This wasn’t my dream boat. Not yet, anyway. There’s a lot of work to do. But when I first saw her, I knew she had good bones — and that’s what mattered.
Back to 1994
Let’s rewind. In 1994, the Monterey 265 SEL was a top-of-the-line cuddy cruiser. (For those new to boating, “cuddy” is the classification for an under-30-foot cruiser that can sleep four — not quite a day boat, not quite a yacht, but a sweet spot in between.)
This boat came loaded for its time:
• Integrated microwave oven, built-in coffee maker, hot plate, and the smallest fridge money could buy
• A galley table that converted to a bed, plus a lounge with two bench seats that also converted to a bed
• A Sony radio with speakers throughout the boat
• A head with pump toilet, shower, and sink
• Helm controls with back-lighting, a searchlight, gauges, fish finder, blowers, lights, and VHF radio
• Even cup holders, a wet bar, and a cigarette lighter without built-in fuses
• Dual batteries (engine + house), managed by the alternator
• Add-ons like a stern drive and swim platform (as seen in The Journey, Episode 2 of YouTube’s Waterways)
Back then, you turned the key, hit the blowers, and off you went. Simple.
What’s Missing
For all its 1994 glory, there were some noticeable gaps:
• No built-in air conditioner
• No macerator for the toilet
• No generator for overnight camping
By mid-90s standards, this was still a “lipstick boat” — stylish, functional, but not fully loaded.
Fast Forward to today
Now my expectations are different. I don’t just want a boat; I want a platform. A foundation I can digitize, automate, and modernize.
Here’s what’s on my vision board:
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, NMEA 2000, and cellular capabilities
• Power: long-lasting batteries, solar charging, and smarter energy management
• Comfort: automated stabilizers for a smooth ride, portable A/C, and modern conveniences
• Navigation & Safety: radar integrated with a chart-plotter, weather station, and self-driving assist
• Data & Open Source: no more proprietary silos — I want systems that talk to each other
• Satellite link: Starlink or similar, for real-time updates and streaming
• Drone pad: a helipad for my drone, to capture fishing trips and cruising memories
Yes, I want to stream Spotify through the speakers, get weather updates on my fish finder, and have notifications read aloud. I want voice activation like Alexa, and handling like a Tesla.
The Project Boat
So no, this isn’t my dream boat — not yet. But it’s my project boat. The analogue systems are solid and just need maintenance. The digital side? That’s where the fun begins.
I’m not imagining too much. I’m defining a vision. And every patch, every upgrade, every new capability brings me closer to turning this 1994 Monterey into something truly unique: a boat that blends the best of the past with the possibilities of the future.