2009 Monterey 400SY

By: Matt Spencer

In today’s sport yacht market, there are certain keys to success that a manufacturer must stick to in order to stay competitive. Safety, ergonomics and luxury, topped off with great performance are a few of the keys that Monterey prides itself on.

Combine that with the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Florida, and it’s no wonder Monterey has won an industry CSI award for the past four years.

So how do you top such an impressive list of qualities? By introducing your largest boat to date as your flagship – the 400SY. You could also build that flagship solely around one of the leading propulsion systems, the Volvo IPS.

I had a chance to get out on the 400SY at the end of theToronto In-Water Boat Show last September, and I was already impressed as I walked up the dock. The sterling hull gave the boat a certain subtle elegance, while the classic sport yacht lines made this 41 footer look sleek and sporty, even as it sat idle at the dock.

Boarding from the extended swim platform, it was immediately evidentthis cruiser is built for entertaining.The swim platform was roomy and great for the kids to play, or for boat hopping at your favourite rafting anchorage. The telescoping swim ladder was subtly hidden underneath a hatch, recessed into the platform.

Entering the cockpit through the starboard side entrance, I was impressed with the amount of space for lounging or manoeuvring about, making full use of the 12-foot, 6-inch beam. The white and sterling vinyl complemented the hull nicely, and I could easily picture my nearest and dearest relaxing comfortably in the large U-shaped lounge.

Our test boat also had the optional stainless steel electric grill built into the cockpit’s starboard side console. Once dinner or lunch is ready to be served, nestled under the port cushion of the lounge you will find the flip-out cockpit table with four drink holders. Sitting on the stainless steel hinged base, the table is easily accessed as the seat just lifts up on hinges itself and the table foldsout. The table is also perfect for board games or cards on those mild summer evenings.

Still in the lounge, sitting on the aft cushion, the hinged backrest can slide forward for you to face aft and watch the kids swim or it can hinge flat to create an extra double sleeper with the camper top.

On those sunny days your guests want to hide from the rays but not miss out on the party, they can relax forward under the large hard-top radar arch. There, the comfort continues with a large, L-shaped chaise lounge with fore or aft backrests, along with stainless steel drink holders. The hard-top also has overhead lighting for when the sun goes down and the party is still in full swing.

Any captain would be more than impressed with the helm of the 400SY. The moulded, gel-coated dash is a subtle grey to match the interior trim and houses the fogresistant analog gauges. They are well spaced and easy to read, and front and centre of the helm is the colour Raymarine GPS chartplotter. On each side of the plotter are the digital gauges connected to the twin Volvo IPS 500s. Trim tab indicators and lighted,weather-proof switches are also found well laid out and easily within reach.

The black steering wheel with silver inset is stylish, sporty and ergonomically designed in front of the double helm seat with flip-up bolster. I found the helm seat perfect for that cozy, cruising couple.

You will find the joystick for theVolvo IPS system mounted just behind the throttle controls. The central mounting position is perfect for either looking forward or aft, depending on how and where you need to position your 400. And you can be assured that with the IPS system, you can do it with ease.

Entering below through the sliding companionway door with screen, the soft colours and wood trim are at once welcoming. The synthetic wood floor looks elegant and ease of cleaning came to mind in case dirty feet sneak down below. To starboard, the salon features a large, L-shaped sofa that converts to a sleeper for extra guests.

I liked that the table was not fixed to the ground. It has its own dedicated storage for when it isn’t in use, and it doesn’t leave a base in the floor to stub your toes on.You can be assured, though, that the solid wood table and base are stable and secure without being fixed to the ground. For those nights below deck, the salon is also home to a 26-inch flat screen LCDTV complete with a 5.1 surround sound system.

The galley has every amenity needed for extended cruising, including upper and lower cabinet storage and a moulded fibreglass counter. The wood finish on the cabinets is elegant and the stylish sink is neighboured to a two-burner electric stove. Below the microwave/convection oven you’ll find the refrigerator/freezer combo.

The galley is next to the aft stateroom with privacy door and full ensuite head. The aft stateroom has twin sleepers with plenty of storage below each. A centre cushion is available to convert the twins to a double berth. Our test boat also came packaged with the optional 15-inch LCDTV.

Next door to the aft cabin is a wine cooler nestled nicely under the cabin stairs.

The forward stateroom is spacious,with plenty of clearance, and features an inner spring mattress with walk-up steps on each side. Cedar hanging lockers and drawer storage means plenty of room for clothes and gear, and the ensuite head has an adjustable shower wand and mirrored vanity storage.

When it was time to head out on the water for the sea trial, the IPS system easily manoeuvred us through the maze of In-Water boat show slips. Once we were clear, the twin IPS 500 diesels powered us easily on plane in just over seven seconds.

Putting the 400SY through our standard trials, Volvo’s EVC (ElectronicVessel Control) system made it easy to synch the twin motors at 500 rpm increments, up to a top speed of 41.2 mph at 3600 rpm. Travelling southeast across Lake Ontario, we set the autopilot on the GPS. Our bearing had the waves hitting across our beam and the 400SY didn’t flinch.The hull remained stable and secure, holding her path in the two-footers. In the occasional heavy roller, the 17-degree deadrise cushioned the blow nicely.

Testing the handling in the open water, the control is just what you would expect with the IPS and it was responsive and nimble – even for a 40 footer.

Monterey has worked very hard to build a very strong reputation for its boats. The company’s dedication to both quality and customer service is obvious in its new flagship, the 400SY. Looking ahead,methinks Monterey might have a fifth CSI award in store.

TEST BOAT ENGINES
Twin Volvo IPS 500s, diesel, 340 hp apeice

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-15 / 7.03 ; 0-20 / 8.31

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
3600 / 41.2

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
2000 / 12.5 ; 2500 / 21.1 ; 3000 / 30.8

SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (3000 rpm)
Helm– 89 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 90 dbA

SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (3600 rpm)
Helm– 92 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 93 dbA