Stejcraft Monaco 640 & 610 Review – Peter Kaye 2017

It doesn’t take long to learn that a Stejcraft review means an awesome experience on the water and the 610 and 640 Monaco models lived up to that expectation. Both boats were immaculately presented and both gained a lot of public attention at the ramp before and after the review.

These boats don’t just pop up by accident, they evolve over many years – well, 46 years in this case. Built by second generation boat builder Tim Catanese on the Gold Coast, these boats, whilst extremely beautiful looking, have much, much more to them. Features on the boat work and work well, and they quite often have a dual purpose.

The way these boats have evolved make them a perfect crossover option. Cruising the bay with family and friends one day, offshore fishing the next. They can be optioned up to favour family or fishing or both.

The hull release design is pivotal in getting these glass boats on the plane effortlessly and their rugged construction makes them suitable for offshore use. They are completely timber free.

Flat floors throughout make moving around the boat effortless and also make for easy cleaning. Moveable rear seating gives the owner a variety of configurations to suit your requirements and the seat bases double as handy storage bins.

Entry and exit through the bow hatch is effortless, courtesy of thoughtful design. The hatch also allows great access to the anchor well where everything including cleats is stowed, leaving a lovely clean bow.

Cabin seating converts to a bed for the overnighter and cabins have a toilet cleverly concealed. There is plenty of storage under the seats/bed and in the side pockets.

LED lighting comes standard in the cabin and cockpit and looks quite luxurious as well. Cockpits are fitted with multiple side storage pockets that are quite spacious and cleverly lit for night outings. Foam Ocean Grip flooring is the floor of preference being selected by 95% of the customers, this adds to the sharp looking finish.

Initially I didn’t feel comfortable standing behind the wheel as the seat height felt too low to lean against. However this was not a problem as the seats are on a U-frame construction and come fully adjustable to suit your desired position. The U-frame also provides storage for the rear seating, esky or fridge.

The list of smart features goes on and on and is a direct result of the Catanese family’s love of fishing and boating over 2 generations.

STEJCRAFT 640 MONACO

The flagship in the range, the 640, is designed as a deluxe overnighter. This test boat was set up with the family in mind. Perfectly suited for a weekend away, a night cruise or a day on the water with a family or two. Alternatively, strip out the luxury items and she is ready for fishing.

The 640 cabin has a little more headroom than the 610. The insect screen and canvas flap can be zipped closed for the overnighters. The cockpit is fully enclosed with bimini and full clears around the boat. The clears can be fully or partially removed to suit your needs or weather conditions.

Glass screens wrap the cockpit with a small sliver of removable clear vinyl between screen and bimini. The dash is blacked out to prevent unwanted reflection on the glass screen. Smartcraft gauges, Simrad sounder and high quality switches give an automotive feel to the dash. Sound system controls are positioned in front of the passenger.

A 60 litre bladder provides fresh water for a sink and shower. The sink is revealed when the front passenger seat is folded down. Folded away, it forms the seat pedestal base. The shower is on the transom behind a hatch.

Surprisingly, there are no warning stickers for the supercharged Mercury Verado 200 horsepower outboard. At the very least, passengers should be told to hang on before the throttle is fully engaged. Giving it full throttle on take-off gives you virtually no holeshot, pushing you back into the plush seats and propelling the 640 Monaco to 80kph in no time.

When fitted with the Mercury active trim as this one was, anybody can drive this boat. Active trim is like automatic transmission in your car, trimming the motor for you as you accelerate and decelerate. Quite impressive really, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water with the family.

STEJCRAFT 610 MONACO

Slightly smaller than the 640, this boat has been optioned up more for the fisherman in mind –

cuddly cab style with no door or screen to the cabin, although a screen can be added if desired for “overnighting”.

Smartcraft gauges, switches and compass are all that were on the test boat dash. There was ample room for a large flush mount sounder and accessories. Once again, the passenger has the sound system controls in front of them.

The cockpit has the standard 5 piece glass screen, with a sturdy, sharp looking bimini above.

There is no sink under the passenger seat. Instead, both front seats are on the fully adjustable U-frame pedestals, which would accommodate a large esky and tackle boxes, etc.

This one also has the Ocean Grip flooring which looks smart and is really user friendly when it comes to cleaning up after a bloody fishing trip. The deck has been designed for easy cleaning.

Although the rear seat pods come as standard, once removed they leave the padded backrest on the inside of the gunnels. This is another example of smart dual usage as it doubles as padded bracing for the upper thighs whilst buckled over fighting that fish of a lifetime.

The transom has a stainless encrusted bait board that looks good and is useful as well.

Attached are 4 rod holders and tool caddies on either side. One side of the transom has a removable door to access the duckboard and stainless ladder, the other side has a well suitable for live bait.

The outboard on this is the Mercury 135 and whilst it is probably a little more sensible than the Verado it certainly gets the 610 Monaco moving quite easily.

For a full list of specifications and options contact Jeremy at North Coast Boating or visit their website www.northcoastboating.com.au