A good looking runabout with style, agility and an abundant of creature comforts.

Whether the 214 FS Montura is resting at the dock or cruising smoothly across the water, this latest entry from Monterey Boats has a striking profile with clean, flowing lines and stylish colours, lending the impression of a quality built model. And following a closer inspection, it becomes very apparent this is a well-made boat. It's stable, solid, agile, and most importantly, comfortable.
(Powered by a MerCruiser 260 hp 5.0L MPI, the 214 handled well at low speeds, with excellent handling and no hunting.)

Exterior

The wrap around windshield and sparkling, high quality, stainless hardware enhances its aerodynamic styling. All hardware is stainless steel, which includes three cleats per side, along with an extra three cleats just for the fenders, eliminating the need to tie the fenders to grab handles or double up over the mooring lines. In my opinion, every manufacturer should take note of this feature.

We tested the 214 at Gordon Bay Marine in Mactier, Ontario, which sported the optional extended swim platform. Large and spacious, this platform will undoubtedly provide easy boarding in any docking situation. It also comes complete with a ladder for easy access in and out the water. Models without this option come with a ladder set in the rear deck. From the platform, simply go up one step to access the cockpit via the transom walk-thru.

COCKPIT

The Monterey 214 is a bow rider with a spacious U-shape seating arrangement forward of the windscreen. In addition to providing optimum comfort, this area boasts four cup holders (totalling 10 throughout), ample storage space under the port and starboard seats, an anchor locker, plus a four-step boarding ladder that extends out, over the bow. Below the bow seat cushion is a self-draining cooler.

The windscreen, which nearly extends amidships, provides wind protection for those sitting at the semi-bolster, swivel seats forward. It also offers decent wind protection for those sitting on the curved, aft bench. But I would like to see a gate or insert at the walk-thru to cut down even more wind. All the seating is comfortable and the upholstery is nicely padded with accent piping, providing that added touch of style. Overhead, the Bimini top folds back easily to an arch position, or it can be removed quickly and easily with a couple of release pins and knurled knobs.

When it comes to storage, there¡¯s a lockable glove compartment, large self-draining compartment in the sole and space for essentials on either side of the engine, below the sunpad. Ventilation in this section is forced and the vents are concealed to provide protection from the elements.

The 214's sunpad is large and blends in nicely with the curves of the transom and swim platform. While most boaters will probably just clamber over the sunpad to get to the cockpit, part of the sunpad and the starboard seat are easily removable to access the walk-thru.

PERFORMANCE

Sitting down at the helm, the wheel and throttle came easily to hand, and the instrument panel featured a compass, tachometer with hour meter, depth sounder, speedometer, water temperature and oil pressure gauges. A tilt wheel, 12V outlet, (with another aft, adjacent to the aft bench) and more cup holders are also found here.

At the turn of the ignition, the 5.O L MPI MerCruiser came to life. At idle speed, the three-bladed prop moved the 214 along at a surprising 3.4 mph, while holding her line very well with no hunting. Out on the open water, with two people on board and approximately a quarter-tank of fuel, she shot out of the hole in 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 50.5 mph. The 214 features what Monterey calls an Air Assist Chine, which places air under the boat to reduce drag and improve overall performance at top speeds and cruising. At wide open throttle, she had a soft entry into the waves and carve corners with little or no loss of speed. Cutting the engine, the 214 stayed on plane for a full eight seconds before settling down on the surface, without dropping back or diving. This is a well-balanced and solid craft. It'll cruise comfortably at 22 mph, at 2,400 rpm.

The Monterey 214 FS is great model for family outings on the water. Whether you want to tour the islands, enjoy shore lunches, or partake in water sports, this entry from Monterey will certainly meet the mark in style.

Specifications
LOA: 22'9"/6.9 m (w/optional platform)
Beam: 8'6"/2.6 m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Weight: 3,500 lbs./1,588 kg
Fuel Capacity: 55 gal./208 L
Maximum Horsepower: 300 hp
Power as Tested: MerCruiser
260 hp 5.0L EFI
Price as Tested: $37,000
Base Price: $34,000 w/MerCruiser 5.0 L 220 hp (carb)

Pricing supplied by
Gordon Bay Marine, Mactier, Ontario (705) 325-2623 www.gordonbay.com (Page Top)