Beneteau Monte Carlo 5 Review (2014 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Monte Carlo MC5 carries a look that still feels distinct for a 50ft flybridge boat, with that one-piece windscreen, circular portholes and champagne painted hull giving it a slightly design-led edge that stood out when new and still reads clearly today. The cream gelcoat remains original and has been polished rather than replaced, while the covers were renewed around a year ago and the aft teak has been left in place.

A hi-lo bathing platform sits at the stern with a tender already positioned on it, so launch and recovery is straightforward, and it also gives an easy point of access from the water. Side decks run forward with a proper rail, which makes moving about feel secure enough, leading up to a foredeck that is set up in a simple, usable way with sun cushions, a large skylight feeding light into the cabin below, an opening hatch, and the anchor and windlass positioned right forward where you would expect them.

The cockpit flows into the saloon through bifold doors that open fully to the edges rather than stacking to one side, which makes a noticeable difference in how open the space feels when everything is pushed back. The table folds out to double its size, so it can handle proper dining when needed without taking up too much room the rest of the time.

Up on the flybridge, the layout is what you would hope for on a boat of this size, with a daybed next to the helm, a dining table, and a wet bar that includes a grill, sink, storage and bin, so it works well for long afternoons up there. Radar, sat dome, aerials and navigation gear are mounted aft, and there are covers available to enclose the space when required.

A large locker aft houses the liferaft, and beneath the cockpit there is a deep lazarette that turns out to be one of the more useful spaces on the boat, easily large enough for paddleboards, folding bikes and general kit, and importantly, it is simple to access and secure.

The main deck arrangement still works well, with the galley positioned aft so it connects directly to the cockpit, which makes it a sociable setup and an easy one to live with through the day. It also means whoever is using the galley stays part of what is going on outside rather than being tucked away.

Worktop space has been improved with a split lid over the sink, which allows the tap to remain usable while still giving extra surface area, and storage has been adjusted so crockery and glassware fit more neatly, which sounds minor but tends to make a difference over time. There are twin fridge units and an additional compartment that functions as either a freezer or ice maker.

The saloon itself has a lighter feel than you might expect from a boat of this era, helped by updated upholstery that replaces the original white leather with a softer fabric, along with new carpets and lighter finishes around the windows and cabinetry. A TV is hidden within the furniture and rises into position when needed, keeping the space clean when it is not in use.

Systems include a Fusion stereo with repeaters around the boat, diesel-fired Eberspacher heating, and air conditioning with controls found in the cabins. The windows have been removed and refitted at some stage to deal with leaks, which is worth noting as it is a common mid-life job on boats of this age.

The helm has Simrad displays, Volvo Penta instrumentation, IPS joystick, throttles, trim tabs and a bow thruster all set out in a logical way, and there is useful storage built into the dash area.

Owner's Cabin

The forward cabin acts as the owner’s space, and while the layout is largely unchanged, it remains a comfortable and practical cabin for a boat of this size. The bed is arranged in two sections rather than a scissor setup, and there is both an opening hatch overhead, circular portholes and a large fixed skylight, which together bring in a good amount of natural light.

The en suite doubles as the day head, with a toilet, sink and a shower that uses a rotating screen, and while it remains largely original, it is a layout that still functions well.

Guest Accommodation

Guest accommodation is arranged in a twin bunk cabin, which is currently being used for storage but clearly set up with two bunks. It is a compact space, as expected on a 50ft boat, but it does the job for occasional guests or family use.

Access to the engine room is through a large hatch in the cockpit, which takes a bit of effort to lift but rewards you with a wide opening once it is up, making the space easier to work in than some smaller hatches would allow.

Power comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 units, each around 435 horsepower, driving pod drives that bring the usual benefits in terms of manoeuvrability and ease of use, particularly when docking with the joystick control at the helm.

These engines have had full servicing along with work on intercoolers and aftercoolers, which goes beyond basic maintenance. In terms of performance, top speed sits in the high 20 knot range, around 28 knots, with a comfortable cruise at roughly 20 knots and a range of about 250 miles, which is typical for this type of boat.

The engine room also houses fuel tanks, dual fuel filters with changeover levers, a generator and a fire suppression system, along with some space for spares and general maintenance items.

Running costs fall in line with other 50ft flybridge boats with twin diesel engines, so fuel burn at a 20 knot cruise is what you would expect rather than anything out of the ordinary. This particular MC5 has undergone a refit where interior upholstery has been replaced, carpets are new, and sections of decking have been replanked where wear showed. Various trim elements such as leather edging, panels and linings have been refreshed, and darker finishes have been replaced with lighter materials to lift the interior.

The helm and flybridge trims have been repainted from gold to black, and the flybridge itself has new upholstery along with a refreshed table. Windows have been removed and refitted to deal with leaks, and storage in the galley and bar areas has been adjusted to better suit how the boat is used.

Looking at the market, YachtBuyer’s Market Watch data shows 12 Monte Carlo 5 models have appeared for sale over the past three years (2023-2026), which points to steady resale activity rather than a thin or stagnant market. These boats spend an average of 413 days on the market, which reflects a moderate turnover for a flybridge boat in this size bracket. Asking prices tend to hold firm, with an average adjustment of around 1.1% from the initial listing, which suggests values remain stable rather than drifting for this discontinued model.

Listings have been spread across the east coast of the United States and the West Mediterranean, so there is an active international market rather than one tied to a single region. As a reference point, this 2014 example was on the market at £456,000, which sits in line with expectations for the model and age.

The Monte Carlo MC5 offers a slightly different take on the 50ft flybridge format, with styling details that still give it a bit of identity rather than blending into the background. The layout works well, particularly the connection between cockpit and galley and the usability of the flybridge.

This example benefits from a series of practical updates that deal with wear and usability without changing the core character of the boat, leaving something that feels current enough while still clearly being what it was designed to be in the first place.