California 6.60 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the California 6.60 begins in 1982, with its production run extending until 1987. It emerged during a transformative period for Beneteau, as the company, under the guidance of Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons André and François, fully embraced fiberglass construction. This shift allowed for more efficient production and lighter hulls, aligning with Beneteau's broader philosophy of democratizing sailing and expanding beyond traditional fishing fleets. The California 6.60 was conceived by André Bénéteau as a modern successor to popular earlier models like the "Forban" and "Baroudeur", aiming to modernize the traditional fishing boat while incorporating capabilities for leisure sailing.

The design of the California 6.60 features a raked stem, a vertical transom, and a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller. Notably, the boat was offered with two keel configurations: a fixed long keel, or an optional twin bilge keel version. The bilge keel option, with a shallower draft of approximately 2.3 feet compared to the long keel's 2.95 feet, provided the flexibility for owners to dry out the boat, a desirable feature for certain coastal environments. This adaptability underscored its design as a simple, economical, and seaworthy vessel well-suited for coastal endeavors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Beneteau California 6.60 is described as a pleasant sailing boat that performs well and is sensitive at the helm. Its modern hull, combined with a thoughtfully designed sail plan, contributes to a lively and enjoyable sailing experience. With a length overall of 21.65 feet and a reported sail area of 227 square feet, it carries enough canvas to propel its 3,527 pounds of displacement effectively in lighter conditions.

The choice between the long keel and bilge keel versions would influence its handling characteristics. The fixed long keel, providing a deeper draft, would typically offer better directional stability and improved upwind performance, making it a good tracker. The optional twin bilge keels, while allowing for shallower water access and the ability to stand upright on drying moorings, might exhibit slightly less pointing ability or increased leeway compared to its long-keel counterpart. However, for its intended use as a coastal cruiser and fishing boat, both configurations offer a robust and predictable sailing platform.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Beneteau California 6.60 is not extensively detailed in general online resources, suggesting a more utilitarian and open arrangement typical of boats of its size and purpose from that era. Given its primary role as a coastal fishing and sailing vessel, the interior would likely prioritize functionality and basic shelter over extensive cruising amenities.

Based on its dimensions (21.65 ft LOA, 8.2 ft beam) and design philosophy, the accommodations would be modest. It's plausible that the interior features a basic V-berth forward for sleeping, possibly with minimal storage space. A small, spartan cockpit is noted, suitable for fishing activities. Any galley or head facilities would be very rudimentary, likely portable or integrated into a simple, open cabin space. The focus would have been on maximizing usable space for equipment and maneuverability, rather than luxurious living, aligning with its design as a simple and economical vessel for coastal adventures and fishing.