Monterey is breaking new outboard ground with this bowrider mated with an economical Mercury 150. With it, boaters can enjoy a day on the water with modest fuel consumption and plenty of range to cruise without having to gas up.
At first glance, the M-205 on our test dock looked just like a watersports boat thanks to the spring-assist wakeboard tower that we could raise and lower with next to no effort. That makes it easy to stow or ideal for moorings behind low bridges.
With the outboard’s rewarding acceleration and torque, families can put the optional wakeboard rack to excellent use.
The outboard configuration makes the M-205 ideal for coastal use as well. First, the motor is easy to flush at the end of the day — a task no sterndrive owner relishes. Second, it can be tilted up to sneak over shallow bars at low tide, adding lots of new water to boaters’ vistas.
Seating aboard accommodates a large crew, with an L-shaped lounge wrapping from the port side to the stern transom door. There’s an easy step up to the transom door too. The front passenger seat has a reversible backrest — a social affair that can join the forward passenger seat to the L lounge, creating full wraparound comfort. And if you didn’t have enough comfort, the wide bow seating area accommodates three or four more passengers, or two reclining feet forward, leaning comfortably against the console bolsters.
Dry storage abounds, filling an important need for keeping midsize vessels organized, with gear safely stowed but easily accessible.
While the comfort and performance are noteworthy, we found the exterior styling with its gelcoat-colored sides raised the M-205 above its pay scale. The same can be said for its sporty helm console complete with upholstered brow, comfortable tilt wheel, and the convenience of dual USB ports plus a 12-volt charging receptacle.
Monterey left nothing out in its effort to bring quality and fun to this value-priced runabout.
High Points
* Transom walk-through helps for watersports.
* Generous seating for a runabout of its size makes crew comfortable.
* Wide beam carries forward to the bow, expanding front seating.
Price: $32,919 (nationally advertised base price)
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 150 hp
Drive/Prop: Enertia 17" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Fuel Load: 36 gal.
Crew Weight: 310 lb.
More Information
Monterey Boats - Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com
