2012 Monterey 224 FSX

Slide into the cockpit and you’ll notice how Monterey squeezed big-boat touches into a trailerable package. The FSX layout gives you a deep, secure bow with wraparound backrests and storage tucked under every cushion, plus a walk-through windshield that makes moving forward effortless. The aft sun pad is perfect for lounging at anchor, and it flips up to create an easy pass-through to the swim platform, so wet feet don’t trample the upholstery. Stainless cup holders, grab rails, and a sporty helm with intuitive gauges make it feel upscale without being fussy. Add in the abundance of in-floor locker space and you’ve got plenty of room for skis, boards, and all the gear that tends to multiply over a long weekend on the water.

This 224 FSX is dialed in for the kind of inland boating where calm mornings turn into busy afternoons. Its size makes it easy to trailer to different launches, yet the generous beam and deep cockpit keep crew comfortable when chop and boat wakes pick up. The hull design delivers confident handling in winding channels and open stretches alike, while the swim platform and ladder invite frequent dips at sandbars and shoreline hangouts. With seating that works equally well for cruising, towing tubers, or raft-ups with friends, this model suits the relaxed, family-focused style of local lakes and rivers, without feeling underpowered or cramped.