Monterey 378SE

Boat Test #1437

Bowrider and Cabin Cruiser in one

The new Monterey 378SE is a great looking, sporty and comfortable yacht. Open and airy, with plenty of seating, this is an excellent large day boat that has plenty of speed and power to get you wherever you want to go. There is also a spacious cabin down below, a head, and a simple galley. This allows you to use the boat to go further afield if you want, staying away for a weekend or more.
Power is provided by two engines, driving traditional props. The horsepower per engine tops out at 520, giving up to a total of 1040 HP. There are many options of powerplant available, each paired with a specific outdrive and propeller. Monterey has crunched the numbers to make sure the boat will provide maximum efficiency and enjoyment, regardless of the propulsion setup you choose.

On deck there are plenty of options to take advantage for you and your guests. At the aft end of the cockpit there is a forward-facing setae that can easily be turned into an aft-facing lounger, or even a large sunpad. This is located just forward of the swim platform, providing a great place to relax while at anchor. Moving forward, the seating in the cockpit wraps around in an ‘L’ shape, with a table in the middle. The console seat, on the port side of the helm, has another fridge and a sink in front. Going further forward, you’ll find the bow seating area which is spaciously laid out for maximum comfort. Either side has a reclining chair complete with arm rests, and there is a table forward as well.
The helm station itself is on the starboard side of the cockpit, as usual. There is a nice large bench, with a flip up bolster that gives the option of standing while at the wheel. A Raymarine screen is front and centre, with the engine controls either side. Slightly to port there is a dedicated spot for a tablet, for those that use apps to navigate. A 4kW radar is an available option, recommended for those looking to make any longer trips.
Down below on the port side you will find a spacious and well-appointed head. There is a shower, sink and china toilet, all with an astounding six feet of headroom! On the starboard side of the boat you enter through the large salon that comes with a 40” TV as standard. The galley is also located here, with a microwave and one of the two fridges aboard. A queen sized berth with plenty of vertical space is accessed through the salon, and the setae in front of the TV folds out into a double berth.
The designers at Monterey have seen to every detail. There are storage lockers for phones, tablets, cameras, and even a cooler tucked away in all manner of places, these lockers take great advantage of what might otherwise be dead space behind backrests or under cushions. Charging ports abound throughout, and the cup holders are placed just where you need them.
As befits a boat of this quality, there is a long list of extensive options which allow for a high level of customization. The whole package is designed to ensure that every customer gets the boat they desire, for the purposes they want. The fine styling and ability of this craft mean that it wouldn’t look out of place as a tender to a superyacht, but that would be a waste of its potential.
By Rhys Weed