Monterey
238SSfisherNotable too is extra space allotted to the
aft cockpit compared with other bowriders
in this category. There’s about a 70/30 split,
the results allowing for more comfort in the
main cockpit. Sitting on the aft lounge, I
didn’t feel cramped by the helm seats, and
the V-berth in the bow allows for an average
height guest to wedge in comfortably either
side if it gets a bit bumpy.
Teeming with stowage, integral speaker
mounting flats and armrests, the sculpted
GRP panels that ring the cockpit of
Monterey’s 238SS provide the cohesive look
and ergonomic functionality of a working
sportsboat. They’re a unique treatment —
seeing as most runabout builders cut holes
in the liner and then upholster them. The
panels look great and cleanup easily in the
short term. For the long haul, tears, rips and
fading, long the bane of runabout aesthetics,
can easily be overcome without a complete
cosmetic overhaul.
Increasingly, especially in the sportsboat
category, dashboards are becoming simpler,
less cluttered and more like a touring car
everyday, except for a glossier finish. At
the 238SS’s non-glare helm, this is equally
true, where the driver is treated to a plush,
padded dashboard with easy-to-read
analogue circular gauges and prominent
rocker switches. Gauges have handsome,
contemporary black-face dials, with the
speedo front and center with an integral
trim gauge. Engine vital signs are monitored
on a four-in-one gauge to starboard, with
the tachometer to port.impressed me. The four-step ladder deploys
deeper in the water than most, easing
boarding. The cockpit drains are integral to
the aft lounge base, not separate fittings, so
they allow quicker drainage and nicer looks.
Hinges and hardware are through-bolted
and where the fastening is blind, T-nuts are
used to ensure security.
Of course, being the Middle East it is
‘standard’ to ask for full options, which can
include a wakeboard tower with Bimini top
and board racks, snap-on carpet, SeaDek
faux teak on the swim platform and extra
electronics such as an Mcompass, a depth
finder and a transom trim switch. But truth
be told, even a Dubai-icised boater could
order a 238SS in standard trim and have itLOA:
Beam:
Draft (max):
Displacement
Transom Deadrise:
Fuel Capacity:
Max Horsepower:
Engines:Guide price:
Builder:UAE Dealer:Tel:
Web:7.01m
2.5m
3’1”
1.8 tons
20 degrees
208.2 litres
300hp
Single Volvo Penta V8 300
with DuopropAED 250,000
http://www.montereyboats.comMacky Marine
Dubai Marina Yacht Club
+971 50 5518317
http://www.mackymarine.comSpecifications Monterey
But to look at is one thing, but how did she
perform? As a petrolhead, the thrill of speed
and power is actually more important than
the figures. The base boat runs a V8 260hp
MerCruiser 5.0 and a Bravo Three drive, or
the Volvo Penta V8 270hp 5.0-liter matched
with the DP drive, though Macky Marine
prefers to specify the Volvo Penta V8 300hp
with duoprop. “The set up with this engine
and drive is perfect for the Middle East
environment for all round sport boat uses,”
explained Chris Macky, Owner of Macky
Marine. “Acceleration is excellent with the
duo props and the top speed is around 45
knots, depending on the prop pitch used.”
Like a Merc, you expect a good deal of
acceleration straight up from Monterey,
and an ease of handling that might not
thrill an F1 driver, but certainly allows the
hull to ride most chop without realigning
any spines. In this regards the 238SS didn’t
disappoint. A solid response to all handling
requests, as expected from the well-paced
production builder.
Service access to the engine stood out,
but the 238SS possesses other details thathit expectation, such is the high standard
of in-built conveniences.
Having spent an afternoon onboard,
it is easy to see why the 238SS caught
eye of the dealer for personal use, as
this runabout successfully delivers all
the amenities of a larger day boat in a
trailerable, single-engine package.Dashboards
are becoming
simpler, less
cluttered and
more like a
touring car24
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