Beneteau Monte Carlo 6

One of the more quotable lines in movie history — “You’re going to need a bigger boat” — has for years been the de facto underpinning of brand expansion plans at nearly every boatbuilder.

One of the more quotable lines in movie history — “You’re going to need a bigger boat” — has for years been the de facto underpinning of brand expansion plans at nearly every boatbuilder.

Ironically, every captain facing rough seas has probably uttered that same phrase a time or two without trying to imitate Roy Scheider’s character Sheriff Brody, who was referring to tracking down Jaws.

Beneteau’s Monte Carlo 6 (MC6) is that bigger boat, not just because of its excellent seakeeping design, and certainly not for capturing sharks. This yacht boasts a wide-open layout on multiple levels that begs your social director to instantly begin a summer of party planning.

Featuring an instinctive Euro identity with round portlight windows and a tulip-shaped bow, the MC6 combines Italian design influence with French ingenuity for robotic construction and smart engineering, which slashed production costs and offers the thrifty buyer a 60-foot yacht without excessive trimmings.

Luxurious living space greets guests on every level. The hydraulic swim platform extends more than 5 feet from the transom, making it certainly wide enough for a tender and large enough to incorporate an optional aft galley with barbecue. Relaxing begins on the aft deck; have a cappuccino while reading the morning paper here, or plan an al fresco dinner for eight around the foldaway teak table.

Spacious living

Like many yachts today, designers are blending the transom living space with the salon. Sliding glass doors disappear up and down, creating a seamless blend of the indoors and outdoors. The salon is bathed in natural light from the deck windows and is buffered by opposing seating forward and a fully functional galley aft. This centered approach to entertaining keeps the host well positioned to remain an essential part of the conversation. The portside galley offers dry storage and refrigeration. Crafted behind matching cabinet doors are slide-out drawers that can serve as either refrigerators or freezers.

From the aft deck, steps lead to yet another entertainment area: The massive flybridge. If it weren’t for the occasional rainstorm, I’d move the laptop here and never leave. The flybridge view is metaphorical on so many levels: Power, control, forecasting and the proverbial ladder of success. The MC6 delivers an elixir no bartender can mix.

Large for its class, a 7- by 6-foot well-cushioned sunpad aft leads to a 10-foot-long seating area that accommodates 8 to 10 adults. Foldaway leafs on the table make entry and egress of the seating area graceful. Whether you’re doing a deal or grilling a burger, the fully fitted flybridge galley precludes the need to run below for sustenance. A complete set of controls and instruments for the captain allow for total vessel operation. The entire area, except the sunpad, is covered by a fiberglass hardtop overhead, with a sunroof that opens at the flip of a switch.

The lower helm station is the captain’s domain. Positioned forward of the salon, large 16- or 24-inch Simrad screens offer all the information needed to navigate. The single-piece windshield provides uncompromised visibility, and the comfortable Besenzoni helm seat has mounted controls for both the joystick and autopilot. Just to starboard is an elevated doublewide companion seat so others can enjoy the view and  the company of the captain.

Comfort aboard

Below deck is also spacious. A beam-to-beam, midship master stateroom is precisely what you’d dream of: Hanging lockers; a bureau; bonus storage; 6-foot, 6-inch headroom; seating areas; a lighted vanity and sink; and a head that is split with the shower to one side and water closet the other, permitting a couple to get ready for a night ashore at the same time.

Your overnight guests will also sleep in comfort in the two additional staterooms that offer an added twist; the beds gracefully slide apart into twins, and each stateroom boasts a private ensuite head with shower.

On the forward bow deck are two sun loungers that take a cue from the “Transformer” movies and electrically move knee and back supports into place. Add cushions as necessary and ask a crewmember to bring you a cold one.

Impressive performance

Two Cummins QSC 8.3 600-hp Zeus pods powered our test boat. Top speed is rated at 28 knots; however, your ideal cruise is around 22 knots, translating into a range of 240 nautical miles — or roughly Chicago’s Navy Pier to Door County on one tank. Unlike other vessels where the bow pops up in concert with the throttles, the MC6 moves like an elevator, stepping up on plane in about 10 seconds and reaching top speed in 30 seconds. The entire process is effortless and quiet from the bridge.

Where this vessel really shines is handling back at the dock. A rear joystick control hidden in the starboard aft showed off the Zeus precision docking as we effortlessly combated an outgoing tide and afternoon seabreeze that would challenge any bridge boat. With a displacement of about 43,000 pounds and a 16-foot, 2-inch beam, the MC6 makes a grand entrance.

Owners who commission construction have interior design choices of standard Corian or Travertine Stone countertops; light brushed oak or warmer matte walnut woodwork; fabric and vinyl color selections; and a two stateroom, three stateroom or optional crew quarters layout.

This is that bigger boat, and it’s one that won’t break the bank.