Based out of central Florida, for the last two decades, Monterey Boats has been manufacturing an impressive line-up of sport boats and yachts ranging in size from 18’ to 41’. Recently, at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Monterey unveiled their latest, and arguably their most innovative boat design to date, the 360 SC. Billed as an ideal day-boating vessel, the 37’ 10” LOA spout coupe boasts an 11’ 11” beam and features a flush cockpit, which is ideal for entertaining.
Boarding from back aft, you are greeted with a generous swim platform. Recessed cleats at the trailing edge are a nice touch and assist with keeping the stern lines from becoming a tripping hazard when boarding. Additional pop-up cleats are also mounted on either side of the transom. Most notable in the Monterey 360 SC cockpit is the aft-facing bench seat, which can easily be converted to a spacious sun pad.
Moving forward, and to further assist with entertaining, two additional bar areas – to port and starboard – feature a recessed ice-bin complete with beverage holders, and below the counter-tops, you’ll find a pair of drawer-style storage bins, one of which is dedicated for bottles and other bar accessories.
Both Monterey 360 SC passenger and helm seats to port and starboard are double wide and electric-operated. A nice feature on both sets of seats are the flip-up bolsters and the adjustable backrests that enable guests to face aft and have easy access to the bar areas. Within easy reach of the passenger bench are the controls for the optional cockpit Heat/AC, and the standard Fusion Satellite Ready AM/FM Stereo with built-in iPod dock.
The Monterey 360 SC’s helm is sporty & stylish, thanks in part to the gel coated titanium dash, which is accented nicely by the leather-wrapped steering wheel with stainless-steel spokes. The digital engine displays flank the centrally mounted navigation system. A Raymarine GPS/Chartplotter comes standard, and the optional Radar add-on is also available. Electronic engine controls, along with the joystick controls are well positioned off to the right of the helm. Another thoughtful feature is the Lenco Autoglide System for the trim tabs.
For protection from the elements, the Monterey 360 SC comes standard with a fiberglass hardtop enclosure, complete with electric side windows. A most notable feature is the patent-pending, electronic windshield that retracts into the hardtop to allow passengers and crew direct access to the foredeck from the cockpit by way of the sliding cabin door with integrated steps. The windshield can be just cracked open slightly to allow a gentle breeze through the cockpit, or the full 70 inches for a large entryway to the foredeck and the awaiting sun pad.
Heading down below, you’ll immediately notice a flood of natural light, thanks to the generous fixed windows in the hull sides, which also offer a panoramic view of your surroundings. For overnight accommodation, the forward dinette features an electric table with a scissor-bed conversion that requires no filler cushion. A thoughtful feature, when set up in the dinette configuration, is the hinged flip up leaflets on the table that not only allows for easier access to the table, they also double as beverage holders.
Additional accommodation can be found in the mid-cabin, below the cockpit. Large enough for two guests, the open concept steps leading to the cockpit prevent this space from being too cut off from the main cabin, and when privacy is needed, a draw curtain is available. The use of stylish fabrics, warm rich colors, and a synthetic teak and holly cabin sole generate a warm and rich feel throughout the cabin.
Off to starboard, the galley features most of the amenities you would expect. Although somewhat compact, you’ll find ample storage above and below the counter. Features include a single burner electric stove, coffee maker, built-in microwave, stainless steel sink, and dual voltage stainless steel refrigerator.
On the port side, the head compartment features an electric toilet with tank indicator, mirrored vanity storage, sink with shower wand, and a functional hinged shower seat.
Back aft in the engine compartment, you’ll find plenty of room to perform regular maintenance on the engines, even with the optional generator with a sound shield installed. There is even enough room to conveniently, and securely stow the base of the cockpit table when not in use.
There are plenty of engine packages offered for the Monterey 360 SC from both Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine. The selection from Volvo consists of 320 hp or 380 hp engines with Duoprop outdrives, both of which can feature the optional joystick control. For saltwater use, Volvo also offers the Ocean X drives. Ocean X’s titanium-ceramic coating is applied using an electro-deposition process. The coating improves corrosion resistance by up to four times, making it ideal for saltwater use. From Mercury, you have the choice of three engine packages: twin 300 hp w/Bravo III (dual prop) drives, 320 hp w/Bravo II drives, or 380 hp w/Bravo IIIX (dual prop – diesel). Mercury too offers an option Axius Joystick Docking System and a corrosion resistance feature called Seacore.
The Monterey 360 SC is a great example of a stylish and functional mid-size express cruiser with ample room for entertaining crowds on a day trip, yet still comfortable enough for cruising. If you’re looking to spend quality time on the water with family and friends while surrounded by luxurious comfort, you should definitely put this model on your short list. Keyword : best boat, best boat models, best boat trailer, best center console, best centre console, best performance boats, best pontoon, best runabout, Best Used boat, boat accessories, boat parts, boat reviews, boat tests, boat touring, BOATING Buyer’s Guide, boating guide, BOATING in-water Tests, boating lifestyle, Boating Lifestyle Magazine, BOATING rentals, BOATING rentals near me, BOATING traveller, boating vacation, Cruiser, Day Boat, go boating, go boating Canada, how to choose a boat, marine accessories, Mercury, Monterey, New Boating Products, new boats for 2023, performance boats, Power Boating Canada, Tender boat, top boat models, top boats, top cottage boat, top cruiser, top power boat, Volvo-Penta best boat, best boat models, best boat trailer, best center console, best centre console, best performance boats, best pontoon, best runabout, Best Used boat, boat accessories, boat parts, boat reviews, boat tests, boat touring, BOATING Buyer’s Guide, boating guide, BOATING in-water Tests, boating lifestyle, Boating Lifestyle Magazine, BOATING rentals, BOATING rentals near me, BOATING traveller, boating vacation, Cruiser, Day Boat, go boating, go boating Canada, how to choose a boat, marine accessories, Mercury, Monterey, New Boating Products, new boats for 2023, performance boats, Power Boating Canada, Tender boat, top boat models, top boats, top cottage boat, top cruiser, top power boat, Volvo-Penta