pointing out the exhaust, I was thinking only of the engine.

Any thoughts about the Merc 7.4 = any chance it'l be sluggish on a 27'?

I appreciate everyone's help on this site - no personal agendas

 

[KCook]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

The 7.4L is the normal choice for that size boat, should be just fine. I assume you will keep this at a marina? If you will be trailering it instead, then that is an awfully big boat to learn the trailer game with.

Kelly

 

[traderdavel]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Yes it will stay in the water.

 

[mike176]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

They are just down the road from here in Williston FL. They are great boats and very popular around here. I've never owned one because they don't make flats boats but i know lots of people who own and build them.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

My Chiropractor (who's owned 3 boats over 25 years) and I discuss boats between neck adjustments. Last visit I mentioned a Monterey, and he said he loved them - nice quality and innovative. He said that Monterey invented the retractable cleat that is now standard on many boats. True or not, I don't know. But he thought they were definitely a good boat. For what it's worth.

Dave

 

[traderdavel]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Thankyou for your help. I think I am moving forward with this and I will post pics once it is done.
One more question - the boat is raw cooled as mentioned previously - can I, (no boat mechanical experience), install a flush kit?

 

[mike176]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

you can get a set of flush muffs at any walmart They just slide over the water inlets on the lowerunit

 

[traderdavel]

Re: What do you think of Montereys?

Thanks again