Customizing a boat to your specific needs is valuable, and Godfrey streamlines this by offering packages that group popular options. This approach eliminates the need to consider each upgrade individually. This Monaco as tested reflects a thoughtful selection of features and options.

With the Back Porch option, you gain its 255 deck layout, but with a 235 playpen, which adds two more feet of additional space in the stern. For the new model year, Monaco refreshed the line with many new features, including the multi-position stern lounge. The lounger offers forward- or rear-facing options with ratcheting backrests, or you can lay the cushions flat. Below the large stern lounger is plenty of storage space, along with a hidden pop-up changing room.

Two entry gates are built into the stainless steel railing at the stern. The extended swim deck includes a LilliPad Marine boarding ladder and a large ski/tow cage, both part of the Midnight package. The package creates a high-end vibe with the ski/tow bar, skirting, bow extension, rub rail with vinyl insert, rails, canopy frame, corner caps, and pull-up cleats, all being blacked out. The matte black smooth rail skin and Lagoon graphics package pair well with the upgraded Eclipse cool touch vinyl furniture and matching Lagoon accent color. Although the seats are darker, they remain as comfortable to the touch as lighter-colored vinyl, even on hot summer days.

At the helm, the dash behind the glass windscreen features an upgraded 7-inch Simrad touchscreen and multi-function GPS gauges on each side. Below is a row of lighted push buttons, a wireless charging cubby, and access to the Clarion Gold stereo package upgrade with a full-color LCD display head unit, Bluetooth, an aux input, six RGB speakers with chrome sport grille covers, and a six-channel 450W amplifier. The elevated helm platform is standard and includes a snap-in marine mat with the Monaco logo. Below the main helm stand is a trash receptacle with an easy-to-use side access door.

The highback captain’s chair has a cool feature, literally. The optional helm chair can be heated or cooled to help extend your season. Directly across from the helm is a co-captain bench that easily converts into a rear-facing lounger.

Other highlights include a see-through bow gate, a small entertainment center with a sink and faucet, an in-floor ski locker, and a full-spectrum RGB lighting package with underseat mood lights, courtesy lights, underdeck lights, underwater lights, and lighted cupholders and speakers.

Another important addition is the iMPACT+ center tube 2.0 package, which includes two 27-inch-diameter outer tubes and a 29-inch-diameter center tube. The package also features a full-length under deck skin, inside skirting, lifting strakes, and a larger 63-gallon fuel tank. Up top, the rail height ranges from 24 inches tall in the bow to over 30 inches throughout.

The Mercury FourStroke 250hp V8 pairs well with the performance hull. After a zero-to-20 mph time of just over 4 seconds, we reached a top speed in the mid-40s. She effortlessly banks in tight turns, and because this Monaco is so responsive, it is a lot of fun to drive.

While its base price places it in the value luxury category, the as-tested version with upgrades and several inspiring packages may align it more closely with the higher-end segment.

Click & Cruise Rail Frame, SeaView Bow Gate, Armrests For Chaises, Matte Black Bow Graphic, Black Snapless Playpen Cover, Extended Deck w/SS Safety Barrier & Gates, Standard Keel, LED Docking Lights, Helm Station, 5” MFD, Wireless Phone Charger, Cupholders, Switch Panel, 12-Volt Outlet, USB Charger, Auto Nav. Lights, Anchor Light, Multi-Function GPS Gauges, Integrated Helm Platform w/Snap-In Marine Mat, Glass Windscreen, Helm Trash Can w/Hinged Door, Interior Courtesy Light, Stern Storage Box, and Oval Table.

Eclipse Cool Touch w/Lagoon Accent Furniture, Matte Black Smooth Rail Skin w/Lagoon Graphics Pkg. (Top & Bottom Stripes), Onyx Weave Cool Touch Flooring, Clarion Gold Stereo Pkg., Full Spectrum RGB Color Lighting Pkg., Midnight Pkg., Back Porch Pkg. w/SS Barrier, iMPACT+ Center Tube 2.0 Pkg., Multi-Function GPS Gauges, Sport Wave Bimini w/11.5’ Of Shade, In-Floor Storage w/Mat For Lid, LilliPad Marine Ladder, Entertainment Center w/Built-in Sink, Heated & Cooled Helm Seat, Simrad NSX 3007 w/External Split Shot Transducer, Steering Wheel Upgrade, Lockable Glovebox, Changing Room In Lounger Unit, Fire Extinguisher, and SeaStar Power Assist Steering w/Tilt Wheel.