Top 10 Monterey Boat Models 2027
PULSEKNOWLEDGE LIBRARY
The 10 best monterey boat models 2027 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Monterey 378SE

The Monterey 378SE ranks first because it delivers the most complete package in the lineup, pairing a 37-foot 4-inch hull with twin Volvo Penta IPS pod drives and joystick docking. Its $695,000 starting price buys a real sleeping cabin, galley, head, and a powered sunroof, plus a full touchscreen Simrad helm. The deep-V hull provides an exceptionally dry ride, and the fuel capacity near 250 gallons supports serious coastal cruising.
This boat is for buyers who want yacht-level luxury with day-boat handling and are prepared for six-figure pricing and a large slip. It trades away the simplicity and lower cost of smaller bowriders for genuine overnight capability and premium finish. Compared to the M-65 below, the 378SE offers far more interior space and joystick docking, but demands a significantly larger budget and maintenance commitment.
2. Monterey M-65

The M-65 ranks second for its unmatched performance potential in a bowrider, with a maximum rating around 800 hp from twin sterndrives or large outboards. Starting at $320,000, this 26-foot 6-inch boat seats up to 14 passengers and includes a sculpted deck, twin captain's chairs, and a swim-platform lounge. Its 120-gallon fuel tank supports extended days on the water, and an available touchscreen helm display adds modern control.
This boat is for performance buyers who prioritize acceleration and aggressive styling over cruising comfort and overnight amenities. It trades away the cabin and galley of the 378SE for a high-style, family-friendly deck that still handles watersports. Compared to the 378SE, the M-65 is more affordable and easier to trailer, but it lacks the joystick docking and enclosed sleeping quarters that define a true sport yacht.
3. Monterey M-45

The M-45 ranks third as the M-Series sweet spot, offering a versatile 24-foot 6-inch bowrider that seats 13 passengers with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. Its starting price of $185,000 includes a single or twin sterndrive rated up to roughly 430 hp, with a 75-gallon fuel tank for full-day outings. The layout balances bow lounging, a watersports-ready cockpit, and an available ski-tow arch, making it a genuine all-rounder.
This boat is for families who want one boat that can cruise, tow skiers, and entertain a large crew without stepping up to a sport yacht. It trades away the outright speed of the M-65 and any overnight accommodations, focusing instead on practical day-boat comfort. Compared to the M-65, the M-45 is significantly more affordable and easier to handle, but it lacks the twin-engine thrill and top-end performance that define the larger model.
4. Monterey 295SY

The 295SY ranks fourth because it brings genuine overnight capability to a mid-size hull at $245,000, a price well below the flagship 378SE. Measuring 30 feet 2 inches with a 10-foot beam, it offers a cabin with a berth, galley, and enclosed head, plus wraparound cockpit seating and a wet bar. Standard twin sterndrives or available pod drives deliver near 600 combined hp, and the 150-gallon fuel tank supports weekend cruising.
This boat is for weekend cruisers who need a real cabin but want a more manageable size and price than the 378SE. It trades away the spacious interior and IPS joystick docking of the flagship for a tighter cabin and simpler power options. Compared to the M-45 above, the 295SY adds overnight ability and a larger hull, but it costs more and requires more maintenance due to twin engines.
5. Monterey 258SS

The 258SS ranks fifth as a premium mid-size bowrider, starting at $118,000 and measuring 25 feet 6 inches with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. Its single sterndrive, rated up to roughly 380 hp, delivers solid performance for watersports, and the 66-gallon fuel tank supports long lake days. The boat seats up to 12 passengers and features an extended swim platform, plush wraparound lounges, and an available ski-tow arch.
This boat is for families who want bowrider versatility with a step up in size, comfort, and finish over smaller models. It trades away the overnight cabin of the 295SY and the twin-engine speed of the M-Series for a refined single-engine day boat. Compared to the 295SY, the 258SS is far more affordable and easier to trailer, but it lacks any sleeping quarters and has a lower power ceiling.
6. Monterey 238SS

The 238SS ranks sixth because it hits the lineup's most popular size at 23 feet 8 inches, offering a versatile package for $98,000. With a beam of 8 feet 6 inches, it seats up to 12 passengers and is powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 350 hp. The 56-gallon fuel tank is adequate for most lake outings, and the layout balances bow lounging, a watersports cockpit, and a comfortable helm.
This boat is for all-around families who want one versatile boat that fits most lakes and coastal bays without a premium price. It trades away some standard luxury and size compared to the 258SS, but it remains a solid value with the same hand-laid hull quality. Compared to the 258SS, the 238SS is more affordable and slightly easier to handle, but it offers less space and a lower power rating for larger crews.
7. Monterey M-6

The M-6 ranks seventh for its sport-tower capability and aggressive M-Series styling, starting at $135,000. This 24-foot bowrider seats up to 13 passengers and carries a maximum rating up to roughly 430 hp through a sterndrive or outboard setup. Its 75-gallon fuel tank supports extended watersports sessions, and the swim-platform lounge adds convenience for swimmers and skiers. The standout helm and sport tower make it a genuine tow-sport machine for wakeboarding and skiing.
This boat is for watersports crews who prioritize style and wakeboarding capability over cruising comfort and luxury amenities. It trades away the plush lounges and refined finish of the 258SS for a more aggressive deck and higher performance ceiling. Compared to the 238SS, the M-6 costs more and offers a sportier ride, but it sacrifices some family-friendly comfort and value.
8. Monterey M-225

The M-225 ranks eighth because it brings M-Series style to a compact 22-foot 6-inch package, starting at $92,000. With a beam of 8 feet 6 inches, it seats up to 11 passengers and is powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 320 hp. The 50-gallon fuel tank is sufficient for day trips, and the sculpted deck, swim-platform lounge, and available tower keep the sporty DNA of larger siblings.
This boat is for buyers who want the M-Series attitude without the footprint or price of a 24-footer. It trades away the higher power ceiling and deck space of the M-6 for a more manageable and affordable package. Compared to the M-6, the M-225 is lighter and more economical, but it offers less seating and a lower top speed for serious watersports.
9. Monterey 196MS

The 196MS ranks ninth for its versatile multi-sport seating and compact trailerability, starting at $84,000. Measuring 19 feet 8 inches with a beam of 8 feet 2 inches, it seats up to 10 passengers and is powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 300 hp. The 38-gallon fuel tank is ideal for smaller lakes, and the convertible seating flips between lounging and watersports configurations.
This boat is for families on smaller lakes who want a nimble, easy-to-tow boat with flexible seating and genuine build quality. It trades away the deck space and power of larger models for a compact, affordable package that is simple to store. Compared to the M-225, the 196MS is less expensive and even easier to handle, but it offers less seating and a lower power ceiling for bigger crews.
10. Monterey 218SS

The 218SS ranks tenth as the best value in the lineup, starting at $78,500 and offering the lowest practical entry price into Monterey ownership. Measuring 21 feet 8 inches with a beam of 8 feet 2 inches, it seats up to 11 passengers and is powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 300 hp.
This boat is for first-time buyers who want genuine Monterey build quality without stepping down to a budget brand. It trades away the luxury features and larger size of the 238SS and M-Series boats, focusing on core reliability and value. Compared to the 196MS, the 218SS offers more seating and a slightly larger hull, but it costs a bit more and lacks the multi-sport convertible seating.
How we ranked these
We ranked Monterey's 2027 lineup by weighting build quality and reliability at 25%, on-water performance at 20%, comfort and layout at 15%, value at 15%, features and tech at 15%, and resale at 10%. Scores drew from published specs, MSRP estimates, and dealer-reported buyer priorities across Boating Magazine, BoatTEST, boats.com, Yachting, and Monterey's official pages. Each model was assessed on hull construction, power options, seating, overnight ability, and price to produce a balanced top-10 list.
We deliberately ignored marketing-driven factors like gelcoat color choices, badge names, and quoted top speeds, as these rarely affect real-world satisfaction. We also excluded subjective styling preferences and unverified owner anecdotes, focusing instead on measurable, published data. This approach ensures the ranking reflects practical value, durability, and usability for cruising families, watersports crews, and weekend entertainers, rather than hype or transient trends.
Related questions
What is the best Monterey boat for overnight cruising?
The Monterey 378SE is the top choice for overnight cruising, offering a 37-foot hull with a real sleeping cabin, galley, and enclosed head. The 295SY is a more affordable mid-size option with similar overnight amenities, including a berth and wet bar, making it ideal for couples or small families.
Which Monterey boat has the highest top speed?
The Monterey M-65, with a maximum rating around 800 hp from twin sterndrives or large outboards, offers the highest top speed in the lineup. Its performance-focused design and sport styling make it the fastest Monterey, though it sacrifices some cruising comfort for speed.
Are Monterey boats good for watersports?
Yes, Monterey boats excel at watersports, especially the M-Series models like the M-6 and M-65. These boats feature sport towers, swim-platform lounges, and high power ceilings (up to 430-800 hp), making them ideal for wakeboarding, skiing, and towing activities.
What is the difference between Monterey SS and M-Series boats?
SS models are classic family bowriders focused on comfort and value, with layouts like the 218SS and 238SS. M-Series boats, such as the M-45 and M-65, emphasize sport styling, higher performance, and watersports features like towers and enhanced helm displays, appealing to more performance-oriented buyers.
Which Monterey boat is best for a first-time buyer?
The Monterey 218SS, starting around $78,500, is the best entry point for first-time buyers. It offers Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull, quality upholstery, and family-friendly bowrider seating at the lowest practical price, providing genuine build quality without the higher cost of larger models.
How does Monterey boat construction compare to other brands?
Monterey uses hand-laid fiberglass, vacuum-bagged stringer grids, and closed-mold deck construction, which enhances hull stiffness and longevity. This build quality often exceeds production rivals, resulting in a drier, more stable ride and better resale value, as noted by sources like Boating Magazine and BoatTEST.
What is the most popular Monterey boat size?
The 23-foot 8-inch Monterey 238SS is the most popular size in the lineup, balancing versatility with manageable dimensions. It fits most lakes and coastal bays, seats up to 12 passengers, and offers a single sterndrive up to 350 hp, making it a do-everything choice for families.
Which Monterey boat has the largest fuel capacity?
The Monterey 378SE has the largest fuel capacity at nearly 250 gallons, supporting extended coastal cruising. The 295SY follows with around 150 gallons, while smaller bowriders like the 218SS hold about 42 gallons, sufficient for typical lake days.
FAQ
Which Monterey boat is the best overall for 2027?
The Monterey 378SE earns our top spot, pairing a 37-foot hull, twin Volvo Penta IPS pods with joystick docking, a real overnight cabin, and a hand-laid deep-V ride with no major weaknesses.
What is the best value Monterey boat?
The Monterey 218SS, starting near $78,500, offers Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull, quality upholstery, and family bowrider seating at the lowest practical entry price.
What is the difference between the SS and M-Series Monterey boats?
The SS models are classic family bowriders focused on comfort and value, while the M-Series leans into sport styling, towers, and higher-performance power for watersports crews.
Which Monterey boats can sleep aboard?
The 378SE and 295SY sport yachts offer real cabins with berths, galleys, and enclosed heads, while the SS and M-Series bowriders are day boats without overnight accommodations.
Which Monterey is best for watersports?
The M-6 and M-65 add sport towers, swim-platform lounges, and higher power ceilings (up to roughly 430–800 hp) that make them ideal for wakeboarding and skiing.
Are Monterey boats good quality?
Yes. Monterey is known for hand-laid fiberglass, vacuum-bagged stringer grids, and closed-mold deck construction, which supports a dry, stable ride and strong resale value.
What should I consider when choosing between Monterey models?
Focus on hull construction, power layout (single vs. twin), length and beam, overnight ability, and watersports features. These factors affect ride quality, cost, and usability more than top speed or styling.
How much does a Monterey 378SE cost?
The 2027 Monterey 378SE starts around $695,000, with options that can push the price higher. It includes twin Volvo Penta IPS pod drives, a cabin, and premium features, positioning it as a luxury sport yacht.
What is the fuel capacity of the Monterey 295SY?
The 295SY holds approximately 150 gallons of fuel, supporting weekend cruising. Its twin sterndrives or pod drives, rated near 600 combined hp, offer confident performance for overnight trips.
Can the Monterey 218SS tow a wakeboarder?
Yes, the 218SS, with a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 300 hp, can tow wakeboarders and skiers. While it lacks a factory tower, an aftermarket arch can be added for watersports convenience.
Sources
- https://www.boatingmag.com
- https://www.discoverboating.com
- https://www.boattest.com
- https://www.boats.com
- https://www.yachtingmagazine.com
- https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com
- https://www.montereyboats.com
- https://www.volvopenta.com
- https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats
Related on PULSE
- [Best Monterey Boat Models (Ranked) in 2027](/knowledge/bt0361)
- [Top 10 Robalo Boat Models 2027](/knowledge/bt0107)
- [Top 10 Ranger Boat Models 2027](/knowledge/bt0124)
- [Top 10 Sea Hunt Boat Models 2027](/knowledge/bt0122)
- [Top 10 Cobalt Boat Models 2027](/knowledge/bt0104)
- [Top 10 Formula Boat Models 2027](/knowledge/bt0118)
@Kory-White- · if Venmo asks, the last 4 of my number are 2012









