31/532 Montego VS. 32/34/534 Montego

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ChefJunk

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I came across the 31/532 Montego this weekend at my Marina and was pleased to find out that they existed as they are not in my power boat guide. I really like the looks of it. It appears they were only made in 1990 as the 31 Montego and 1991 as the 532 Montego.

My question is, are there any owners out there, past of present, that can share likes and dislikes of the vessel? Better yet, can any of the 31/532 or 32/34/534 owners tell me why they chose one over the other?

Appears to be made on the same hull as the 3067 santego which I like. Short production run means they probably didn't make many though.

Thanks for any input!

Jim
 
Hi Jim. I for one like the 3257 over the 3157 for the extra foot and a half of beam (12'6" versus 11') Although the 31 was available with stern drives which make it a quite fast(for it's size and weight) boat. The cabin layouts are both really nice with the 31 having a larger and more workable galley
 
Glad to see you back Kenny, was worried you moved to another brand or something!

I have been looking around and am concerned with the flat bottom on the 32/34. My 28 mariner has a flat bottom and I think I want something with a deeper V. I was on a 32/34 the other day (dry) and really liked the layout, shower, and huge forward cabin though.

Thanks for the input!

Jim
 
The 3257 has a very sharp entry...when tabbed correctly will run/ride just fine. Plus, it's 5 or 6,000lbs heavier than your 28. The other thing we really like about it is the totally private stateroom with it's own entry to the head...not that we accept many overnighters, but it's nice to have privacy when you do.
 
Kenny,

Did you move up? From your response, it sounds as if you did. If so, congrats!

The other dilemma for me is there is no door to the cockpit and the dogs are too heavy to lift on and off and they are too small to manage the jump/crawl over. And when I am on the boat, they are as well.

Hope all is well,

Jim
 
We had an 89' 3257 and really enjoyed the boat for it stability and roomy layout. In spite of what Kenny posted, the flat bottom does take a little getting used to when the wakes/seas are coming to your beam. In a chop you'll need to work the tabs to get the porposing and slamming settled down. That said, once you get a feel for the 3257 and how she handles in various conditions you'll find her a solid, predictable and comfortable boat in most conditions. Besides, that flat bottom will give you speed and fuel economy that will please you. Oh, and how many other 32's come with a private stateroom and a REAL SHOWER STALL??!!
 
Anyone think it would be possible to cut the transom to the cockpit floor level to create a walk through transom instead of a walk over transom on the 32 Montego? Without reducing structural integrity!

Jim
 
I wouldn't try it, but I'm not an engineer... I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night! :)
 
Jim,
I sent you an email today to call me. I think you are looking at my 1988 3257 Carver Montego that I sold in Oct of 2007 located in the Thousand Islands. I can provide you with information about this boat.

To answer your question regarding the cutting of the transom. I would not recommend this as it would change the hull strenght and integrity. I always boarded my boat from the side with a 2/3 step. Not a big deal plus my dink was on the back.

With regards to the inside, it is probably the only boat with a water line length of 32'6" with a 12' 4" beam. Overall lenght is 36' 9" with platform and pullpit.

I enjoyed this boat a great deal. I also put a lot of sweat equity into the boat. My boat looked better the day I sold it than the day I purchased it. I added alot to this boat.

With the 454 inboards, the boat cruises at 27mph all day at 3150-3200rpm. Tops out at 34-36 Depending on whats on board. The origional test stated the boat topped out at 40mph. I never saw that with all the gear I had on board.

Below are pictures when we picked up our new boat in Oct of '07.

92446706.jpg


92446708.jpg


Here is a link to some pictures.

http://www.pbase.com/rbutka
 
About teh transom door...keep in mind guys that the hull on the 3257 is the same as the hull on the 3297 Mariner which does have a door to the cockpit floor level. From what I've seen, there are no extra stiffeners in there, but some could be added if you wanted to.
 
Oh...and No Jim...still have the 2757 Montego, but have been looking at 3257s as well. My partner actually likes the 3157 interior better, but I'm stuck on the 3257.
 
Thanks Kenny. If you know of any nice and clean 3257's in the Sandusky to Cleveland area that I should check out, please let me know. I think I have decided that the 3257 is the one for me due to how I use the boat. Hope all is well.

Thanks,

Jim
 
Jim,

there are a couple of 3257's on craigslist in the Cleveland area. One of the boats is actually on Marblehead...I looked at it, but wasn't ready to move yet, and it had small blocks...I really want the 454's. Both boats are in the $23,000 to $25,000 range.
 
Kenny,

I know which one you were talking about. I believe it was "Jacob's Well" and it was sold last weekend. I got down and dirty in the ER and noticed some potential issues that kept me from it. It also needed a decent amount of work imho. I met the new owners over the weekend on Kelleys Island. They seemed very happy with it and were looking specifically for the 5.7's (don't know why though). When it came into the marina, I had to go meet them because of looking at it and my eager anticipation to get my (soon to be) Montego back to Ohio. I am leaving this weekend for the survey and then the following week to go out to NY and bring it back via water. Can't wait! I would say that I would post pictures but Starry Night has been well photographed and displayed on BE!

Thanks,

Jim
 
Hey Jim,
Just read the post. Very nice. I see you are going out for the survey. All all goes well. If you need any info feel free to contact me. Good Luck.
 
Jim,

The previous Starry Night is one beautiful boat...as is the current one. That is one "coastal" boat I would consider myself.
 
Thanks Kenny I greatly appreciate your comments.

Jim,
I have a set of 3 blade props for the boat. They were the originals prior to me upgrading to 4 blades. You could use these as spare props in case you damage yours.
 
Jim, I couldn't quite follow the discussion about the boat you were looking at. How is it going with the Montego you are looking for? Did you actually get it?
 
quote:
Originally posted by Starry Night

Thanks Kenny I greatly appreciate your comments.

Jim,
I have a set of 3 blade props for the boat. They were the originals prior to me upgrading to 4 blades. You could use these as spare props in case you damage yours.

Click to expand...


Thanks, I will keep that in mind. I don't understand why they put 3 blade with the mercruiser and 4 blade with the crusader with only 20 total HP difference.

Thanks,

Jim
 
quote:
Originally posted by LuBell

Jim, I couldn't quite follow the discussion about the boat you were looking at. How is it going with the Montego you are looking for? Did you actually get it?

Click to expand...


I am leaving Thursday to go get it. Should be a week long trip back. I will take pictures and post them when I get back.

Thanks,

Jim
 
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