3557 Montego; 538 Montego; 380 Express

The Carver 3557 Montego (called the 538 Montego in 1991–92; 380 Express in 1993–94) ranked among the bigger express cruisers of her day when she was introduced in 1990. With her roomy cockpit and open-plan interior, the Montego is well suited to entertaining family and friends. Hull construction is solid fiberglass, and an extended swim platform—which is not an integral part of the hull—comes complete with port and starboard boarding gates, fender racks, and storage locker. Below, the Montego’s spacious full-beam interior features a convertible U-shaped dinette to starboard and full-service galley to port with full-size refrigerator and tons of storage and counter space. The head includes a separate stall shower, and the forward stateroom features a centerline queen berth, hanging locker, and private head access. Headroom throughout this boat is excellent, but the Montego’s small cabin windows result in poor natural lighting. Cockpit features include a double helm seat, portside lounge, wet bar with refrigerator, and transom seat. A walk-thru windshield provides access to the foredeck. Twin 350hp Crusader gas inboards (with V-drives) cruise at 16–18 knots (mid 20s top).