Stejcraft Monaco

The Monaco, roomy enough to seat an entire family, is designed as a general runabout for a lifestyle on the river, lake, or with its deep-vee hull, the open water, says its maker.

At the same time, it is set up and powered as a high-performance skiboat.

According to Stejcraft spokesman Sam Pagano, this approach has proved successful, with more than 30 already on the water.

Fitted with a 175hp outboard engine, the Monaco is priced at $39,600 and boasts a top speed of 90kmh, cruising at 48kmh. It is rated to carry outboards powered between 130-225hp. In sterndrive configuration, the Monaco is rated between 190-315hp.

The Victorian builder says part of the craft's success can be attributed to the marque's proud history in skiboat design, gained over more than a quarter of a century of boat building. Stejcraft has had a long relationship with the competitive ski circuit, including the Moomba Masters and the National titles.

Measuring 6.42m overall, with a 2.45m beam, the Monaco's hull is constructed using a five-stringer hull strengthening system, the company says.

The generous interior features twin back-to-back seats on the port side with a large storage locker underneath. The twin seats convert to a lay-down lounge. The bow section is fully upholstered and in addition to providing seating for at least three people, can be converted with infill to provide a large relaxation area or sunbed. A neat cover for the bow area can also be specified.

At the rear of the cockpit are twin quarter seats.

The interior is fully carpeted and padded using marine-grade materials.

The cockpit features a fully- adjustable driver's seat at the helm. A sports steering wheel is standard and the woodgrain dash is fitted with flush-mounted instruments including tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, voltage meter, tilt/trim gauge, hour meter and navigation light controls.

In addition, there's storage provided from a collection of pockets and bins, an underfloor locker large enough for skis/wakeboards or fishing gear and a huge glove/icebox in the dash. There are also additional touches such as multiple cupholders and recessed stereo speakers.

Other features of the Monaco include a bowsprit, with optional electric anchor winch, optional toilet in the bow, walk-through windscreen and a divided rear swim platform complete with a built-in telescopic ladder.