Monterey 258 SS Review

By taking the key elements of its acclaimed Super Sport series and massaging them into a more compact, easily-towed hull form, Monterey has made a lot of boaters very happy indeed. With its extensive list of standard features and appealing upgrades, the new Monterey 258 SS drew crowds at the winter boat shows and it’s easy to see why.

Described as one of the most versatile and comfortable boats in its class, this day cruiser offers seating galore with its versatile aft and port-side loungers. That versatility and comfort is immediately evident as you board via the extended rear swim platform, and note the double-wide stern seat that offers forward-facing or aft-facing seating as desired, or folds flat to create an inviting sun pad. Enjoy water sports? A cavernous storage locker on the port side of the swim platform stows boards, skis and other gear with room to spare.

The multi-adjustable stern seat can be aft-facing, forward-facing or laid flat as a sun pad.

A transom pass-through to starboard leads to the cockpit of the Monterey 258 SS. The wide stern seat continues forward up the port side of the boat, terminating just before the passenger console, where a flip-flop seat back provides either forward-facing seating at the console or aft-facing seating with room to stretch out. A dedicated nook located beneath this seat provides a secure storage spot for a 48-quart removable cooler, keeping it easily accessible but out from under foot. Facing this big L-shaped lounge is a cozy stern-facing seat to starboard, creating a perfect private conversation area. Look down, and a large in-floor storage locker accommodates bulky items with ease.

Integrated storage for the 258’s standard 48-quart removable cooler keeps it close by, but out of the way.

The aft side of the stylish passenger console opens to reveal a bright and spacious head compartment, complete with a standard Porta-potti and a vanity with a solid-surface counter and sink. A China toilet with holding tank is available as a popular upgrade.

A flip-flop back cushion on the port-side seat allows forward-facing or aft-facing seating positions.

The driver’s helm console is neatly laid out with a contemporary design many boaters will find fresh and appealing. The helm itself comes complete with an upholstered brow, a compass, a digital GPS speedometer, a depth sounder with a shallow water alarm and a flush-mounted Raymarine MFD mounted directly above its sport steering wheel. Left of the wheel is the control head for the Fusion satellite-ready AM/FM stereo, while to the right, a perfectly-positioned drink holder is a welcome feature. The driver gets to enjoy this view from a swiveling sport bucket seat complete with a flip-up bolster.

The stylish helm console is neatly laid out with everything clearly visible regardless of how the tilt wheel is adjusted.

Passing forward between the consoles of the Monterey 258 SS reveals further seating options up in the bow. Wrap-around upholstered coaming here creates a particularly inviting space to enjoy the sun – especially when adding the removable cockpit table. An optional filler cushion converts this space into another open sun pad.

A large extended swim platform speaks to this boat’s emphasis on enjoying the water.

Engine choices for the Monterey 258 SS include Mercury and Volvo Penta options to 350 horsepower, giving this boat plenty of performance to match its sporty look. With planing times of under four seconds and a top speed of over 45 mph, this is one boat where smiles are not an option. Visit MontereyBoats.com for more information.