Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
Monterey 214SS
We Say: Brawny, yet outfitted elegantly, the 214SS embodies the heritage of Monterey’s Super Sport (SS) series.
In our test, Volvo Penta’s V8-225 hurtled us to speeds nearing 50 mph. (Upgrade to a stainless prop and you might break 50.) At these velocities, the 214SS proved stable, predictable and fun, and at 3,500 rpm, we cruised at 32 mph, netting better than 3 miles per gallon. Hole shot? Lickety-split. Our test was conducted with a full fuel tank and two crew aboard. Volvo Penta’s detuned big-block provides the perfect marriage of torque, power and economy for Monterey’s 214SS.
Interior accouterments proved luxe. Check out the sculpted fiberglass panels ringing the cockpit, a departure from most runabouts’ pieced-together interior look. The helm is sporty silver, gray and black, with analog gauges and illuminated rocker switches echoing the sporty “SS” DNA. I applaud Monterey’s inclusion of a compass — many boats in this class lack even a space for this essential tool. A wakeboard tower with a Bimini top ($6,333) is available.
Our tester’s battery lacked the American Boat and Yacht Council-required boot to cover the positive terminal. We’ll chalk that up to rushing to the test site. Every other aspect of this boat we explored tested flaw-free.
Who’d Want One: Boaters seeking trailerable luxury and performance.
Another Choice: The Four Winns H200RS ($50,392 powered like our test boat).
Bottom Line: $52,345; montereyboats.com