Though it is the smallest and therefore the most modestly priced member of the Monterey line, the 180FS is built to the same standards as the company's larger sport boats. This model takes shape in the company's new state-of-the art manufacturing facility, where meticulous mold maintenance and strict quality-control standards ensure that finished fiberglass components are of the highest quality. We could see the results of that attention to detail in the unblemished look of our test boat.

Overall structural rigidity is increased by creating a unified structure that is more like an I-beam than a shoebox. Equally important to overall quality are the premium lamination materials, including moisture-resistant polyester gelcoat and AME resin.

It may take years to appreciate the benefits of premium materials, but only a few minutes will confirm the performance enhancements in the Montura's new running surface. For 2005, Monterey's design team has incorporated air-assist chines into the rear portion of the hull to reduce drag when the boat is on plane.

The benefits of this addition were less obvious in our acceleration and top-speed numbers, which were consistent for a boat of this size and weight powered by a carbureted 4.3-liter and turning an aluminum prop. The major benefits of the new hull design proved to be its ability to carve turns without blowing out or falling off plane. We also noted how it maintains a consistent cruise speed with increased passenger loads and the way it stays on plane at slower speeds — qualities that are important for anyone towing an aspiring skier or wakeboarder.

Water-sports fans might want to upgrade to the 190-hp 4.3L Bravo III powerplant and add the optional towing tower. For general cruising, the standard powerplant is adequate, and the interior layout provides several seating options, mating a pedestal helm chair with a high-low passenger lounge and rear jump seats that sit farther aft than a full-width bench. It's a creative way to develop more cockpit room in a spry runabout.

Notable Features
•    Limited lifetime hull warranty has a 10-year transferable feature
•    Molded non-skid deck can be dressed up with removable bound carpet
•    Exhaust vents, though concealed, add flair because of aerodynamic covers
•    All deck hardware is through-bolted stainless steel so it will not come loose
•    Contoured seating in the cockpit helps on long runs or in rough water
•    Lines around the transom give the boat a slick appearance from any angle

Test Drive
Test Engine: MerCruiser 4.3, Alpha
Test Prop: 21-pitch, aluminum
Test Load: People (400 lb.); Fuel (20 gal.)
Top Speed: 50.4 MPH @ 4,900 RPM
Time to Plane: 3.8 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 7.6 sec.
Min. Plane: 18 MPH @ 2,200 RPM, 78 db


Stats
Length Overall: 18'
Beam: 7'8"
Dry Weight: 2,100 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 8/1,500 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 27 gal.
Max HP: 190
MSRP (test boat): $19,196

RPM/MPH/Sound Level
    Idle    2.9    63 db
    1,000    5.6    69 db
    1,500    7.6    74 db
    2,000    10.7    77 db
    2,500    24.2    80 db
    3,000    29.5    81 db
    3,500    34.7    84 db
    4,000    40.2    88 db
    4,500    44.9    90 db
    4,900    50.4    91 db

Originally Published: January 2005
© 2010 Bonnier Corporation