Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

[mcuriel]

I am looking at buying a Montery 228 si bow rider. Merc 350 Bravo 3 loaded.
Not familiar with Monterey. Any suggestions?
Are Monerey's decent?

Thanks

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Yes, Monterey boats are decent. As are many other boat brands.. Sort of middle of the pack IMHO. Are you buying a new one or a used one? I assume that it would be a used one, as the 228 is not in their current line-up. Condition of the boat in question will be as important as the brand name.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

A bit biased here, but after owning several brands of boats, shopping for our current boat for a year, and looking at everything in the 20-23 foot bowrider size, we chose a Monterey (our 2nd). I can tell you, that the quality of the build is much higher than "middle of the pack". Customer support is very good, and they are adding dealers faster than any other North American boat builder. I would not hesitate in recommending the 228, if it has been maintained properly by it's previous owner(s).

 

[agallant80]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

I looked at them when I bought my bowrider. I went with the stingray but that is because the now x-wife liked the layout better. I thought the Montery was nice though.

 

[Chief9]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

I too am biased, but having bought a new Monterey this year i think it's a great boat. Well layed out, quality finish, beautiful boat, and great dealer support. If the one you're looking at is solid, you won't be disappointed in the manufacturer.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

I have a Regal and think Montery boats are on par with it. I would not hesitate to buy a nice, used one.

 

[mcuriel]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

thanks for all the information, it has 125 hrs and well maintained. Everything in the motor is full with no leaks, runs well. with some polishing it will look like new. It has been in fresh water lakes only. Appears to run smooth and has great power.

Appears to be fully loaded

Thx

 

[Chief9]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Let us know what you decide...

 

[mcuriel]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

I did buy the boat. I did get a fairly good deal and it runs well. Whoever designed the ladder off the swim platform needs to have their hand slapped. Totally in the wrong spot ( next to the prop) oops.

Where is a good place to buy a book on the merc bravo 3. I like to learn as much as I can on the motor and stern drive so I wont feel taked by a local boat repair place.

All the suggestions were great. It seems to be a really nice boat. Seems to run well, would like more dry storage area as there is no head so dont have that spot for storage.

Thanks guys.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Don't we get to see any pictures ???

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Don't we get to see any pictures ???

I am agreeing with this, pictures please?

 

[mcuriel]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Sorry didnt know how to upload pictures.
Just had the cockpit cover made

 

[mcuriel]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

must be a rare model as I dont see much of them

 

[Mule Laker]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Sorry didnt know how to upload pictures.
Just had the cockpit cover made

Wow! That's nice.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Looks great! I like the color. You want Mercruiser Manual 11 for the the stern drive. You'll need Manual 6 for the engine. You can find them online in .pdf format easily enough.

 

[NC Broker]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Nice boat congrats!!

 

[Chief9]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

The boat looks great!

 

[mcuriel]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Thanks for the nice comments Like everything about the boat but the ladder on the swim platform bad design.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

The ladder is positioned to the starboard side of the outdrive. At least in a 2003. Same place most builders put it.

 

[Sandi_k]

Re: Looking at Buying a Montery thoughts?

Congrats! We've had ours for 3.5 months, out on the water for ~ 10 hours. Loving it. Hope you love yours too!