Re: Stingray 18' or Monterey 18' Bowrider?
Ha! Nice post.
My two top choices for a boat in November were:
2007 used Stingray 19 fter
2008 new (factory leftover) 18 ft Monterey
We went with the Monterey. Hands down a better built boat, as far as fit/finish goes. Things like recessed, pop out cleats, better vinyl, etc...
Can't wait to get mine...it's sitting at the dealer's warehouse, waiting for me to pick it up in April, when he'll start the warranty paperwork and prep it for summer.
We ended up getting a boat that had an MSRP of $33k for $18.5k with a trailer with brakes.
The boat had options like the SS package, the 4.3L V6, fiberglass floor, Sirius radio, iPod, extra speakers up front, etc...
So, I can't comment on the fun you'll have in either, but given the same price point, from my research, I'd definitely take the Monterey.
Also, I believe Monterey generally uses Volvo and Stingray uses Merc...not sure on this one. If it is true, though, the base Volvo setup is supposed to be better than the alpha 1 setup with the Merc. Something about clutches rather than just clunking into gear.
Can't wait to get mineeeeeeee!
And this is how she sits for the winter: