Monterey Elite 34 GT

Sometimes the weather gods look favorable on me and grant me near-perfect conditions for a sea trial.

Sometimes the weather gods look favorable on me and grant me near-perfect conditions for a sea trial. I had a pleasant ride across Florida’s Alligator Alley to the left coast, encountered glass-flat bays, and calm winds let billowy cumulus clouds hang lazily in the sky. I realize you might have been looking for rough conditions, raging seas and breaking waves for a more dramatic sea trial, and the new Monterey Elite 34 GT would have been right at home in those sea states. But the Elite 34 GT is also right at home on calm seas, offering the opportunity to open her up, let us drift along with the current, and to explore the vessel and all that it brings to your boating experience.

Fresh to the marketplace, the Elite 34 GT is the newest flagship of the Monterey Elite line, which ranges from 23 to 34 feet. And with the market growth Monterey has seen, the Elite 34 GT is a no-brainer. Monterey’s marketing data identified that consumers want not only performance and capabilities but also superior comfort, versatility and technology to enhance their time on the water. The Elite 34 GT is based on those desires. There’s no better way to validate all of this than to spend a few hours and see for myself. Perusing the Monterey website prior to my ride, I learned that the Elite series is its ultra-luxurious line, complete with enhanced appointments and, well, uber comfort. With custom stitching in the well-padded seats and backrests, Monterey also has a few unique seating configurations up its sleeve.

BRING IT ON

Up front is a centered, forward-facing two-person lounge pad (bigger than just a seat) with magnetic cup holders, USB ports, armrests and a headrest. Monterey placed this lounger well forward to allow for more space in the cabin below. It’s nice to see that Monterey didn’t try to cram in additional seating around the bow, as it would have created an awkward layout with minimal usable space. It’s great the way it is, and the walk-around deck allows for access to the anchor locker and ground tackle.

Cool seating options are also found in the cockpit. There’s a forward aft-facing padded bench seat with folding armrests. Lift the bottom cushion sideways on its cam hinges, and it locks in place and doesn’t drop on your head while accessing the 75-quart Yeti cooler in this dedicated space.

The real star is the aft seating. Sure, it has built-in backrests to make for a forward seating option. But pull those twin backrests back, and it makes a large, flat sunpad. Or pull up the forward cushion to create an aft-facing lounger, perfect for watching the kids on the floaties. The extended swim platform has boarding access on either side thanks to the telescoping recessed ladders, and the whole base is hinged to reveal voluminous storage for fenders, lines, life jackets and other gear.

Staying in the cockpit area, there’s a portside hull door that opens flush for easy boarding and a dedicated locker for the drop-in boarding ladder. A cockpit table that mounts on a vertical holder makes this a delightful alfresco dining area.

Monterey has addressed the age-old problem: Where to put the cover to the sink in the wetbar unit? Monterey’s very simple solution is to secure it with two hinges on the forward side. That way, it stays in place and doesn’t slide or bang around. Ta-da!

HOT HELM

The helm is well balanced, from its ergonomic styling to spacious operation. Not only are there three 15-inch, ultra- wide Simrad multifunction displays that allow management from ship systems to navigation to e-switches, but the left and right screens are angled in, giving the operator a straight line of sight while reducing side glare. Recessing the screens in a black lacquered console is a cool look, while mounting the joystick, cupholders and other controllers in the wood dash is classy. Multiple wireless phone chargers, console trays, footrests and USB ports are great extras. What I really like is that the center panel on the dash top opens to reveal the push-button battery switches and ignition keys for the outboard. If it’s out of sight, no one will touch them. Super idea!

For more comfort, there are three helm seats, each with high-backs, articulating armrests and adjustable bolsters for cruising pleasure. These seats sit atop a pedestal base, which has several hinged storage compartment doors below. Slide off the doors, and you have access to the batteries, switches and cable runs. Typically, manufacturers install batteries below deck in the aft machinery space. But having them literally right at the operator’s feet gives quick access if you need to shut the power off, quickly alerts the operator to the odor of something burning, and doesn’t require access to the cabin or machinery space.

LOOKING GOOD

Designers of the Elite 34 GT did a yeoman’s job on making the boat pleasing to the eye, as well as looking hard-charging even at rest. A raked-back aluminum frame supports the oversized hardtop, while a single-pane windshield and wraparound glass side inserts provide added protection from the elements. Starting at the high forward freeboard, the sheerline gently dips toward the cockpit, with a step down to the integrated platform. Overall, the boat has great angles, is proportionately sized and is well-constructed.

From the performance aspect, the Elite 34 GT stands up to the need for speed. Mounted to the oversized swim platform are dual Mercury Verado V10 425 outboards that propel the 12,000-pound hull up to a wide-open throttle speed of over 55 mph. Pull back to a leisurely 35 mph cruise, consuming 29 gph. The sharp, near-vertical bull bow slices the waves as the generous chine and lifting strakes keep the bow from diving in. With a 21-degree deadrise at the transom, you can keep the speed up as well as maintain control during tight turns or those at speed with authority. This is all part of Monterey’s VST (Vertical Stem Technology) system that enhances stability, maximizes the waterline length, and handles chop and waves like a larger boat.

Yes, there is a cabin, and it’s suitable for overnighting or staying a few days aboard. From the starboard side entrance, you’ll see a V-seat in the peak, complete with a filler cushion to make up a large berth, a private head closet, a 32-inch TV, a fridge and a sink.

A few additional standard highlights are underwater lights, Burnewiin mounts (for rods and accessories), a transom shower, a Fusion Apollo stereo, machinery space, a Seakeeper Ride 600 and more. Of course, you can add a Seakeeper 2 stabilizer, a bow thruster, a 3.5kw generator, a built-in air inflator, a BBQ grill, extra rod holders, radar, a canvas package and more.

Monterey has listened to the market, and it has delivered with the new Elite 34 GT. Get on one and enjoy the calm — or rough — seas. Either way, you’ll be glad you’re on the Elite 34 GT.