Sailing Performance & Handling
The California 6.60 is characterized by its stability and predictable handling rather than blistering speed. Built with a fractional sloop rig and a generous 227 square feet of sail area, the boat is designed to be "sensitive at the helm," according to official Beneteau specifications. With a displacement of 3,527 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 25%, it sits firmly in the category of a medium-weight cruiser. This weight, combined with its long keel (or optional twin bilge keels), provides a motion comfort levels often absent in modern lightweight daysailers of this length.
Under power, the 6.60 was typically fitted with a 18 hp Yanmar diesel inboard or an outboard motor. While its theoretical hull speed is roughly 5.7 knots, the boat tracks exceptionally well in coastal chops, a trait inherited from its fishing-trawler lineage. The long keel version offers a draft of 2.95 feet, making it suitable for exploring shallow estuaries, while the bilge keel variant allows the vessel to dry out upright—a popular feature for sailors in regions with high tidal ranges like the Brittany coast.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its modest length, the California 6.60 offers a surprisingly functional "habitable layout" for a vessel of the early 1980s. The interior is designed to accommodate four people, featuring a double V-berth in the forward cabin and a saloon table that drops down to form a second double berth. The galley is a minimalist, straight-line configuration on the port side, typically equipped with a single-burner stove and a small sink connected to a 50-liter freshwater tank.
A notable feature for a boat of this size is the enclosed head, located just aft of the bow cabin. The use of molded fiberglass for the interior grid was an early hallmark of Beneteau’s industrial efficiency, resulting in an easy-to-clean cabin that stands up well to the moisture inherent in "pêche-promenade" use. The California 6.60 was part of a broader family of siblings, including the smaller California 4.70, 5.20, and 5.50, though the 6.60 was the most substantial in the range, offering the "cruise option" luxury of a decorated cabin compared to the more spartan Sunday 6.60 motorboat variant.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a California 6.60 should focus their inspection on the structural and material longevity common to French production boats of the mid-1980s.
- Gelcoat Integrity: Like many Beneteaus from this era, the 6.60 is prone to "spider" cracks in the gelcoat, particularly around high-stress areas like the stanchion bases, cleat mounts, and the cockpit sole. While often cosmetic, deep crazing may indicate a soft deck core.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: On the long keel version, the joint should be inspected for the "smile" gap that can develop if the keel bolts have not been torqued to spec or if the boat has suffered a significant grounding.
- Window Seals: The fixed plexiglass windows in the cabin are a common source of leaks. Over forty years, the original bedding compounds often dry out and fail, leading to moisture damage in the interior woodwork.
- Engine Maintenance: For units equipped with the original Yanmar 18hp inboard, check for exhaust elbow clogging and motor mount degradation. Access to the engine can be tight, leading some previous owners to neglect the aft seals.
- Osmosis: While Beneteau’s hulls are generally robust, boats from the 1980s were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. A haul-out inspection for osmotic blistering is mandatory.
Community & Resources
As a "heritage" model, the California 6.60 is supported by the broader Beneteau community. Technical drawings and historical brochures can often be found through the Beneteau Group’s official archives. Owners frequently congregate in regional French sailing associations or the Beneteau Owners Association, which provides a wealth of shared knowledge on DIY repairs and modernizing the electrical systems of these vintage hulls.
The Verdict
The Beneteau California 6.60 is a sturdy, characterful crossover that appeals to the traditionalist who wants a sailboat that handles like a small ship. It is not a boat for those seeking the latest in ergonomic "med-style" lounging, but for the coastal explorer or fisherman who sails, it remains a highly capable and economical platform.
Pros:
- High stability and comfort for its size.
- Versatile "pêche-promenade" design suitable for multiple activities.
- Available in bilge keel versions for tidal drying.
- Surprisingly habitable cabin for a 21-footer.
Cons:
- Dated interior aesthetics by modern standards.
- Modest light-wind sailing performance due to displacement.
- Limited production numbers make finding parts (like specific rudder hardware) a challenge.
