Monte Carlo stays in the path of the S range, with a small sun bridge without helm station. On the %S, the area is full of features anyway.
More than on the 4S, on the Monte Carlo 5S the upper deck is well articulated: not only a solarium, but a proper living area with transformable dinette and space for a wet bar. In the end, the only missing feature is the pilot station, but the indoor one has a large sliding roof above so to feel open air even when at helm. The aforementioned roof is in fiberglass, and a handy shade can protect from the sun light still letting the air to flow.
The layout sticks to the one seen on Monte Carlo 5: a broad sliding door creates a unique space of the cockpit and the salon, while the complete galley located to aft is the perfect trait d’union between the two areas. The only detail out of position is the refrigerator, which consists of two large drawers on the opposite, starboard side. The large front windshield gives a nice view on the sea to front and allows sunlight to get in.
By a safe companionway we gain access to the three cabins. The master, full-beam room is amidships. The center bed is not properly king size (just 155 cm wide), but there’s two small couches on both sides right by the portholes. The reason why one of the two sofas has not been replaced by a vanity corner / office is unknown, but probably lays in the headroom which is a good 195 cm by the entrance but lowers down quickly towards the sides. The closets are well sized, though. Well sized indeed is also the en-suite, despite the access door interferes with the cabin one so the former can be opened only when the latter is closed.
“VIP” guests will use the fore cabin, with traditional double bed and heads with separate, rounded shower box. The same heads serves also the third cabin with two properly sized bunk beds. The rest relies on the quality of materials and finishing, combined by a refined taste allover the interiors.
The test of Monte Carlo 5S
There’s a tedious swell outside Palma de Mallorca, but this Monte Carlo 5S seems not be impressed at all. Only when crossing our wake the hull is a bit noisy and rough, without ever smashing though. The handling is very secure in any condition, even crossing wakes when heeled on one side. As sometimes happens with IPS, the turnig radius is larger than expected (and by far than what is possible): provided it’s just a matter of tuning the electronics, I frequently wonder the need to have an extremely sharp turn when boater will never feel the need of that. What counts, and what I double check, is the responsiveness of the rudders to the inputs on the wheel, and the prompt reaction means a safe and direct handling.
The top speed just shy of 30 knots is high enough, in addition the 5S is not very reactive to trim tabs so there’s no better setup than the neutral. The minimum planing pace is 13.9 knots, at 1900 rpm, with a fuel need of 63 liters per hour or, in a more significant figure, 4.5 liters per nautic mile. Final good mark goes to visibility, as the large windows and correct position of the pilothouse allow to maneuver safely with good view all around.
Technical features
Length overall 15,10 mt (49ft 6in)
Length hull LH 13,25 mt (43ft 5in)
Beam 4,32 mt (14ft 2in)
Displacement 15154 Kg
Draught 1,27 mt (50 in)
Engines 2×435 HP
Fuel reserve 1300 lt (343 US gal)
Fresh water reserve 660 lt (174 US gal)
Cabins 3
Berths 6
Passengers 14-16
CE design category B-C-D
Performance
Test conditions
Moderate sea, temperature 18° C (64° F), clean hull, fuel 750 lt (198 US gal), water 600 lt (158 US gal), passengers 6
Indicative price
With Volvo Penta IPS600 2×435 HP€ 520.000 + VAT, transportation and options
