3000 Monaco

Considered by some to be a stylish boat when she was introduced in 1989, it’s fair to say that the Wellcraft 3000 Monaco is seriously dated by today’s sportboat standards. (Indeed, the Monaco wasn’t much to look at to begin with, and the so-so finish and inexpensive cabin furnishings make her even less appealing.) Built on a solid fiberglass hull with a relatively wide beam, the Monaco’s interior sleeps six—two in the (very) small mid-berth, two in the forward double berth, and two kids on the converted dinette. With no bulkheads, the interior is very spacious although the absence of natural lighting is notable. The Monaco’s galley gets high marks for its generous counter space and storage cabinets—a rarity in most express cruisers. Curtains separate the sleeping areas from the main cabin, and the aft cabin is arranged with facing settees. Topside, the bi-level cockpit includes an L-shaped settee opposite the helm and removable bench seating aft. Lacking side decks, a molded centerline step provides access to the Monaco’s walk-through windshield. Among several sterndrive options, twin 240hp Volvo gas engines cruise the 3000 Monaco in the low-to-mid 20s and reach a top speed of about 35 knots.