Monterey Elite 27 OB

There is an old adage I like to live by when I can fit it into my stressful and at times tumultuous life: Keep it simple stupid, or KISS, for short.

The adage originated from a design principle to emphasize and incorporate simplicity to avoid complications.

When I got on the new Monterey Elite 27 OB, I felt that I had met my KISS match. This is a simple boat — a pleasure cruiser to help you simplify your valuable free time. After my sea trial and walk-through, I came up with my own, new acronym: KISSS (no, that’s not a typo).

The design philosophy behind the new Monterey Elite 27 is “Keep it simple, strong and safe.”

Understand that keeping it simple doesn’t equate to making it cheap. The Elite 27 is a very stable, responsive craft that can take on conditions other 27-footers would shy away from.

Taking control

I like the helm on the Elite 27 for several reasons. First, it’s on the centerline and not tucked to starboard, thereby creating a full walkaround deck. The 15-inch ultra-wide Simrad NSX multifunction display (engine info, nav, digital controls, etc.) is centered, so either the captain on the left or companion on the right can easily access the screen. Pretty much all operations can be controlled from this monitor. And it’s nice having a second set of eyes with direct view of the screen, as well as forward course.

A padded console top, a Fusion Apollo stereo system, two dash storage boxes for gear, inductive phone chargers, a few push buttons for the horn, an anchor windlass and cup holders fit it out. The center part of the console dash extends aft and houses the throttle and trim tab controller — things you need at your fingertips.

Next, the bolstered twin bucket helm seats with armrests rotate 180-degrees, so you can be included with the aft seating crowd. Also consider that you can have an aft-facing spotter close by if enjoying watersports.

An integrated hardtop is secured by double-strut, powder-coated beefy aluminum frames. It covers the helm and a portion of the aft deck. The forward brow reduces direct sun and glare on the instrumentation. Forward is a huge windshield offering perfect visibility.

Inherently stable

There’s a lot being offered in just 27 feet. With a beamy hull of 8 feet, 10 inches, wide chines and several lifting strakes, this is a stable platform when drifting or at speed. Thanks to the plumb bow and 21 degrees of deadrise, the Monterey 27 slices head seas and has the speed to get to and from your destinations. This is by no accident.

Monterey designed the hull this way as part of its Vertical Stem Technology feature, enhancing performance and comfort. This hull is so well-tuned, it performs great even without a gyro stabilizer (a high-priced item indeed).

Out for a ride, our sea trial didn’t disappoint. Wheel handling was responsive, visibility excellent and the fun quotient very high. Head on a leisurely cruise at approximately 11.3 mph for a miserly fuel burn of 6.8 gph. Or kick it up to 32 mph at 15.6 gph. Push the throttle all the way and the single Mercury Verado V10 400-hp will produce about 52 mph. Of course, your results may vary due to number of passengers, gear, sea conditions, etc. But there are plenty of ponies under that cowl to give you the speed you need.

No need to stand

It’s not just another center console but a very com–fortable ride with plenty of space for guests to relax.

Up forward are seating options. Gather the crew around the forward bench seats with padded combing that rings the bow from port to starboard. Aft backrests convert this area into forward-facing lounge seating. There’s dry storage under the hinged seats as well as the deck. A drop-in table makes this an inviting spot for cocktails or meals. Nicely designed is that the anchor and windlass are below the forward seat and not on deck.

In front of the console is a dual diamond-stitched seat with outboard flip-up armrests. It’s plush and makes bumpy rides tolerable. Unlock and swing the seat out revealing an enclosed private head complete with a toilet, sink, counter with grabrail and storage.

Relax as you like

Aft is a mix of seating configurations, so pay attention. The standard layout is the L-settee, with port cushion and low-profile backrest. Across the transom are a split high-backrest and padded seating. Now the larger backrest can fold forward halfway, converting from a forward-facing seat into an aft-facing seat, perfect for watching the kids in the water. Or fold the backrest all the way flat to create a sunpad area. The smaller backrest can be removed and placed at the forward end of the port settee for an aft-facing lounger.

In the cockpit is a wetbar with a sink and an enclosed pull-out faucet that doubles as a shower (cold water only).

Monterey knows its customers like to enjoy meals onboard and has added Burnewiin side gunnel mounts for a portable grill setup. Speakers are placed around the entire boat to keep you and your neighbors rockin’ all night.

Non-skid decking on the swim platform (with port and starboard ladders) allows for safe passage around the outboard for line handling or powerplant maintenance.

With all this going on, Monterey made the Elite 27 appealing to the eye. High freeboard makes for a dry ride and carries the hardtop and framing in excellent proportions. Owning a boat shouldn’t be difficult. Keep it simple, strong and safe with the Monterey Elite 27.