Captain Steve Larivee--

Mission Statement

The mission of the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 is to provide world-class cruising on a level of luxury and style comparable to much larger yachts. She is primarily designed to accommodate the family and (fortunate) friends of an owner/operator, but recognizing that many owners of yachts this size have little desire for cleaning, polishing and changing oil, the design will provide separate accommodations for a crew of two. Because she is 65' she can also be an owner/operator vessel and then her crew quarters may be used as another guest cabin.



The Monte Carlo Yachts 65 carries the same sweeping sheer line and hull side portlight design of the 76.

Distinguishing Features

Here are some of the features that separate the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 from others in class --

• Designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard. This is the same design team that created the award-winning Monte Carlo Yachts 76 and it has given the 65 a look that is masculine in seagoing style, while maintaining graceful curves and beauty that can only be defined as Italian.

• Relatively Small Engines. The twin MAN V8 engines are offered in either 1000-hp or 1200-hp configurations. According to the builder, the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 will reach a maximum speed of 31 kn.



The Monte Carlo Yachts 65 is not just another pretty motoryacht, she has lots of practical design thinking built into her that should make her successful in the long haul.

• Ease of Operation Thanks to the Joystick. The MCY 65 can be maneuvered easily with a joystick offered as an option which is unusual in this size boat. This eliminates any concern about being able to handle the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 in close confines for owner/operators. Additional operational parameters, such as trim, are designed to self correct automatically throughout the entire performance range of the 65.

• Lighter Weight than Most in Class. Because Monte Carlo Yachts engineers have carefully managed the weight of the 65 by using Kevlar in the hull bottom, carbon fiber in the hardtop, relatively light MAN V8 engines, and cored bulkheads doors and cabinetry where possible, she weighs 61,729 lbs. dry (28,058 kgs.).

• Hardtop for the Flying Bridge. Another departure for a European builder is to design the boat as standard with a hardtop, unlike most boats in class, which consider the flying bridge more a sunning area with a helm for convenience. Further, the hardtop is made with super lightweight carbon fibers which keeps the boat's CG low without added ballasting. European designers have eschewed hardtops on most flying bridges in motoryachts of this size because they feel it negatively affects the graceful, sleek lines of the yacht. Monte Carlo Yachts has mitigated this consideration by making both the top and the supports black. We whole-heartedly applaud the builder's approach to this subject as it makes the boat more practical and livable.

• Relatively Shallow Draft. Her relatively light weight combined with her long water length and 17' (5.2 m) beam permit her to draw only 4'4" (1.32 m), which places her firmly on the shoal side in class where some yachts draw a foot more.

• Galley Aft in an Italian Yacht. Traditionally, motoryachts of this size have had their galleys forward if on the main deck, or below in many European-built vessels. Monte Carlo Yachts has decided to capitalize on one of the newest trends in yacht design, and that is to put the galley on the main deck and aft. This is an important departure for a European builder and one that takes some amount of courage. This design creates what is essentially a "country kitchen" arrangement with the settee and table opposite the galley. With glass doors that open completely to the aft cockpit, the galley can be joined with the big table located there. With the aft doors open, a unique huge area is available for parties.

• Optional Lower Helm Door to Side Deck. In flush deck motoryachts of this type -- particularly in Euro designs -- we often do not see side doors adjacent to the helm. They are absolutely necessary for handling the boat short-handed, something that both owner/operators will appreciate, along with a delivery crew.

Performance Numbers

With a pair of MAN 1200 engines powering our test boat we reached a top speed at 2350 rpm of 29.7 kn. At that speed fuel burn was 120 gallons per hour giving us a range of 206 nautical miles.



The MCY 65 cuts a stunning profile as she makes her way towards open water. The large hullside windows are adding light and scenery to the master stateroom. Note how far back in the hull the master stateroom is.

With a boat of this size and displacement, there really is no "best” cruise but rather cruise performance is a determination between the desired speed and the desired range. For example, range is improved nearly 50% when reducing speed from 11.7 kn to 10 kn. One simply decides whether to go fast or far with the two characteristics being mutually exclusive.

Personally, I found the 65 to be most comfortable at 1750 rpm and 20 kn where we had an impressive fuel burn of only 60 gph and an endurance of nearly 14 hours, translating to a range of 279 miles, all while still maintaining a 10% reserve.

On the other hand, I know motoryacht owners who quite happily cruise along at the 10 knots. In the case of the MCY 65, at that speed they would get .85 nmpg and have a range of 614 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve. That is an impressive range at a decent speed.

Handling Characteristics

After spending a considerable amount of time on sea trials aboard the Monte Carlo 76 I had high expectations of the handling characteristics that the smaller 65 would present, and I was not disappointed. One major difference was where the 76 was powered by ZF 4000 pods, the 65 is only offered with straight shafts and rudders.

With that said, lest a future owner/operator be concerned about his/her ability to handle a yacht of this size and caliber with twin shafts, joystick maneuverability is offered by way of the Xenta (pronounced Zenta) joystick that combines the two propellers with bow and stern thrusters to provide complete joystick maneuverability at the dock. On our test boat the system functioned flawlessly.

Underway

Xenta Joystick

Once the lines were cast off, a gentle nudge on the joystick had us easing forward out of our slip, the emphasis on that maneuver being a "gentle" nudge. This joystick has an extremely light sensitivity and it does not take a heavy hand to move this 77,000 lbs. (34,926 kgs.) plus yacht on its way.

Once clear of the dock I reverted to the ZF throttles that had us cruising at a minimum speed of 6 kn. Trolling valves are offered as an option with the ZF transmissions but they were not fitted on our test boat and trolling valves should not be used for docking anyway. While some may consider that a fast idle speed, I have found it to be typical in this size yacht. To go slower just take the props in and out of gear.



At planing speed she cuts cleanly through the water and has a solid feel throughout her ride.

Towards Open Water

As we approached the inlet, the light chop rolling through seemed to have little effect on the muscle of the MCY 65 as I started advancing the throttles. It was at this point, that the true joy of operating this luxurious yacht came to light as we immediately began overtaking the rest of the yachts around us - and all eyes were on us. Once out into open water, I proceeded to get as heavy handed as I could to try and bring out the worst of what the MCY 65 had to offer.

As it turns out, her worst seems to exceed some other yacht’s best handling characteristics. She comes up on plane from a flat attitude with no bow rise and really starts to accelerate once the turbochargers of the MAN 1200 engines kick in. We reached planing speed at 12.5 seconds and continued accelerating to 30 mph in 14.7 seconds. At full speed she will complete a 360-degree turn in approximately 70 seconds while taking up sea room equivalent to roughly four boat lengths. At 20 kn she'll come around in half that time and half that distance. During turns, her maximum bank angle was 16-degrees.

Sea Keeping Ability

We had virtually no wind during our tests, but once completed Mother Nature kindly obliged with a 10 to 15 mph wind giving us a little bit of a chop to add to my observations.

At speed the MCY 65 is designed to throw water away from her hull, but the prevailing wind managed to pick it up on occasion and toss some spray into the lower windshields. Bringing her around 180-degrees in order to pass through our wake to see just how much water she throws and it was impressive how cleanly she cut through these waves without jarring the yacht. She easily gives the impression that she can handle so much more, only I didn't have more to give.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

On our way back into the inlet I let the combined 2400 horses do their thing again as we overtook every other yacht coming in. On nearing our slip, that 6 kn minimum speed was completely negated by bringing the controls to neutral and turning on the joystick. The Xenta maneuvering system took over for our final approach to the dock. The joystick allowed gentle, well-controlled boat movements that anyone is capable of, which bodes well for this yacht, as she is clearly designed to be an owner/operator vessel.

Features Highlights

Flying Bridge



The flying bridge is accessible by a stairway from the aft deck removing any concern of having to take up space in the sizable saloon for an additional stairway.

The flying bridge offers what will probably be the most popular gathering area while the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 is underway, at anchor or even at the dock. A starboard mounted helm sits ahead of a double wide helm seat with a sun lounge to port. A U-shaped settee lies just abaft with a refrigerator, ice-maker, sink and barbecue unit lying behind the base of the carbon fiber radar mast.

There is space to either side of the outdoor galley for additional lounge chairs. This arrangement allows for the most efficient use of space in the flying bridge and the entire area is shaded with a sizable carbon fiber hardtop, the center of which is fabric that retracts to allow the sun to shine through, when desired.



Teak decking runs the entire length of the flying bridge including the raised helm platform. Notice the clear hatch over the companionway which allows viewing of the port quarter from the helm, even in the closed position. The hardtop supports are elongated to allow for strength while minimizing the impact on visibility.



The carbon fiber top has courtesy lighting that cycles through colors for day and night operation. The center retractable fabric section is controlled by a switch at the helm.

The flying bridge area was designed to remain exposed to the elements. I shudder at the thought of this beautiful yacht coming to the American market with an owner deciding to completely destroy the beautiful exterior aesthetics by enclosing the flying bridge in isinglass (but not everyone will agree with me on this point.) As if to assuage such concerns, the design team at Monte Carlo Yachts has included an efficiently outfitted lower helm as standard.

Main Deck

Exterior

The stern of the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 is highlighted by the sizable swim platform with a standard hydraulic platform. This will allow the platform to accommodate a tender, or pair of PWCs, or even serve as the much enjoyed "teak beach". The cockpit is accessed via stairways to either port or starboard, one of which can accommodate an optional passerelle.



The aft cockpit is protected by the extended overhead of the flying bridge. Overhead supports have tinted glass to maximize visibility while reducing wind coming from the sides.

The aft deck outdoor gathering area is well-protected from the extended overhead of the flying bridge. Windage is reduced by the overhead supports to the outside of the side decks, and these supports have tinted glass inserts to lessen an obstruction of the waterfront view. An aft sofa is in a fixed position and five movable deck chairs lay opposite a teak dining table allowing eight to be seated comfortably for al fresco dining.

Enclosure Possible. Because the overhead extends back to the transom, this whole aft deck can be enclosed for three season boating. This is an important consideration, particularly given the propensity of cold fronts to blast through many areas of the world even in the summer.



Operationally, there are dual warping winches to either side of the cockpit and the teak railing with stainless grab rail curves around the quarters, above stainless steel rollers to pass dock lines through.

Crew quarters are accessed through a door in the transom, and they're accommodating enough to serve as additional guest space with an en suite head. The high quality of finishing is unusual in the crew quarters for this size of yacht.

Optional controls on the aft deck will serve as a convenient location for backing into a slip or med mooring.

One Stairway Up. To the port hand side of the aft deck are the only stairs leading to the flying bridge. I find this arrangement to be perfectly acceptable as, thanks to the well laid out lower helm station, the flying bridge will only be used when the weather is nice, and this also eliminates an interior stairway taking up much needed usable space in the saloon.

Roomy side decks to both port and starboard allow the entire length of the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 to be transited without ever having to enter the living areas. Both owners and crew (if any) will appreciate this practical and traditional design.



Notice the hull side portlights and windows that have now become a trademark feature of Monte Carlo Yachts. The stainless grab rails make a perfect transition to matching stainless cleats.

The side decks converge around the forward part of the superstructure in a Portuguese bridge with an opening to the center that continues to the bow between two sun lounges.



The sun lounges are configured so sun bathers can choose to sit or lay out in multiple positions. At the bow, there is no pulpit and the working area is elevated to allow the crew to work lines and ground tackle from a standing position. The deck is all on a single level with the Portuguese bridge and storage compartments located between the sun lounges. Note that the anchor is kept off the deck.



Pop-up lights and deck level courtesy lights add to the nighttime ambience of the foredeck. The arrow points to one of the sockets that will accommodate an elegant sun shade over the bow area.

Saloon Deck

Galley and Dinette



The saloon deck features three distinct gathering areas flanking an aft galley in the middle of it all. The lower helm is located forward and to the starboard side and features, as an option, a side door leading directly to the outside deck.

The concept of continuity between inside and outside continues with the Monte Carlo Yachts 65, just as seen in the 76. Triple opening glass doors allow a seamless transition between the aft cockpit to the inside. The galley aft and to port features a full range of full sized appliances and serves as a central service access point for both the interior and exterior dining areas.

To starboard is an L-shaped sofa and a table being custom-designed to allow for effortless passage to the forward saloon and expanding to allow dining for six/eight.



The aft galley is centrally located to the gathering areas and features full-size appliances as well as ample ventilation and natural light. Note the full-size stand-up refrigerator/freezer.



A view looking forward from the door to the aft deck.



This picture of the saloon facing aft highlights the seamless transition between the inside and outside.

Saloon and Helm

Moving forward, a single step up transitions to the forward saloon area with a C-shaped sofa within close proximity to the helm. To the starboard side is a well-equipped helm that may be thought of as the primary operational station, due to the completeness of its layout and level of equipment and functionality.

Visibility from this lower station might be the best in class and a design element reminiscent of much larger yachts is present… an optional weather door to the side deck.



The port side sofa provides an intimate gathering area in close proximity to the helm, allowing the owner/operator to be well involved in the gathering while underway.



This lower helm station was certainly not created as an afterthought. The dual displays will allow not only navigation but an in-depth snapshot of all the ships’ mechanical and electrical systems. Notice how the displays remain low enough to not interfere with visibility at the bottom of the windshield. This is a good design and a bit unusual.

Accommodations Deck



Accommodations layout of the Monte Carlo Yachts 65. Note that each stateroom has an en suite head.

The Monte Carlo Yachts 65 continues the same tradition as her larger sister for spending the days above decks and nights below. A three stateroom layout accommodates the owners and two other couples or a family. All staterooms have en suite heads and surround a central foyer bathed in natural light.



Walnut and gray oak are complemented by brown and gray leather inserts and fabrics are from Armani Casa and Rubelli. The full beam master gets the full treatment of the larger hull side windows and a settee to the starboard side allows you to lounge in privacy with a waterfront view.



A vanity lies adjacent to the master stateroom entry. To the left, note the leather wrapped handrail.



Opposite the vanity is the head featuring dual travertine stone sinks and decking as well as natural light from additional hull side windows.



The travertine stone decking continues into the shower that is surrounded by ceramic tile.



Indirect lighting comes from above the overhead vents and behind the headboard panels. We'd like to see additional storage cabinets occupying the space above the opening portlights.



The VIP en suite head features a rain-type showerhead and sitting platform for use while underway. With the single basin sink on top of the travertine stone counter, more storage space is opened up in the cabinet below.



The guest stateroom features twin berths and dual opening portlights.



The guest en suite features a shower with a rounded sliding door that creates a much more efficient use of space. The portlight opens.

Engine Room and Crew Quarters

The Monte Carlo Yachts 65 engine room is as much a study of elegance and functionality as the rest of the yacht itself. The machinery space is gleaming white with a surgical look to it. With 5'10" (1.77 m) of headroom, the compartment is clearly designed for working as well as housing the twin MAN diesel engines. Owners can choose between 1000-hp and 1200-hp engines.



As you can see, the engines are relatively small for such a large motoryacht. This, we predict, will be one of the secrets to this boat's success. No one likes to spend more money on fuel than necessary.

Heavy stainless steel rails around the engines and to the port side seamlessly blend into the access ladder to the overhead hatch which opens to the aft deck. Additional access to the engine room is via a watertight aft hatch, something not found on many 65' boats. The generator is at the aft bulkhead, fuel tanks are to either side of the compartment with twin filters attached to each tank allowing for change out on the fly.



The crew's quarters feature twin berths with head, storages and separate climate control.

Observations

For those who were longing for the Monte Carlo Yachts 76 but found her just a little too big for their liking, or budget, the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 will serve to fill a gap that will make the brand accessible to a wider audience. And, essentially, the 65 has all of the functionality of her larger sister, and certainly has the same good looks.

Owner/operator. Regular readers know that we think large yachts such as this should be owner/operated and the builder has done everything possible to make that a cinch. The optional lower helm weather deck door makes it easy for the skipper to pop out on the side deck to handle lines. The optional joystick will also make docking easier.

Propulsion System. There are a number of motoryachts on the market in this size range but I think the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 stands apart for several reasons. First, as mentioned, are her stunning good looks that we think will age very gracefully. Second, she has one of the most efficient propulsion systems we've seen in class. Because she is relatively lightweight with low horsepower engines she should excel at performance at reasonable speeds. That not only makes her less expensive to buy, but also less costly to operate.

Reduced Depreciation. It occurs to me that the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 might also render other motoryachts of the same size which are heavier, have much bigger engines and can go faster obsolete, or nearly so. Where there was once a craze to go 40 knots in a motoryacht, I think the bloom may well be off that lily. Cruising at 20 to 24 knots is fast enough for me, in fact, I am quite used to 20 knots, so that will make operation of the 65 even more advantageous. If I am right, then in the future people will be looking for economical boats to operate -- even in the rarified air of multi-million dollar yachts. And if that happens, then a boat such as the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 should be a hot ticket on the used boat market.

• Top speed for the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 (2012-) is 34.2 mph (55 kph), burning 120.00 gallons per hour (gph) or 454.2 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Monte Carlo Yachts 65 (2012-) is 23.1 mph (37.2 kph), and the boat gets 0.39 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.17 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 320 miles (514.99 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 1200-hp MAN V8.