2002 Monterey 298SC Sport Cruiser

Slide into the cockpit and you’ll notice how everything on this 298SC is laid out for long, lazy days on the water. The double-wide helm seat keeps captain and co-pilot together, and the companion lounge is just the right shape for someone to stretch out and still be part of the conversation. The cabin feels surprisingly private once you duck below, with just enough separation between the forward berth and mid-cabin to make overnighting comfortable for two couples. Up top, high freeboard and secure grab rails make moving forward feel confident, even when the afternoon chop picks up. This is one of those boats where you can cruise all day, then stay the night without feeling like you compromised.

On this big, busy freshwater playground, the 298SC hits a sweet spot between sportboat agility and cruiser comfort. The deep-V hull softens the stacked wakes from larger traffic, while the closed bow adds security when afternoon rollers build up. With a roomy cockpit and extended swim platform, it’s ideal for coving out, tying up with friends, and spending the entire weekend on board. The efficient sterndrives give you the speed to run uplake for lunch, yet the cabin, enclosed head, and mid-berth mean you don’t have to rush home when the sun goes down. It’s tailored for long days and easy overnights on this kind of inland waterway.