MONTEREY 345 SY
Outboard power amplifies the liveaboard space offered by this 34-foot personal yacht. Instead of taking up valuable space with engines in the hull, mounting outboards on the transom returned the space to creature comforts— the Monterey 345 SY makes excellent use of it to provide comfort and convenience.
The salon belowdecks is roomier than 38s we’ve been on. A large double berth forward isn’t cramped by equally roomy couches lining the starboard side and forward bulkhead against the berth. Capitalizing on the extra interior space, an aft couch completes three sides of comfortable seating. Convert it to another double berth for cozy quarters.
An ample portside galley features a sink, stove, microwave and generous counter space. To starboard is a head compartment with shower, flushing head, sink and a port light for illumination and ventilation. The salon also is lighted naturally with stylish side glass and an overhead hatch. In evening hours, subdued lighting provides ambience.
Topside has plenty of seating to enjoy the exciting ride. An aft lounge converts into a huge sun pad—a trademark of Monterey. From the portside transom door to aft of the skipper’s double-bench seat, couches surround the cockpit.
A refreshment galley with a standard sink boasts an optional refrigerator. A cocktail table can be mounted or stowed beneath the aft lounge. Added lounging options include the dual sun pad at the bow, and that area is made secure by a surrounding stainless-steel rail.
That’s what the outboard power does inside the boat, but what it does on the transom is even more exciting. Excellent acceleration and satisfying top speeds make it as sporty as it is comfortable. Mercury’s integrated throttle and shift and power steering offer smooth operations, and our test boat was equipped with Mercury’s Joystick Steering and autopilot.
We used Skyhook to hold our position and the autopilot to return to port by tapping out a route on the Raymarine.
Power, automation, comfort and good looks are hallmarks of a Monterey—and this one checked every box on the roster.