[Mee-n-Mac]

We looked at a Monterey (same size, different design from the 2005's) and Larson (smaller size) some years ago. Superficially they appeared about equal in construction though the Monty was a bit more "polished" than the plainer Larson. For other reasons I didn't dig too deep to find out construction details (stringers, layup, gelcoating, bonding) though I suspect both are adequate for lake usage. How are you going to use your boat ? You'll find a big difference in cabin size between the 2. At <25' the Monty is too small for my tastes to be a live-aboard boat. Certainly OK for weekending for 2 people but I wouldn't summer in a marina in it. The Larson is better in this respect. Deck layouts are very similar btw the two, you'll have to decide on the details yourself. Look at the helm seat, does it flip up, have adequate range of motion up/down and fore/aft ? Is the throttle/shift positioned where you can easily use it ? Is the instrumentation complete and easy to see in the sun ? Does the windsheild frame block your view ? What things are optional and what's included in the price ? Do you get full canvas, bimini or camper canvas ? How about carpet, above and below deck ? Is the head large enough, can you sit and have knee room ? Does it have a porta potty or flush (pump or vacumm) toilet ? Do you have adequate ventilation in the cabin, what ports open and are they screened ? Sit around the table and see if the seating forward is adequate for adults or kids only ? Does this matter to you ? Lie down in the assembled V-berth, they're not all the same length. Check for storage above and below decks. Where are you going to put the dock lines, bumpers, PFDs, etc ? Are you going to use the galley ? Where will you store plates, glasses, pots&pans, cooking utensils, food ? Again so much depends on how you're going to use you boat it's hard to advise you. Given the weights and power options are similar, only a test drive will tell if the ride and time-to-plane are adequate (and stay adequate under full personnel loading). At 27' and a single outdrive the Larson is probably more difficult to handle around the dock in a wind.

We ended up with a small "pocket" cruiser, a Martinque 2400 (24') similar to the Monterey in size (though the Monty is more richly finished). Our final list got narrowed down to 2 as well, it and a Rinker FiestaVee 270. The Rinker was a lot bigger and gave a lot more room below decks. We liked the deck layout of the Martinque better and given our usage (not so much time below decks) went with that boat, YMMV.