60'-70’ Motoryachts: We Compare 6 Flybridge Motoryachts

While similar in some respects -- for example, all have full-beam master staterooms -- these six yachts differ substantially in other ways. Read on, and good luck making your choice: All these boats have a lot to offer.

The Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht is the shortest boat in this sextet, but only the longest one of the six -- the Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht -- is beamier: The 60 MY is 18’2” (5.53 m) wide, the most in her class. At that beam measurement speaks volumes – it means more room both above and below decks, and more comfort underway: A beamier boat is generally heavier, more stable, and rides easier at seaway. With 1,200-gal. fuel capacity, she's long-legged enough for serious cruising at displacement speeds. where fuel docks are far apart.

The Monte Carlo 65 is built with Kevlar and carbon fiber to save weight -- she's the lightest boat of the six -- which means she requires less horsepower than the others to maintain a cruise speed in the mid-20-knot range. She has two main-deck layouts -- galley forward or aft -- and has accommodations for two crew aft of the engines. If you don't have crew, your kids will love this cabin.

Sea Ray's L650 Fly is the first Sea Ray built to CE Category A, Ocean, standards, meaning she's engineered to operate in 4-meter-high seas and Beaufort Force 8 winds. Most of us prefer calmer conditions, but when cruising offshore, sometimes weather happens, and you want a boat that can handle it. The L650 Fly's standard equipment includes twin gyro stabilizers to keep her steady both underway and at rest, and a 27.5-kW genset to provide plenty of juice at anchor.

The Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution carries twin 900-hp Volvo Penta IPS1200 pod drives. While pod drives are common in smaller yachts, boats this size and weight usually need more horsepower than many pods can usually handle. Ocean Alexander has carefully engineered the 70 Evolution to minimize weight so she can perform well with the efficient, convenient IPS system. She comes equipped with a hydraulic swim platform, a flying bridge hardtop and stabilizers.

The Monte Carlo 70 has a galley-down option, ideal for the owner who carries professional crew: While preparing food, the cook is separated from the owner's party on the main deck, a more comfortable arrangement in most formal situations. But a galley-up layout is also available for those who want a more relaxed ambiance. A 3- or 4-stateroom layout plan can be chosen, as well. All layouts have crew accommodations for two, abaft the engines.

The Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht is a mini-megayacht, with enough fuel capacity (2,000 gal.) to make long open-sea passages when throttled back. In a hurry? Crank up the twin 1,600-hp Cat diesels and cruise in the mid-20-knot range, or even faster with optional 1,900-hp MTUs. You'll lose range, and burn a lot more fuel, but if time is money, it's worth it. Propeller tunnels reduce draft, so you can cruise in thin water with less concern -- ideal for, say, the Bahamas.

Despite their differences, any of these yachts will make your marina neighbors sea-green with envy. You just have to decide which one is right for you. As always, don’t hesitate to drop BoatTEST a note if you have a question.

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