Monaro 255
Monaro Marine will soon become a household name east of the Rockies now they have appointed Pat Sturgeon Yachts as their Ontario-based dealer. Monaro’s high quality, semi- production build philosophy has stood the test of time for this Richmond, BC builder of wonderful cruising boats that are built to take rough seas and heavy water.
First impressions: it’s a perfect fit for the Pacific market, Georgian Bay and the Atlantic coasts and will have no trouble catching on in those markets.
Canadian owned and run for 30 years, Dan Parker’s family business, Monaro Marine, has built a solid reputation for building boats from 21 to 30 feet. The first boat, a 21-foot, deep V powerboat was the impetus for the Monaro focus on high quality, rough water style cruisers.
The Monaro 255 has the proven hull concept known by Monaro Yachts. With its fine entry and 20 degree deadrise, this boat ensures a dry ride, no matter what the sea conditions. The pleasing sheerline drops very slightly from bow to stern 
and the hull offers an easy walk around (from aft to bow), more than adequate for this size of boat. The 8-foot beam generates a ton of internal space and the unique and stylish cabin top provides 6+ feet of head room. The visibility quotient is high in this boat and helmsman and passenger alike will be amazed at how good a view they get through the large windows. Forward, the cuddy cabin deck hatch allows further forward access.
The Monaro crew have used hand-laid fibreglass with alternate layers of mat and 24 ounce roving for the hull. The outer skin is comprised of quality vinyl ester resin and ISO-NPG gelcoat. Bonded foam is also used to provide good sound insulation and buoyancy. The superstructure and deck are comprised of a fibreglass and balsa core configuration. Interior components are a single moulded piece for the sole and bunks using biaxial fibreglass made from two layers of unidirectional stands bonded together at 90 degrees. All these methods combined make a solid, dependable hull.
On board, accommodation is accessed through a neat folding bulkhead door that provides tons of storage and a 
full-length, double berth with more than adequate headroom at 6’8”. A neat shelving configuration is also available. The forward configuration allows for an easy install of a porta potty head which is a must for comfortable mixed day cruising adventures.
A neat touch is the integrated galley layout located just behind the swivel helm seat; when swung aft, it faces the starboard L-shaped galley and dinette area .The removable table is stored in the forward cabin when it’s not being used and is easily fastened on the port side ahead of the bench seat to create an adequate seating area. Storage, including an integrated utensil drawer, is more than ample with lager lockers under the galley’s Arborite counter and there is more storage aft in the cockpit sides.
The port passenger seat allows passengers to face forward or aft.
As mentioned earlier, the helm station offers tremendous visibility and the integrated foot rest on the forward bulkhead is well-placed. The high windows pay dividends here. Instrumentation is easily viewed and the steering station is 
comfortable. A window defogging system is a nice touch along a recessed side pocket storage place. The controls are placed perfectly next to the seat in a recessed pocket. Monaro has also designed a functional and flexible layout for the dash configuration and the addition of extra navigational tools and electronics can be accommodated easily.
Forward, the anchor locker and its integrated anchor bow placement leaves a lot of room for extra storage for lines, etc.
Powered by a 220 HP Volvo I/O, the boat has a reputation for easy handling in rough seas and is known to have a solid and safe feeling with the ability to plane level at very low speeds.
To see if this boat is available, go to http://www.boatcan.com to check listings.
By John Kerr
