Monterey 234 FS
This family boat is well worth a look for those in the market for a bowrider with good watersports potential.
by Ryan McNally
December 1, 2006
It's a sunny Florida day, and the first item of business for testing Monterey's 234 FS is
stretching out on the spacious sundeck. What's so special about this sunpad, you ask? Well, aside
from providing the obvious benefits (pure relaxation), it also boasts a nifty flip-out filler
cushion that fills the transom walkthrough when in use and tucks under the rest of the sunpad
within the gas-assisted lift deck when you're done. The hinge that flips the cushion is concealed,
a nice design element that ensures this area of the boat remains pleasing to the eyes. Rising from
your prone position on the sundeck and moving toward the bow, you check out the enormous cockpit
storage that extends about 18 inches past the windshield - great for packing with watersports gear.
The port-side full head with full fiberglass enclosure is another nice feature; even though it's
not big enough to sit up in, it's still a great item on a boat this size. While cruising off
Florida's West Coast, handling is excellent, and the Monterey 234 FS corners nicely at speeds in
the 30- to 40-mph range. There's a little bounce in the chop, but the hull feels solid throughout.
With the 220-hp, 5.0L Volvo Penta GXi and one quarter tank of fuel, the Monterey 234 FS cruises to
a top speed of 46.4 mph, and according to Monterey, it can crack 50-plus with a larger engine
package. Overall, this family boat is well worth a look for those in the market for a bowrider with
good watersports potential.
www.montereyboats.com.
