Monterey's 290 Express Cruiser

Monterey's new 290 Express Cruiser proves itself to be a shelter in the storm.

by Michael Verdon

September 1, 2005

You really notice a cruiser's finer points when it starts to rain. Within seconds, you'll see if that stylish-looking wraparound windshield will protect you from the shotgun blasts of liquid BBs that raindrops turn into at 50 mph. Throw in an hour of lightning that forces you below, and you're guaranteed to find out if the salesman's spiel on the exquisite features of the Monterey 290's cabin was more than hot air that just got sucked up into the storm cloud.
You have a chance to experience all that and more on a recent test of Monterey's 290, a mid-year introduction that replaces the older 282. At first glance, the 290 appears to be a sleeker version of the 282 on the same hull. It has a lower, less boxy profile that's visually striking, mostly because of the raked-forward radar arch. But it doesn't look that different from other cruisers. By contrast, Monterey's Sport Collection of open-bow boats ' with Italian-inspired cockpits and curved transoms ' breathe the word unique. They've carved out their own identity in the U.S. market.

But a closer look at the 290 during a test run on Biscayne Bay reveals a boat with character. The test is supposed to be one of those easy-in, easy-out runs, a couple of hours to get a good sense of the new cruiser. But Scott Leonardo, Monterey's dealer at Arch Creek Yacht Sales in North Miami, and you are dripping wet minutes after taking he boat out into the ICW. Hurricane season means afternoon thunderstorms, and lightning flashes heading your way add a little urgency to get back to the dock. Better not to take chances.

The windshield, which you and Leonardo huddle behind, offers protection against the lashing rain, but no isinglass covering means a constant drip-drip from the bimini ' but it's still drier than if there was no top. By the time you're at the dock, the sky overhead is jet-black, with thunder getting closer by the second.

Leonardo dashes for the office, and you take refuge below in the cabin. Unlike many express cruisers, where below-decks tend to play second fiddle to the cockpit, the cabin is a sanctuary on the 290. Sure, the cockpit is great during good weather, and the hull performs like a sportboat, but time in the cabin is a pleasure.

First impressions are favorable: Cherry-laminate cabinets and a cherrywood table go well with the beige upholstery, off-white headliner and midcabin berths. Curves in the furniture and galley add to a sense of space. The cabin also gets high marks for being bright, with an overhead hatch, portlights and halogen lights. Peak headroom is a respectable 6 feet 6 inches. Even in the head, it's 6 feet 3 inches. The U-shaped lounge forward is 5 feet 7 inches long on the left side, and 9 feet 6 inches on the right, so there's plenty of room to sit a group around the table.

But first impressions can be deceiving. A cabin can look nice while offering minimal functionality. With nothing else to do but hang out for two hours during the storm, you develop a sense of how well this area would function with a family or couple stuck inside ' staying out of the elements.

First, there'd be an obligatory raid on the pantry. The galley counter space measures 50 inches across and 26 inches wide, so it's not cramped. It was obviously designed for weekend cruising, judging by the deep stainless-steel sink and Kenyon two-burner electric stove next to it. Above, a Tappan microwave and Mr. Coffee coffeemaker sit side by side. Below the Corian countertop, an Isotherm fridge sits next to a large storage space. (This test boat comes with an optional $1,286 icemaker in the cockpit entertainment center.) Overall, it's a well-thought-out design ' you won't be whipping up gourmet dinners, but it'll let you cook a simple meal beyond heating up stuff in the microwave.

After eating, the group would watch a DVD on the optional Sharp 13-inch flat screen LCD TV ($1,714 with antenna and DVD player). It's probably a little too small for a group to watch, but it fits nicely against the bulkhead, and would be fine for a couple in bed, when the area's turned into a berth.

This writer spends an hour at the table on his laptop, and the lounge seats are soft and comfortable. Even though it's dark outside, the cabin stays bright with the halogen lights. The 10,000-BTU MarineAir unit ($3,857 and situated conveniently under one of the lounge seats) keeps the forward cabin cool. In fact, air conditioning vents are well placed in the cabin, even back in the aft-cabin, giving a free flow of air. The positioning of the ducts is crucial, and can make the difference between sitting in air-conditioned heaven or in a cold, clammy sweat for two hours.

The aft area also has a vent that opens to the cockpit for fresh air. Many times these areas are dungeons on express cruisers, but this one is open and airy, and would keep the kids happy. The space works as a lounge or as a 5-foot by 6-foot 6-inch fill-in berth ' too tight for adults, but good for kids. Both berth areas have privacy curtains.

The head has good headroom and decent lighting. It also has a platform that drops down over the toilet, so you can take a shower without worrying about tripping on the throne. The test boat has the optional electric toilet with macerator ($536), and the optional gray water system ($429).

Later that afternoon, after the clouds clear, you have a chance to run the 290. Sweet. Monterey built its reputation on sportboats, and there's a strong element of performance built into what seems like an ordinary cruiser. The twin 270-hp Volvo GXis push the 290 to a top end of 47.1 mph, and may have climbed a few more clicks on the speedometer without the bimini acting as a wind brake. But the real fun comes during high-speed turns where the hull digs in and pivots with no cavitations. The 290 feels more like a nimble 25-foot sportboat than a 10,000-pound cruiser. It's a real pleasure to drive. The only bumps come from wakes, so it's hard to know how it handles in big water.

The helm area maintains the sportboat feel, with a futuristic silver dash decked out with a cluster of stylized Faria gauges. Other standards include Bennett trim tabs, Xintex Fireboy extinguisher, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The dash and helm station has a non-glare covering that works well with the silver dashboard. Open spaces on either side of the console are for electronics. The helm seat measures a spacious 27 inches across, with a fold-up bolster. The adjoining companion seat is 24 inches across.

Two realistically sized steps (8 inches by 14 inches) lead up to a cobbled surface to the walk-through windshield. But it's not cobbled enough to stop slippage when it's wet, as this writer finds out. Also, the steps need some sort of handrail for support. But the wide opening in the windshield gets extra points, and there's nonskid across most of the foredeck. Other kudos: The optional electric windlass ($2,500) is set inside the anchor locker, and recessed cleats mean no stubbing toes. Stainless rails are high enough up front (28 inches) to feel secure working the anchor or bowlines. The 40-inch by 52-inch sun pad also turns the bow into a sun lounge.

The aft cockpit is also spacious enough for four or five people, with facing lounges and a table in the center. The entertainment center is the focus on the starboard side, and this one includes the optional Uline icemaker ($1,286) as well as a sink, ice chest, and a large storage space underneath.

One wart: At low tide, the 290 is hard to step on and off of at the dock. Not only is the rear support for the bimini in the way, but it also needs nonskid at the rear edge of the gunwales for secure footing.
One very practical feature: two engine hatches ' a day hatch for troubleshooting, and a larger one on an electric lift (you can even leave the table in the cockpit hatch as it lifts) for more serious maintenance. Layout inside the engine compartment is generous. There's a good four feet between the 5.0-kW Kohler generator and twin Volvos that adds up to decent working space.

The 5.0L GXi combo on the test boat is mid-range in available power. Monterey offers ten choices of Volvos and MerCruisers, ranging from 4.3L to 5.7L blocks. The 270-hp Volvos feel about right for this boat (and the Duoprops definitely help handling), though anyone wanting extra speed should opt for 300-hp Mercs or Volvos.

The swim platform door is a bit narrow at 16.5 inches across, but otherwise the platform itself is set up for watersports. The test boat has the optional teak inlay ($3,143). It adds a touch of class to the 290, but also maintenance. The storage locker on the transom holds lines and fenders, and keeps the shorepower outlets out of the elements.

Despite a few minor warts, Monterey did a great job with the 290. The design is modern, without wandering out of the mainstream. The features are well executed. And the fit and finish is excellent. Now, all it needs to do is make the isinglass enclosures standard for those rainy days.

LOA 32'2" (w/ swim platform)
Beam 10'3"
Weight 10,000 lbs.
Fuel 142 gal.
Base Price $124,924
(w/twin 270-hp, 5.0L GXi Volvo Pentas w/Duoprops)
Price As Tested $150,421
(w/twin 270-hp, 5.0L GXi Volvo Pentas w/Duoprops)
Hull Warranty Lifetime
NMMA Certified? Yes

Monterey Boats
1579 SW 18th St.
Williston, FL 32696
(352) 528-2628
www.montereyboats.com

Test Data
Test data was gathered with twin 270-hp, 5.0L Gxi Volvo Pentas with Duoprops, two people on board, and a half tank of fuel.

Top Speed 47.1 mph
0-30 mph 10.9 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 74 dB-A
Decibels @ 3000 rpm 84 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 89 dB-A

Standard Features
Kenyon two-burner electric stove, Tappan microwave, Mr. Coffee coffeemaker, Isotherm refrigerator, Bennett trim tabs, Xintex Fireboy extinguisher, Sirius satellite radio, walk-through windshield, latchable transom door, double-wide helm station seating and Faria gauges with no-fog lenses.

Options
Uline icemaker, LCD TV with DVD, 10,000-BTU MarineAir unit, electric toilet with macerator, gray water system, electric windlass in anchor locker and teak inlay.