Top 10 Monterey Boat Models 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall Monterey boat for 2027 is the Monterey 378SE, starting around $695,000, a luxury sport yacht that pairs a 37-foot 4-inch hull, twin Volvo Penta IPS pod drives, and a sleeping cabin with day-cruiser handling to deliver the most complete package in the lineup.

The Best Value pick is the Monterey 218SS, starting near $78,500, which delivers Monterey's hand-laid hull quality, a deep-V ride, and family-friendly bowrider seating at the lowest practical entry point. This list is built for cruising families, watersports crews, and weekend entertainers who want a hand-built sport boat that holds value — whether the budget sits near $80,000 or stretches into the mid-six figures for a sport yacht.

Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRP estimates, including length overall, beam, and maximum or standard power.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each Monterey model against what sport-boat shoppers tell dealers they actually prioritize, leaning on published data from Boating Magazine, Discover Boating, BoatTEST, boats.com, Yachting, and Monterey's own model pages. The weighting:

• Build quality & reliability — 25%
• On-water performance — 20%
• Comfort & layout — 15%
• Value & price — 15%
• Features & tech — 15%
• Resale — 10%

A boat that nails plush seating but flunks ride quality, or runs hard but bleeds money at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance all six. Monterey, built in Williston, Florida, is known for hand-laid fiberglass, vacuum-bagged stringer grids, and closed-mold deck construction, which raises the whole lineup above many production rivals.

1. Monterey 378SE 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $695,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a luxury sport yacht that still drives like a day boat

The 2027 Monterey 378SE is the brand's flagship sport yacht and its most complete boat. It measures 37 feet 4 inches in length overall with a beam of 12 feet 2 inches, riding on a deep-V hull. Standard power comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS pod drives (typically IPS500 or IPS600, roughly 740–880 combined hp), with joystick docking and a fuel capacity near 250 gallons.

Below deck it offers a real sleeping cabin, a galley, and a head, while the cockpit seats a big crew with a wet bar and a powered sunroof. A full touchscreen Simrad helm seals the win.

Pros:

• Twin Volvo Penta IPS pods with joystick docking
• Real overnight cabin with galley and head
• Hand-laid deep-V hull for an exceptionally dry ride
• Touchscreen Simrad helm and premium finish

Cons:

• Six-figure pricing climbs quickly with options
• Large size demands a slip and serious maintenance budget

Verdict: The 378SE wins on balance — yacht luxury with day-boat handling and no real weak spot.

2. Monterey M-65

Starting MSRP: $320,000 | Best for: Performance buyers who want a high-style sport boat

The 2027 Monterey M-65 is the top of the sport-oriented M-Series, a 26-foot 6-inch bowrider with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. It carries a maximum rating around 800 hp through twin sterndrives or large outboards, and holds roughly 120 gallons of fuel. The M-65 leans into style and speed with a sculpted deck, twin captain's chairs, a swim-platform lounge, and an available touchscreen helm display.

It seats up to 14 passengers and blends genuine performance with the family-friendly versatility of a large bowrider.

Pros:

• Up to 800 hp from twin power for strong performance
• High-style deck with twin captain's chairs
• Seats up to 14 with a swim-platform lounge
• Available touchscreen helm and premium audio

Cons:

• Twin-engine setup raises purchase and fuel cost
• Sport focus trades some cruising comfort

Verdict: The performance bowrider — pick it when style and speed top your watersports list.

3. Monterey M-45

Starting MSRP: $185,000 | Best for: Families who want a versatile large bowrider

The 2027 Monterey M-45 is a do-everything 24-foot 6-inch bowrider with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. Powered by a single or twin sterndrive rated up to roughly 430 hp, it holds about 75 gallons of fuel and seats up to 13 passengers. The M-45 balances bow lounging, a watersports-ready cockpit, and a comfortable helm, with an available ski-tow arch and premium sound.

It is the M-Series sweet spot — big enough for a full family day on the water without the cost or footprint of the largest models.

Pros:

• Versatile 24-foot bowrider layout for up to 13
• Up to roughly 430 hp for watersports duty
• Available ski-tow arch and premium audio
• More affordable than twin-engine M-Series boats

Cons:

• Less outright speed than the M-65
• No overnight accommodations

Verdict: The family all-rounder — the easy pick for full-day cruising and watersports.

4. Monterey 295SY

Starting MSRP: $245,000 | Best for: Weekend cruisers who want overnight ability in a mid-size hull

The 2027 Monterey 295SY sport yacht measures 30 feet 2 inches in length overall with a beam of 10 feet, built for couples and small families who want to stay aboard. Standard power is twin sterndrives or available pod drives rated near 600 combined hp, with a fuel capacity around 150 gallons.

Below deck sits a cabin with a berth, a galley, and an enclosed head, while the cockpit offers wraparound seating and a wet bar. The 295SY brings real overnight capability at a price well below the flagship 378SE.

Pros:

• Overnight cabin with berth, galley, and head
• Twin power around 600 hp for confident cruising
• Wraparound cockpit seating with a wet bar
• Sport-yacht ability below flagship pricing

Cons:

• Cabin is tighter than the 378SE
• Twin engines raise running and maintenance cost

Verdict: The weekender — buy it for genuine overnight cruising in a manageable size.

5. Monterey 258SS

Starting MSRP: $118,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a premium mid-size bowrider

The 2027 Monterey 258SS is a premium 25-foot 6-inch bowrider with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. It carries a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 380 hp, holds about 66 gallons of fuel, and seats up to 12 passengers. The 258SS layers in upscale touches — extended swim platform, plush wraparound lounges, an available ski-tow arch, and a full helm display — over Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull.

It is the model for families who want bowrider versatility with a step up in size, comfort, and finish.

Pros:

• Premium 25-foot deep-V hull for a dry ride
• Up to roughly 380 hp from a single sterndrive
• Extended swim platform and plush lounges
• Available ski-tow arch for watersports

Cons:

• Single-engine top speed trails twin M-Series boats
• No overnight cabin

Verdict: The premium mid-size bowrider — comfort and finish a notch above the class.

6. Monterey 238SS

Starting MSRP: $98,000 | Best for: All-around families who want the most popular bowrider size

The 2027 Monterey 238SS hits the lineup's most popular size at 23 feet 8 inches with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. Powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 350 hp, it holds about 56 gallons of fuel and seats up to 12 passengers. The 238SS balances bow lounging, a watersports cockpit, and a comfortable helm, with an available tower and premium audio.

Its size fits most lakes and coastal bays, making it the do-everything Monterey for families who want one versatile boat.

Pros:

• Versatile 23-foot size that fits most waters
• Up to roughly 350 hp for watersports duty
• Available tower and premium audio
• Hand-laid deep-V hull for a dry, stable ride

Cons:

• Less standard luxury than the 258SS
• No overnight accommodations

Verdict: The all-rounder — the easy pick for families who want one boat that does it all.

7. Monterey M-6

Starting MSRP: $135,000 | Best for: Watersports crews who want a sport bowrider with attitude

The 2027 Monterey M-6 is a sport-styled 24-foot bowrider with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches, built around an aggressive deck and watersports duty. It carries a maximum rating up to roughly 430 hp through a sterndrive or outboard setup, holds about 75 gallons of fuel, and seats up to 13 passengers.

The M-6 adds a standout helm, a sport tower, and a swim-platform lounge, blending the M-Series style language with genuine tow-sport capability for wakeboarding and skiing.

Pros:

• Sport tower and aggressive M-Series styling
• Up to roughly 430 hp for wakeboarding and skiing
• Swim-platform lounge and standout helm
• Seats up to 13 for a full watersports crew

Cons:

• Sport focus trims some cruising comfort
• Higher price than the value 238SS

Verdict: The watersports sport boat — buy it for tow-sport style and capability.

8. Monterey M-225

Starting MSRP: $92,000 | Best for: Buyers who want sport-boat styling in a compact package

The 2027 Monterey M-225 brings M-Series style to a compact 22-foot 6-inch bowrider with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. Powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 320 hp, it holds about 50 gallons of fuel and seats up to 11 passengers. The M-225 keeps the sculpted deck, swim-platform lounge, and available tower of its larger siblings while staying trailerable and easier to store.

It is the entry to the style-forward M-Series for buyers who do not need a full 24-footer.

Pros:

• Compact 22-foot size is easy to trailer and store
• M-Series styling with a swim-platform lounge
• Up to roughly 320 hp for watersports
• Available tower in a smaller package

Cons:

• Lower power ceiling than larger M-Series boats
• Tighter deck than 24-foot models

Verdict: The compact sport pick — M-Series attitude in a trailerable size.

9. Monterey 196MS

Starting MSRP: $84,000 | Best for: Families who want a multi-sport hull with versatile seating

The 2027 Monterey 196MS is a versatile 19-foot 8-inch multi-sport bowrider with a beam of 8 feet 2 inches. Powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 300 hp, it holds about 38 gallons of fuel and seats up to 10 passengers. The MS layout adds convertible seating that flips between lounging and watersports, an available tower, and a swim platform, all on Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull.

Its compact size makes it nimble and trailer-friendly for families on smaller lakes.

Pros:

• Convertible multi-sport seating for up to 10
• Compact 19-foot size is highly trailerable
• Up to roughly 300 hp for watersports
• Hand-laid deep-V hull for a stable ride

Cons:

• Smaller deck limits big-crew entertaining
• Lower power ceiling than larger models

Verdict: The versatile compact — flexible seating and easy towing for smaller-lake families.

10. Monterey 218SS 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $78,500 | Best for: First-time buyers who want Monterey quality for the least money

The 2027 Monterey 218SS is the smartest value in the lineup and the gateway to the brand. It measures 21 feet 8 inches with a beam of 8 feet 2 inches, powered by a single sterndrive rated up to roughly 300 hp, and holds about 42 gallons of fuel. Despite the entry price, it keeps Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull, quality upholstery, and a comfortable bowrider layout seating up to 11 passengers.

It is the easiest way into a genuine, well-built Monterey without stepping down to a budget brand.

Pros:

• Lowest practical entry price in the lineup at $78,500
• Keeps Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull quality
• Right-sized 21-foot deck for most lakes
• Comfortable bowrider seating for up to 11

Cons:

• Single-engine performance trails larger models
• Fewer luxury features than the SS and M-Series boats above

Verdict: The value champion — real Monterey build quality at the lowest price of entry.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Sport Boat

• Hull type and construction — Monterey's hand-laid deep-V hull rides drier and handles chop better than flat-bottom designs. Vacuum-bagged stringers and closed-mold decks add stiffness and longevity.
• Single vs twin power — A single sterndrive keeps cost and maintenance down for bowriders; twin engines or IPS pods add speed, redundancy, and joystick docking on larger sport yachts.
• Length overall and beam — Bigger LOA and beam mean a smoother ride and more seating but a larger slip and tow rig. Match the size to your water and storage.
• Overnight ability — Confirm whether you want a real cabin with a berth, galley, and head (378SE, 295SY) or a day-boat layout (the SS and M-Series bowriders).
• Watersports features — Look for a ski-tow arch or tower, a swim-platform lounge, and ballast or board racks if wakeboarding and skiing are priorities.
• Fuel capacity and range — Larger tanks (up to 250 gallons on the 378SE) matter for coastal cruising; smaller tanks suit lake days.

What matters less than marketing implies: the exact gelcoat color options, badge names, and quoted top speeds. A few extra mph rarely matters on a cruising day; hull construction, power layout, size, and overnight ability shape your experience far more.

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.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Monterey 378SE is our Best Overall boat — starting around $695,000, it wins on twin IPS pod power, a real overnight cabin, and a hand-laid deep-V ride with day-boat handling. The Monterey 218SS, from about $78,500, is our Best Value, delivering genuine Monterey hull quality at the lowest price of entry.

If your needs lean toward overnight cruising, sport-tower watersports, or premium mid-size bowriding, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the 295SY, M-6, or 258SS instead. Buy on hull construction, power layout, size, and overnight ability — not headline top speed — and you will be happy for seasons to come.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — sport boat reviews and buyer's guides
• Discover Boating — boat types and shopping guides
• BoatTEST — Monterey performance tests and specs
• boats.com — Monterey listings, specs, and pricing
• Yachting — sport yacht and cruiser coverage
• Power & Motoryacht — boat ownership and buying advice
• Monterey Boats — official model lineup and specs
• Volvo Penta — IPS pod drive specifications
• NADA Guides — boat values and resale data

*Monterey boat review — best Monterey boat 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top sport boat picks for buyers.*