S25 versus Monterey 250

britemp

britemp

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 Sep 2003
Messages
1,442
Location
Leaving EU 35 years too late
Visit site
Went to the Hamble on Saturday to look at both of the above back to back having viewed an S23 last week.

Prices are similar if you compare a reasonably equipped S25 with KAD32 (170) and a Monterey 250 with a Yanmar 240.

Mont feels a lot bigger - extra 3 foot, proper bathing platform and no side decks make it feel much bigger than Sealine. I couldn't get my size 12's round the side of the S25 so the walkthru windscreen and steps seem a better idea on the Mont. Access down the companionway and into the berth under the cockpit also better for 6'2" 18 stone bloke! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I expected the S25 to win on build quality but the Mont took the lead there too - hull quality was striking - superbly smooth and consistent, even the black gelcoat was perfectly blemish free. S25 was good, but not quite as good IMHO.

The downside of the Monterey was the Yanmar (have heard good and bad about them) being bolted to a Bravo outdrive (have also heard Bravo is not as good as Volvo DPH for example). However am told for £2k extra I can have a Volvo D4-210 with DPH drive or for £6k more I can D4-260 with DPH thingy in the Mont.

The upshot is I can have a new S25 specced the way I want with the KAD32 for about £60k or the Mont with the D4-210 for the same or the D4-260 for £65k.

What does the esteemed panel think? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Links:

Mont: www.montereyboats.com/Boat.aspx?id=35

S25: www.sealine.com/(zffcpt45qnnxwq55jolsd345)/boat.aspx?id=48
 
No contest - but then I own a Monterey.

I can't comment on the S25. Although we looked at one when we were buying I didn't take one out.

All I can say is that the Mont has been great. Absolutely no problems that weren't caused by me and my inexperience. The engine (Yanmar) is a pussy cat. Starts first time every time and, more importantly, keeps going as well.

Good luck whichever one you decide on.
 
1. if it's new it's going to have the latest mods on the BIII with the Yanmar
2. the Yanmar is mechanical and without the great electronics on the Volvo's. It will all come to how are you proposing to deal with the maintenance over the years? If you only expect to keep the boat for (say) 3 years then the new volvo engines will probably be the best 'net' buys but if you are going to hang onto it for a long period (I know you never know....) and do the routine maintenance yourself the Yanmar is a dodle with only the raw water impellor change being awkward on most installations.
 
s25 wins hands down

1/ stay behind the helm and make swmbo go down the side of the boat
2/ black gell coat will mark easy on the mont
3/ volvo engine and outdrive are a lot better
4/ you can spec the sealine to what you want for £5000 less than the mont
5/ i like sealine hence ive got one

but which ever you buy you will love it its a great dilema to be in
good luck and keep us posted
 
One thing I can say regarding Monterey is that service and support is second to none, I have a 218 and think the 250 is a great looking boat, I don't think you'd have any trouble selling either when the time came!

Good luck with your decision!!
 
Yanmar problems are with the 300hp / Bravo 3 drive combo in the main and the problems are usually the drive as opposed to the engine. Not heard of any issues with the 240hp Yanmar.
HTH,
AJ
 
Hi….. just a couple of updates on what I have read. I’ll not comment on the subjective as I am certainly biased!!.... but just updating a couple of facts…..

The Monterey is available with Volvo or Yanmar but it does not ever use a KAD-32 – no point when it can have a Volvo D4. It could of course be at a lower price with a KAD-32 but this starts to err towards being “under-engined”. Volvo have some nice engines but I don’t count the KAD-32 as one of their finest – but in cost terms it saves money as it is one of their cheapest.

After a lot of testing with Barrus the Bravo 2 is the best drive for this setup and it is not offered with the Bravo 3. No Monterey Yanmar configurations, 240 or 315, use the Bravo 3.

Volvo warranty 12 months, Yanmar 5 years on “major components” and two years on the remainder. A list of what constitutes “major components” is available. This, and Yanmar reliability, is a big factor in many people’s decisions and can make a big difference in longer term costs and resale values.

Black gel will always show marks more than white on any boat but they are normally easily buffed out if they occur….. but in any event the black gel (or blue) is an option so you can always opt for a white boat with no gel stripe.

Hope I managed to stick to the facts and avoid any sales patter!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top