Set for launch at Europe’s autumn boat shows in La Rochelle, Southampton and Scandinavia, the Barracuda 6 aims to build on the experience gained from the Barracuda Tour, Beneteau’s annual no-kill sport fishing competition. Designed to appeal to the same cross-section of keen fishermen and coastal cruisers that the range has attracted since its introduction in 2011, we are told that the latest model belies her modest proportions with “speed, stability and top class equipment”

Beneteau Barracuda 6

The Barracuda 6 brings big versatility to a very compact platform.



Although her 5.52-metre hull length makes the Barracuda 6 the smallest model in the product line, she still offers a generous cockpit with built-in fishing station and live bait well. A decent starboard walkway affords uninhibited access to the open bow and a pair of lateral bench seats can be added to the removable bench at the aft end of the cockpit, generating greater comfort without compromising open space.

There are plenty more application-specific options elsewhere too. For instance, the base model can be equipped with an optional canvas to close off the pilothouse from the cockpit, while on the more comfortable cruising variant, a pair of sliding doors is used to carry out the job. There is a similar choice between regular seats and bolster seats, but whichever layout you favour, the Barracuda 6 features a large, enclosed stowage area that can easily be converted into a temporary berth. And to upgrade her long-distance credentials, you can even spec this boat with a marine toilet, which is a very attractive rarity on an outboard-powered 21-footer.

The style is also mercifully understated, with easy-maintenance anthracite finish and an external form that looks classically ‘Barracuda’. As for the hull, it is one of Beneteau’s latest generation platforms, optimised for outboard propulsion, which ought to make her quick to plane and stable underway. There will be three different engine options available – a 90hp, 115hp or 140hp unit – so you can match the performance dynamic, as well as the boat layout, to your favoured pursuit.

For more on the new Barracuda and the rest of Beneteau’s leisure fleet, see Beneteau.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.
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