With a copy of MerCruiser's hand-built HP500 bolted to its stringers, our Monarch tripped the Stalker's beam at a very regal 81.6 miles per hour--fastest of any unblown, 23-foot bowrider we've tested to date.

The numbers are particularly impressive given the design's forward-cockpit design and nearly 4,200 pounds. Essex builds a good, solid, relatively heavy boat--a trait that has not kept it from blowing the hardware off most everything in its class from 0-to-50.

Performance has its price, and the HP500 package to the bottom line over the 7.4 multiport/Bravo One--MerCruiser's designated base 454 package now that they've eliminated the carburetor from their big-block line. Sounds like a huge pop until you consider what it's buying: 190 horsepower over the base big block, packaged in a factory-built, fully warranted, naturally aspirated turnkey performance motor that thrives on pump gas. Along with the 500-horse animal motor, you also get the upgraded Imco external steering package (a recommended option anytime you take a vee-bottom past 70 miles an hour), thru-hull exhaust and the prestige of knowing you've got MerCruiser's most potent package this side of a blower.

Our Tester was propped large, in consideration of what growled beneath the hatch; our Bravo drive swung a Mercury 25-pitch Alpha four-blade wheel.

Overdue or not, the Monarch is likely to do well for many of the same reasons Essex's smaller bowrider have, plus more. Factor in its 94-inch beam (two inches wider than the 21-footer) and additional four inches of free-board and two extra inches of draft, and the Monarch is capable of securely expanding the family boater's open-water universe. The Monarch feels like a big step up in class over the traditionally sized bowrider, but it maintains the same smooth, dignified lines that have driven sales of Essex's Sterling.

We found in the Monarch the same familiar, extreme custom influences that have propelled Essex's creation of one of family performance-boating's best-selling, best-built brands of stern-drive powered bowriders. The tone is quickly set in the gelcoat work, which is directed to customer design and color tastes. The execution of ours was typical Essex: clean, intricate and worthy of a closer look. A computer program helps customers envision their boat in living color before a single line is taped.

Every Essex is dressed appropriately in powder-coated, billet hardware from Eddie Marine, some of it cut specifically for the shapes and styling nuances of the Monarch. A 15-lamp interior lighting package shows the high-end interior craftsmanship to maximum advantage.

All seating sections were comfortable and beautifully sewn and covered. A contoured, single-sided bow section is standard upon request and makes for great sunning support. The engine cover/sundeck raises electronically.

Pop-up cleats (backed by Eddie bezels), a pop-up bow light and stainless, low-profile railing are also included in the basic Essex installation, along with dual batteries, a bimini top and a custom-sewn boat cover. A floor-mounted ski locker is large enough for wakeboards and plenty of gear, and a draining ice chest is built into the rear seating cavity. Interior standards include a tilt wheel, a high-end Kenwood CD system with four speakers and ten drink holders.

The Monarch also features a three-piece platform swim step--the center of which raises and lowers with the drive. A transom-mounted trim switch is also standard.