2017 Monterey 204FS

Slide behind the wheel and the first thing you notice is how deep and secure the cockpit feels for a 20-footer. The helm layout is clean and intuitive, with sightlines that make close-quarters maneuvering surprisingly stress-free. Up front, the bow lounges are wide enough for adults to actually stretch out, and the sculpted backrests let passengers settle in for a full day on the water. Storage is generous and well thought out—under-seat bins swallow gear, fenders, and tow ropes without turning the deck into a yard sale. The hull’s aggressive running surface gives you that crisp, confident bite in turns, while still softening the chop so everyone stays comfortable when afternoon wind kicks up.

A 20-foot sport bowrider like the Monterey 204FS is right in the sweet spot for local waters—small enough to launch and retrieve easily at most ramps, yet big enough to handle busy weekend traffic and variable afternoon conditions. Its deep freeboard keeps family and friends feeling secure when wakes stack up, and the responsive hull makes weaving through congested channels feel controlled rather than twitchy. With room for a full crew but a footprint that still fits in most driveways and storage facilities, this model strikes a practical balance between performance, comfort, and hassle-free ownership that suits the way people actually boat here.