2557 Montego; 528 Montego; 280 Express

The 280 Express began life in 1988 as the Carver 2557 Montego, an affordable mid-cabin cruiser with modern lines and—for a 25-footer—surprisingly spacious accommodations. In 1992 she became the 528 Montego, and in 1993 she was again rebadged, this time as the 280 Express—the model designation she retained until production ended in 1998. Like most Carver cruisers of her era, the 280 is built on a solid fiberglass hull with a wide beam and integral swim platform. Below, the mid-cabin interior sleeps six with a V-berth forward, convertible dinette to starboard, and a double berth aft. The galley came complete with under-counter refrigerator, two-burner stove, sink, and numerous storage drawers. Draw curtains provide privacy for the fore and aft sleeping areas, and the standup head compartment includes a sink and shower. Additional features include an aft-facing cockpit seat, transom door, trim tabs, and walk-thru windshield. In a 1997 styling update, the original cabin windows were replaced with opening ports. Offered with single or twin gas engines, most Carver 280s were powered with a single big-block MerCruiser or Volvo I/O (22–24 knots cruise).