2000 Monterey 322 Cruiser

Step Up to Luxury Without the Boat Ramp Hassle

If you are ready to graduate from trailering and want a vessel that offers both "big boat" comfort and "small boat" performance, Southern Drifter is the perfect transition. This Monterey 322 has been maintained to a standard rarely seen in boats of this vintage, backed by an impeccable vessel log and recent high-value upgrades.

The Sterndrive Advantage: Why I/Os Beat Outboards 

While many are moving toward outboards, this Monterey proves why sterndrives remain the king of the cruiser lifestyle. By housing the twin Volvo Penta 5.7 GSI engines beneath the cockpit sole, you gain:

• The Best Seat in the House: A massive, flat, and unobstructed swim platform. Unlike outboard boats, there are no oily cowlings or propeller hazards in your way—perfect for the sandbar, swimmers, and loungers.
• Superior Handling: A lower center of gravity ensures a stable, "planted" ride in coastal chop and significantly less bow-rise when getting on plane.
• Quiet Socializing: Engine noise is contained in an insulated engine room, allowing you to actually enjoy a conversation at the helm while cruising at 25 knots.
• Shallow Water Access: Just like an outboard, these drives trim up, allowing you to tuck into the shallowest sandbars that traditional inboard cruisers simply can't reach.

Mechanical Peace of Mind

This isn't a "fixer-upper"—it is a turn-key machine. The current owner has focused on reliability so you don’t have to:

• New Port Engine: Professionally installed in 2023 (currently ~115 hours).
• Overhauled Starboard Engine: Only ~500 hours since a complete overhaul.
• Recent Service: Brand-new risers and new water pumps recently installed on both engines.
• Refreshed Canvas: The Bimini and full cockpit enclosure have been refurbished and look sharp.

Comfort & Styling 

The Monterey 322 is famous for its "non-bloated" profile—it looks like a yacht, not a floating RV. Inside, you’ll find air-conditioned luxury with Corian countertops, a 5kW generator for off-grid power, and spacious accommodations for weekend getaways.

Currently sitting in her wet slip in Carolina Beach, Southern Drifter is ready for a sea trial. Skip the ramp, leave the trailer behind, and start enjoying the water the way it was meant to be.

For a full 360 degree tour. https://tour.boats-and-homes.com/tours/ze0btJmWi