In this S version, Monte Carlo 4 keeps the charm of the siblings adding an upper deck half-way between a simple top and a sun bridge.

With the letter S Monte Carlo Yachts identifies the sportier versions of their refined motoryachts. The entry level is this MC 4S: it doesn’t feature a flybridge, but an opening top to give light and air to the main deck. Still, the upper bridge overhang hosts a raised solarium, hence the “demi-fly” definition.

The deck

My first approach to Monte Carlo 4S is at the pier in Palma de Mallorca harbor. Maybe the “sea green” hull, maybe the round porthole on the side, but the family feeling is immediate. Furthermore, “losing” the flybridge gives this version a sleeker look, even a more harmonious style: and let’s not forget that this is the smallest sibling in the Mote Carlo range, so keeping the family traits could have been a complex task. In the end, I think I prefer this 4S to the MC4 version with upper deck.

No news for the layout, except for the lack of cabin crew (not even the emerging markets require it in 12 meters) which allows for a roomier engine bay, where two Volvo Penta with IPS 500 perfectly fit. The back dinette features a folding table, and given the large sliding door and the galley located aft of the salon, this area is kinda center of gravity of the boat.

The staircase to the upper solarium is steep but large enough, although sunbathing up there is recommended only at anchor. The fore sun beds are safer in navigation, and even reaching them is safe. The passageways are well protected by tall guardrails, on the other hand they’re not that wide (just 25 cm, or 10 inches). Once there, the cushions are large, even larger by covering the center section which normally gives light to the cabin below.

Interiors

As mentioned before, it’s tough to feel a proper separation between outside and inside: not only for the wide opening door on the cockpit, but also for the sliding roof of the salon. The galley is located on the port side, to the back of the space, so it serves both the areas and further connects them. The TV pops up from a cabinet above the galley itself, while the table serves the dinette to starboard and can be enlarged by opening a tilting section.

The helm station is neat and ergonomic, with an ample windshield on the horizon and the possibility to open the top and feel almost outdoors.

The lower deck features two cabins: the owner amidships sports a center bed (not too wide: 155 cm or 61 in) and a sofa to starboard, with pretty good headroom (193 cm, 76 in) and a comfy heads with shower box. The two round portholes let the sunlight in and allow a beautiful sight just above the waterline. The guest cabin, to bow, has a double bed same width and another two portholes on the sides. The en-suite is comparable in size while the headroom is even higher (195 cm, 77 in). The quality of the finish and the colors of the joinery, fabrics and trim is pleasant and gives a positive feeling of construction care.

The test

First impression: the performance is not that sporty. I have the feeling that some extra power is needed, then again I wonder if this is the kind of boat for fast cruising. The sea outside Palma is calm but still long, dead waves remain from some bad weather in the days before. The top speed is just above 26 knots, even working with the trim tabs. So, we check the figures of the yard’s test, with calm sea and ideal conditions: top speed says 29 with a maximum fuel consumption of 156.7 liters per hour (41 US gal ph).

On the other hand, maneuverability is excellent, thanks to the IPS transmissions. Change of direction is not very sharp, but this is an electronic adjustment of the pods and in our case it’s a precise choice of Monte Carlo technicians. What is really good, especially for such a slow-cruising boat, is the impact on the waves, with no thuds ever. The minimum plane speed is not very low especially in terms of revs, being at 2300 rpm for 10.2 knots and 56 lph (14 US gal ph) or 4.8 liters per nautical mile. I find more convenient to keep a cruising pace at 3000 rpm; 17 knots 104 lph (27 US gal) and 5.4 liters per nm.

Given the excellent livability, the ample spaces onboard, the high level of comfort, it’s easy to consider the Monte Carlo 4S more of a “harbor boat”, but this would mean to be unfair to her excellent talent in navigation.

Technical features

Length overall 13,80 mt (45ft 3in)
Length hull LH 12,01 mt (39ft 5in)
Beam 4,09 mt (13 ft 5in)
Displacement 12023 Kg
Draft 1,15 mt (45in)
Engines 2×370 HP
Fuel 1100 lt (290 US gal)
Fresh water 400 lt (105 US gal)
Cabins 2
Berths 4+2
Passengers 12-14
CE certification B-C-D

Performance

Test conditions

Slight sea, temperature 8° C (64° F), clean hull, fuel 700 lt (184 US gal), no fresh water, passengers 5.

Indicative price and engines

Volvo Penta IPS500 2×370 HP€ 428.300 + VAT and transportation, w/ standard features