Although you try to look at each new boat with completely open eyes,
it's all but impossible not to bring at least a few prejudices and preconceived notions along. And
more often than not, especially if you've been around boats for a while, you find yourself
unconsciously lowering expectations so that you don't get too disappointed. The fact that the thing
doesn't sink, for instance, becomes a real positive. As a result, when you come across a boat that
flat-out blows away all your prejudices and expectations, like Monterey's Montura 248LS, you have
to stop for a minute, pick your jaw up off the floor, and make sure you haven't missed anything.
And if you haven't, you know you've found something worth talking about.
That's not to say that the Montura 248LS is impressive simply because it manages to stay
afloat ' although that IS a bonus. It's impressive because, well, because it's darn impressive by
any measure. Far and away the largest runabout in the Monterey fleet, the Montura 248LS measures 24
feet 6 inches in length, with a trailerable 8-foot-6-inch beam. It seems and drives even bigger,
though.
Cruising along in the 30- to 40-mph range, the hull seems to develop shock absorbers and the
ride becomes, well, fat. Soft. Overstuffed. Even in moderately rough water, with heavy boat traffic
kicking up a mishmash of wakes in all sizes from all directions, the ride inside the Montura 248LS
is silky smooth, easily one of the best in its class. No rattles, no vibrations, nothing but
smooth.
Powered by a MerCruiser MX 6.2L MPI engine rated at 320 hp, the Montura 248LS suffers no
shortage of muscle. With two people and gear aboard, the test boat accelerates from 0 to 30 mph in
6.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 47.3 mph. There's no easy explanation, but this boat is one
of those that seems quieter in the cockpit than it really is. For example, the sound meter showed
92 decibels at the helm at full throttle, which is about the reading you'd get from a gas-powered
lawn mower, but inside the cockpit, conversation is easy and doesn't require shouting. And all
aboard agree that the interior seems to be one of the quietest in recent memory. So go figure.
The seating layout is pretty traditional, although the bow seating area is much roomier and
more comfortable than expected, accommodating even a 6-foot-plus adult or two with ease.
A wide walk-through leads from the bow area to the cockpit, with a latching door to serve as
a windbreak on cool days and a small in-floor storage space. There's another, larger, in-floor
storage space in the cockpit, this one big enough to handle wakeboards and/or skis. Both in-floor
storage areas have rubber mats to protect the deck and your gear. The cockpit itself is big and
open, with a pair of captain's seats with flip-up bolsters and a large L-lounge that wraps from
just behind the passenger seat all the way around to the transom door. Both bucket seats swivel to
allow easy conversation when moored or docked.
Just in front of the passenger seat is the head, a nice addition to a runabout of this size.
There's not enough headroom for a 6-footer to stand up in there, but there's room enough, and
there's a sink and shower if you have a use for them.
With a pair of Igloo coolers (one under the forwardmost L-lounge seat and one in the gunwale
near the transom door) and a wet bar situated just behind the helm seat, entertaining is very
nearly mandatory on the Montura 248LS. The entertaining is enhanced by the oversized transom and
swim platform. Step through the transom door and there's enough room to stretch out and get some
sun or gear up for a wakeboard or inflatable run without having to be a contortionist. A
telescoping, three-step boarding ladder folds away into the swim platform and makes reboarding
easier, whether you've been hanging at the end of your rope or just taking a leisurely swim.
There's another telescoping boarding ladder at the bow, which folds away into the anchor locker so
you can scamper back aboard from either end.
All that, however, is for when you're not at the helm. The Montura 248LS has a well-laid-out
dash, with analog gauges, a five-position tilt steering wheel, and that soft-touch stereo remote
all pretty much right where you'd want them to be. One of the few discouraging comments regarding
the Montura 248LS is that the steering is a bit too 'stiff,' and that it takes a little more effort
to turn the wheel than some would like, especially at low speeds. On the other hand, there is
nothing but praise for the fact that with the bucket seat bolster flipped up, there is plenty of
room for the skipper to stand at the wheel when launching or docking.
You can, if you want, stand up and steer while the Montura 248LS is at speed, too, although
it's much more relaxing and enjoyable to sit in the cushy captain's seat. While the Montura 248LS
won't be mistaken for a jet boat or even a 20-foot inboard when it comes to cranking almost instant
full-throttle turns, it handles quite well for a big guy. This boat may not turn as flat as some
people, particularly those accustomed to ski/wakeboard boats, would like, but it turns solidly,
without a bit of hull skip or hook.
In addition to the somewhat stiff steering, there are a couple of other minor negatives
brought up. There's the fact that the bow-mounted boarding ladder barely reaches the water and is a
little difficult for the ' let's say 'less lithe' ' testers. And a gas or electric assist on the
engine hatch would be a welcome addition. Still, the general consensus is that this is without
question one of the best boats in its class, with double-added-bonus points awarded for one of the
best rides in any class.
It's hard to look at a boat with totally 'new' eyes, but every now and then a boat like this
comes along, and while it doesn't give you 'new' eyes, it really opens up the ones you have.