We have already tested the hull of the Bénéteau Monte Carlo 37 (see BOOTE 10/07). Now the same concept is being put to the test on the smaller Monte Carlo 32 open. Following the design principle, the underwater hull of the Monte Carlo 32 is moulded in the style of a conventional deep-V hull up to about halfway, then the modification follows. Two stainless steel scoops installed on the side of the hull above the waterline allow the hull to draw air under the rear part of the boat floor via hoses and a laminated pipe system. This creates a kind of air cushion on which the boat ultimately sails. A transverse step in the boat floor and lateral guides prevent this air from escaping sideways.
Bénéteau calls this an "air-step underwater hull". The aim is to reduce water resistance and thus be faster and more economical to drive compared to conventional V-hulls with the same engine power - or to achieve similar driving values with smaller engines as with larger ones. We can't yet say whether this is really the case due to a lack of comparison, but it sounds logical.
The fact that the shipyard skipped the rounding and sealing of the GRP cut edges for cost reasons is just as unpleasant as the protruding screw ends in the engine compartment or the unprotected tube from the cockpit table in the engine compartment lid. It is acceptable that only the interior of the hull is coated with a protective colour and that the deck is not, especially as the hull is fitted with an inner shell in the underwater area.
In the visible area, the shipyard has no weaknesses in the technical and electrical installations. You only notice them when you look at the bulkhead openings, where cables and hoses rub against unprotected cut edges. The woodwork in the living area, on the other hand, is very pleasing.
The entire plastic outer skin, where high-gloss and cleanly finished gelcoat protects the laminate underneath everywhere, also remains without complaint
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