Boat Test Monday: Montara SurfBoss

First Impression
With the popularity of wake boats continuing to grow, it was only a matter of time until the pontoon segment got involved. Appropriately named, the Surf Boss is clearly in charge and we're excited for the future of Montara Boats.

Highlights
For starters we love the look of the exterior that includes integrated lights into the bow as well as fresh air intakes for the engine. Inside the boat you'll find plenty of comfortable seats, including dual helm chairs, two chaise lounges in the bow, and two more in the stern. In each of the four sections there are USB ports and angled Polk Audio speakers, plus we counted over 30 cupholders throughout the boat that double as storage options for your passengers. Speaking of Polk Audio, the upgraded sound system is truly impressive, and includes six speakers and two subwoofers, four tower speakers, as well as two more speakers on the transom. The main stereo controls are at the helm, but there is also a transom remote in the stern.

At the helm the 12-inch touchscreen is offset to the right of the console with all your gauges and key information at your fingertips. Plus, there are two cameras on board so you can monitor from this screen to keep an eye on your surfers or check for swimmers before starting your engine. There is a second touchscreen below for your digital switches for your lights and other accessories. One quick note on the lights: we love the power off courtesy light switch near the side gate that automatically turns off after 2 minutes, even with your battery switch off.

The Surf Boss sits tall in the water, which provides you an elevated view, as well as allows the space for an in-floor compartment, which is more like a basement after you go down the two steps. Inside the compartment there is plenty of storage space for gear. This also houses the batteries and other electronic controls. The deep engine hatch in the back is easily accessible with a push of a button that lifts up half of the boat. Inside is not only the PCM ZZ6 engine, but also the two 2,100 pound ballast bags that fill up in about 7 minutes.

A designated trash receptacle, RGB lighting inside and out, wakeboard racks, swim deck, and  electronic shift and throttle controls help round out just some of the many highlights.

Closer Look
The quarter-inch cross members using I beams and C channel construction are on 16-inch centers and provide a solid foundation for this boat that transitions from a triple pontoon to a wake-style hull in the stern.

Throttle Down
With a dry weight of nearly 7,000 pounds, there is some weight to this boat but you wouldn't know it by the way she handles. Upgraded from the standard 409hp engine, the PCM ZZ6 465hp power plant is a great pairing for this hull as we banked into some sharp turns while producing a beautiful wake. The zero-to-20 mph time of just over five seconds is quite impressive as well.

Why Buy
Yes, it's purpose-built for surfing and other wake sports, but the added amenities and features are over-the-top. We were impressed by the versatility and function of this high-end wake boat and we feel a lot of other people will be, too.

Loudon, Tennessee
865-657-5158
www.montaraboats.com

Number Of Occupants                       16                   
Price As Tested With Power               $229.9K
Maximum Speed                                 37.2 mph                   
Wild Ponies                             465hp
No. Of Gates                          3
0-20 MPH                               5.4 seconds   
Ladder Measurement             48” deep

Why we love this boat…Extremely fun to drive and loaded with more features per square inch than other traditional pontoons, this surf boat is over-the-top.

Just being picky...Plenty of storage space, including a glove box at the helm for your smaller items, but on a high-end model like this we'd like to see more lockable options on board.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
12” Touchscreen, 5” Raised Helm, Billet Accents, Polk Stereo w/ 4 7.7” Polk Speakers, 4,200 Ballast w/Premium Ballast Pumps & Electronic Ball Valves, Surf Tabs, Center Tab, Surf Pipe Exhaust, Spring Loaded Gate Hinges, Oversized Top Rail, Blackout Rails, Digital Switching, Remote Battery Switch, Trash Can, 4 Sets of Dual USB Ports, SS Ladder, Tilt Steering, Electronic Shift & Throttle Controls, Power Engine Hatch, Premium Vinyl Flooring, 3/4-inch Marine Grade Plywood, Rotocast Seat Bases, LED Compartment Lights, Blue LED Courtesy Lights, Power Off Courtesy Light Switch, 32 Cupholders, Rear Dock Buoy Holders w/Cup holders, Aluminum Front Fence w/Storage, Flip Down Arm Rests in Bow, Flip Up Cleats. Forced Fresh Air Intakes, Basement Storage Area, Auto Fire Suppression, Transom Grab Handle w/Camera, and Anode Bonding System.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Patron 5” Secondary Touchscreen, Premium Audio w/6 Speakers & 2 Subs, 4 Tower Speakers, 2 Transom Speakers, Transom Remote, Clamping Board Racks, Helm Mounted Rear View Mirror, Cast Power Tower w/Blue LED Courtesy Lights, Front Bimini w/Surf Sleeves, Rear Bimini Top, Full Internal and External RGB Lighting w/Controller, Tower Camera, XS Power Batteries, Quick Connect Fender Clips, Wireless Phone Charger, Ski Pylon, Towable Cover, Depth Finder w/Water Temp, Transom Thruster, XS Power Batteries, Docking Lights, Metal Jacket XL Hull Coating, and Height Adjustable Captains Chairs.

VITAL STATS
LOA                  27’ 7” 
Beam                 8’ 6”
Hull Design       Wake Style
Dry Weight       6,939 lbs.
Fuel Capacity    104 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                                                 PCM ZZ6 465hp
Cylinder Type                                     6.2 Direct Injection
Displacement/Horsepower                              6.1L/465hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   1.72:1
Propeller                                                          15.5 X 15p

RPM    vs.       SPEED              vs.      DB-A
1000                5.0                   85.5
1500                7.2                   82.5
2000                8.8                   84
2500                10.7                 91.5
3000                14.0                 94
3500                20.7                 97
4000                26.5                 98.5
4500                30.3                 98
5000                33.7                 99.5
5500                37.2                 101

PRICE
Price As Tested                       $229,900
(Boat & 465hp PCM)

Standard Package                   $169,285
(Boat & 409hp PCM)