Built for Lake Lanier's Big Water
Deep-V Hull · Wide-Body Seating · Up to 850 HP
Find out moreBuilt for Lake Lanier's Big Water
Lake Lanier isn't a calm pond — it's 38,000 acres of open water that builds serious chop on a windy afternoon. The Monterey Elite Series was designed for exactly this: a deep-V hull that slices through standing waves, a wide beam that keeps your crew stable, and seating for a full group without sacrificing the ride quality that makes the trip worth taking.
Carefree Boat Sales is your authorized Monterey Elite dealer right on Lake Lanier at Lazy Days Marina — the only place in Georgia where you can demo an Elite on the actual water it was built for.
Lake Lanier demands a boat that can handle real conditions. Here's why Monterey owners never look back.
Lanier's afternoon wind chop can hit 2–3 feet fast. The Elite's deep-V hull design slices through waves instead of pounding over them — your passengers stay dry and comfortable at speed.
Wide-body construction means you can load up the whole crew — kids, coolers, gear — without the boat feeling tippy or sluggish. More beam = more fun for more people.
Lake Lanier is big enough to open it up. The Elite 30 and 34 GT handle twin-engine setups up to 850 HP — enough to get on plane fast and cruise comfortably at 50+ MPH.
Monterey backs every Elite with a lifetime structural hull warranty. On a lake as active as Lanier, that peace of mind matters — and it holds its resale value better than the competition.
Lake Lanier Ready
When the afternoon wind picks up and Lanier gets rough, you'll be glad you're in a Monterey Elite — not fighting the chop, cutting through it.
2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
We brought the full Elite series to Fort Lauderdale. Here's what the 2027 models look like in person — new colors, updated cockpits, and the same deep-V hull that handles Lake Lanier's chop.
Not all sport boats are built the same. Here's how the Elite Series stacks up against the brands you're probably comparing.
Sea Ray builds a comfortable boat for calm water. But on Lanier's open water, the Elite's deeper-V hull outperforms Sea Ray's shallower deadrise — less pounding, drier ride, more confident handling in chop. And the Elite comes in at a lower price point for comparable size.
Chaparral makes a solid entry-level sport boat. The Monterey Elite steps up with wider beams, higher HP ceilings, and interior layouts designed for larger groups — not just couples. If you're entertaining on Lanier, the Elite wins on space and comfort every time.
Cobalt is a premium brand with a premium price tag. The Monterey Elite delivers comparable build quality and finish — hand-stitched upholstery, fiberglass construction, premium electronics — at a price that leaves room in your budget for options that actually matter on the water.
You can read specs all day. The difference is that Carefree Boat Sales lets you test drive a Monterey Elite on Lake Lanier itself — not a parking lot, not a boat show floor. Feel the hull in real Lanier conditions before you write a check.
Why the Elite Is Winning
The Monterey Elite's vertical stem bow is borrowed from Europe's top adventure boat builders — Axopar, Nimbus, and Beneteau. Here is what it means on the water, and why buyers are choosing it over traditional bowriders.
3–5 Feet of Extra Waterline — Same Trailer Length
The "flat front" is a Vertical Stem (VST) bow — pioneered by Axopar in Finland and now the defining feature of the Elite Series. It adds 3 to 5 feet of running surface without expanding trailerable length. The result: the bow slices through chop instead of riding up and slamming down, planes at lower RPM, and the Elite 30 rides with the stability of a traditional 35-footer.
Center Console Structure, Bowrider Comfort
European adventure boats like Axopar and Nimbus favor a center-console walkaround structure over the traditional American bowrider layout. Monterey adopted this — then Americanized it. You get the rugged EU hull and open deck layout, packed with plush bow seating, convertible L-shaped lounges, rotating helm seats, and a full beam-to-beam fiberglass hardtop. Offshore capability meets lake entertaining.
Simrad Ultra-Wide MFD + Three-Point Hardtop
European builders are obsessed with clean, automotive-grade helms. Monterey brought this to the Elite with a single massive Simrad Ultra-Wide MFD flush-mounted into a clean dash, full digital switching, wireless phone charging, and almost no physical buttons. The hardtop uses a three-point mounting system anchored into the console edge and gunwales — completely rattle-free at 50+ mph.
Historically Monterey competed alongside Regal, with Cobalt positioned just above as the ultra-premium benchmark. The Elite Series has disrupted that dynamic.
| Feature | Monterey Elite | Cobalt R-Series | Regal LS / LX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | Crossover dayboat — center walkthrough, stand-up head, full beam-to-beam hardtop | Traditional bowrider — deep cockpit, port-side crawl-in head | Sport bowrider — dynamic seating, sport towers, side walkthrough |
| Helm Tech | Simrad Ultra-Wide glass cockpit, digital switching, flush wireless charging | Premium analog/digital mix, hand-stitched dash — beautiful but a generation behind | Clean Garmin dual-screen, driver-focused — functional but older by comparison |
| Power | Purpose-built outboard — Mercury V10 400 HP, up to 850 HP twin | Stern-drive heritage with outboard variants available | FasTrac stepped hull, optimized for both I/O and outboards |
| Market Position | The disruptor — maximum utility, modern features, high value-to-luxury ratio | The benchmark — peak fit-and-finish prestige, highest historic resale value | The athlete — fuel efficiency, speed, and sport towing |
Cobalt still holds a slight edge in absolute resale value, heavy fiberglass construction, and traditional upholstery refinement — the timeless luxury-car aesthetic for buyers who want a classic bowrider.
Regal is highly favored for sport boat agility, fuel economy, and innovative seating like their PowerTower arch systems. A very fast, athletic, time-tested hull.
Buyers choose the Elite because neither Cobalt nor Regal can offer a massive stand-up head compartment, a gunnel-to-gunnel fiberglass hardtop, a center-console helm structure, and a purpose-built outboard platform — all in one boat.
Eight models from 23 to 34 feet — all engineered for big-water performance
Length
23'7"
Beam
8'6"
Fuel
90 GAL
Max HP
300 HP
Big-boat feel in a nimble 23-foot package. The deep-V hull handles Lanier chop confidently — perfect for families who want performance without the big footprint.
Length
23'7"
Beam
8'6"
Fuel
90 GAL
Max HP
300 HP
Stern-drive version of the 23 with a sleek, clean transom profile and the same premium Elite interior and deep-V ride quality.
Length
28'6"
Beam
8'6"
Fuel
90 GAL
Max HP
350 HP
Our most popular model on Lake Lanier. The 25 OB delivers the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and value — a true all-day boat for the whole crew.
Length
25'7"
Beam
8'6"
Fuel
80 GAL
Max HP
350 HP
The stern-drive 25 offers a clean, uncluttered transom with the same luxurious Elite cockpit and smooth deep-V handling.
Length
30'4"
Beam
8'10"
Fuel
100 GAL
Max HP
450 HP
More beam, more fuel, more power — the 27 OB is built for serious Lake Lanier days with a full group and up to 450 HP to get there fast.
Length
27'8"
Beam
8'10"
Fuel
90 GAL
Max HP
380 HP
Wide-body comfort with a stern-drive setup and up to 380 HP — the 27 SD handles Lanier's open water with authority.
Length
32'6"
Beam
9'10"
Fuel
200 GAL
Max HP
600 HP
Twin-engine power, 200-gallon fuel capacity, and a 9'10" beam — the 30 OB is the ultimate Lake Lanier entertainer for extended days on the water.
Length
37'0"
Beam
10'6"
Fuel
320 GAL
Max HP
850 HP
The flagship. 37 feet, 320-gallon fuel, up to 850 HP — built for Lake Lanier boaters who want the absolute best and won't compromise.
The pinnacle of the Elite Series. Grand Touring capability, overnight accommodations, and up to 850 HP — Monterey's most ambitious boat ever built.
Key Specifications
Length Overall
37'0" w/engines
Beam
10'6"
Fuel Capacity
320 gal
Max Horsepower
850 HP
Engine Config
Twin outboard
Starting At
$383,451
Overnight accommodations with a thoughtfully designed cabin — head with electric toilet, vanity, and portlights. Built to stay out longer.
Twin 425XXL outboards deliver 850 HP total. Seakeeper Ride 600 trim tabs standard for a confident, level ride at speed.
Triple 15" ultra-wide Simrad chartplotters with integrated switching and stereo controls. Six wireless chargers at the helm.
Electrically folding fiberglass hardtop with overhead RGB lighting. Aft sunpad with dual articulating backrests.
Full wetbar with solid surface insert, sink, faucet, and storage. 75qt Yeti carry-on cooler standard. Entertain all day.
Three RGB LED underwater lights standard. Optional bow thruster, Seakeeper 2 gyro stabilizer, and FLIR infrared camera.
Official Monterey Video
Watch the full factory walkthrough and performance footage on Monterey's official site.
Confident performance, refined comfort, and versatile design — the 23 OB is equally at home cruising, entertaining, or spending the day at anchor on Lake Lanier.
Key Specifications
Length Overall
23'7"
Beam
8'6"
Fuel Capacity
90 gal
Max Horsepower
300 HP
Deadrise
21°
Starting At
$90,642
The same proven 21° deadrise hull geometry as the larger Elite models — cuts through Lake Lanier chop confidently at any speed.
Mercury 225–300 HP FourStroke DTS options. Optional Seakeeper Ride 450 trim tabs for a level, controlled ride.
Digital switching with LED soft keypad, hydraulic tilt steering, wireless charger, and optional Simrad NSX Ultra Wide 15" GPS.
Fiberglass cockpit liner, LED courtesy lighting, Fusion Apollo stereo with JL speakers, and optional wakeboard tower.
Bow lounge with fold-down armrests, aft sunpad with articulating backrest, and optional cockpit table and grill for entertaining.
Every 2027 Elite 23 OB is backed by Monterey's Most Valuable Protection plan — the best warranty in the sport boat business.
Official Monterey Video
Watch the full factory walkthrough and on-water footage on Monterey's official site.
The Monterey Elite Series has earned recognition from the industry's most respected publications and organizations — year after year.
The Elite Series has earned multiple Boating Industry Top Products awards, recognizing innovation in design, performance, and value in the sport boat segment.
Monterey's Elite Series platform has been recognized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association for advancing hull design and onboard technology.
Consistently featured in Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine's performance tests — the Elite Series outboards have posted top-tier speed and fuel efficiency numbers.
Monterey's dealer network consistently ranks the Elite Series as the top-selling premium sport boat line — backed by the MVP warranty and factory support.
International recognition for the Elite Series hull design and build quality — Monterey boats are sold in over 30 countries and consistently earn praise from global reviewers.
Rated the most comprehensive warranty in the sport boat industry. The Most Valuable Protection plan covers the hull, structure, and components — giving buyers lasting confidence.
We walked the floor at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and photographed the new 2027 Elite lineup. The new hull colors are stunning — here's what's coming.
Gloss Black
New for 2027 — piano black hull with white deck
Navy with Red Stripe
New for 2027 — bold two-tone with chrome accents
Graphite Gray
New for 2027 — deep gray hull with chrome rub rail
The Full 2027 Lineup
Photographed at the 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — multiple new colors and models on display
Want to see these in person? Contact us to schedule a visit or on-water demo at Lake Lanier.
Every Elite is engineered from the keel up for Lake Lanier's demanding conditions
Monterey's proprietary deep-V hull cuts through standing waves and afternoon chop — the kind Lake Lanier is famous for — delivering a smooth, dry ride when other boats are pounding.
Wide-body construction and thoughtfully designed seating layouts mean you can bring the whole crew — up to 14 passengers on the larger models — without sacrificing comfort or stability.
From 300 HP on the 23 to 850 HP on the 34 GT, every Elite is matched to an engine that handles Lake Lanier's open water — fast on plane, stable at cruise, confident in rough conditions.
Monterey backs every Elite with a lifetime structural hull warranty. On a lake as active as Lanier, that peace of mind matters — and it protects your resale value for years.
Test drive any Elite model right from our Lazy Days Marina location on Lake Lanier. Feel the hull in real conditions before you buy — no appointment needed.
Hand-stitched upholstery, teak-style flooring, premium electronics, and thoughtful storage — every Elite is finished to a standard that turns heads at the dock.
Don't take our word for it — come feel the deep-V hull handle Lake Lanier chop yourself. No appointment needed.
Schedule a DemoWe didn't have what you're looking for in stock? Not a problem. We can get you exactly what you want within 2-3 months! Pick your colors, options, layout, and make this boat uniquely yours.
View the pricing ranges below to get a better idea on the cost of a "fully loaded" boat vs a "typical build" boat, so you can work within your budget.
Monterey Boat BuilderAll vessels are priced with maximum power and all the top options available.
Some Selected Options — Painted hull, Single Mercury 350XXL OB Engine, Upgraded upholstery, Sea-decking, Windless anchor, LED accessory/underwater lights, Simrad 15" Ultra Wide B60 GPS, Helm and console covers, Fusion Apollo RA210 stereo system, Electric pump out head, Lenco pro auto trim tabs.
Some Selected Options — Painted hull, Single Mercury 425XXL OB Engine, Upgraded upholstery, Sea-decking, Windless anchor, LED accessory/underwater lights, Simrad 15" Ultra Wide B60 GPS, Helm and console covers, Fusion Apollo RA210 stereo system, Electric pump out head, Lenco pro auto trim tabs.
Some Selected Options — Painted hull, Twin Mercury 300XXL OB Engine, Joystick Control, Upgraded upholstery, Sea-decking, Windless anchor, LED accessory/underwater lights, Simrad 15" Ultra Wide B60 GPS, Helm and console covers, Fusion Apollo RA210 stereo system, Electric pump out head, Lenco pro auto trim tabs.
All vessels are priced with minimum power and only standard options.
Built out with Single Mercury 300XXL OB engine and all standard/included options.
Built out with Single Mercury 350XXL OB engine and all standard/included options.
Built out with Twin Mercury 300XXL OB engines and all standard/included options.
Watch our Monterey videos from Carefree Boat Sales
Expert coverage of the Monterey Elite Series — performance tests, show reports, and buying guides from our team at Lake Lanier and Lake Norman.
Nov 1, 2026 · New Models
We walked the floor at FLIBS 2026 and photographed the new 2027 Elite lineup. Three new hull colors — gloss black, navy with red stripe, and graphite gray — are turning heads.
See the full first lookFirst one in the Southeast at Carefree. 850 HP, 320-gallon range, overnight cabin, starting at $383,451.
Read moreRepresenting Godfrey and Monterey Boats at FLIBS 2026. See what's new for 2027 before anyone else.
Read moreGodfrey, Monterey, Blackfin, or Veranda — which is right for Lake Lanier? Specs, pricing, and performance for local buyers.
Read moreCome out to Lazy Days Marina and test drive a Monterey Elite on the actual water it was built for. No appointment needed — just show up and we'll take you out.