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2020 Monterey 345SY

Enjoy yacht-like luxury and sophistication with outboard thrill and performance.

Outboard power amplifies the liveaboard space offered by this -34-foot personal yacht. Instead of taking up valuable space with engines in the hull, mounting outboards on the transom returned the space to creature comforts—the Monterey 345 SY makes excellent use of it to provide comfort and convenience.

Monterey 345 SY at rest
Excellent acceleration and satisfying top speeds make it as sporty as it is comfortable. Courtesy Monterey Boats

The salon belowdecks is roomier than 38s we’ve been on. A large double berth forward isn’t cramped by equally roomy couches lining the starboard side and forward bulkhead against the berth. Capitalizing on the extra interior space, an aft couch completes three sides of -comfortable seating. Convert it to another double berth for cozy quarters.

An ample portside galley features a sink, stove, microwave and generous counter space. To starboard is a head compartment with shower, flushing head, sink and a port light for illumination and ventilation. The salon also is lighted naturally with stylish side glass and an overhead hatch. In evening hours, subdued lighting provides ambience.

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Monterey 345 SY cabin
A large double berth forward isn’t cramped by equally roomy couches lining the starboard side and forward bulkhead against the berth. Courtesy Monterey Boats

Topside has plenty of seating to enjoy the exciting ride. An aft lounge converts into a huge sun pad—a trademark of Monterey. From the portside transom door to aft of the skipper’s double-bench seat, couches surround the cockpit.

A refreshment galley with a standard sink boasts an optional refrigerator. A cocktail table can be mounted or stowed beneath the aft lounge. Added lounging options include the dual sun pad at the bow, and that area is made secure by a -surrounding stainless-steel rail.

Monterey 345 SY cockpit
From the portside transom door to aft of the skipper’s double-bench seat, couches surround the cockpit. Courtesy Monterey Boats

That’s what the outboard power does inside the boat, but what it does on the transom is even more exciting. Excellent acceleration and satisfying top speeds make it as sporty as it is comfortable. Mercury’s integrated throttle and shift and power steering offer smooth operations, and our test boat was equipped with Mercury’s Joystick Steering and autopilot.

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We used Skyhook to hold our position and the autopilot to return to port by -tapping out a route on the Raymarine.

Monterey 345 SY helm
We used Skyhook to hold our position and the autopilot to return to port by ­tapping out a route on the Raymarine. Courtesy Monterey Boats

Power, automation, comfort and good looks are hallmarks of a Monterey—and this one checked every box on the roster.

High Points

⋅Hardtop adds good looks and shade to the cockpit.

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⋅Hardwood sole in the salon and wood steps add luxury.

⋅Optional refrigerator operates on 12, 24 or 120 volts.

Monterey 345 SY performance test data
Monterey 345 SY Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Specs

LOA: 33′10″

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Beam: 10′10″

Draft (max): 2′10″ (engines down)

Dry Weight: 13,700 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 180 gal.

Price: $335,273

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury V-8 FourStroke 300 hp

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Eco XP 17.5 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.85:1

Fuel Load: 130 gal.

Crew Weight: 530 lb.

More Information

Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

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