3 yachts at that sweet spot size (40-feet) from Jeanneau

With over half a century’s experience in boat-building, Jeanneau is one of the most respected builders of quality boats in the world. A look at their portfolio will show that their boats are for a wider audience, which makes them much more affordable. This also means that, in order to please a broader group, they have to make them as versatile as possible to cater to almost every need. And because they have to produce at volume, the yard uses modern manufacturing lines that means quality is consistent.

The Cap Camarat 12.5 WA

We feature the Cap Camarat 12.5 WA often for good reason, and she may be the current jewel in the crown of the French yard. Following the current trend of putting high-powered outboard motors on large day cruisers, the Cap Camarat 12.5 WA has received a lot of praise for the performance, use of space, and elevated levels of luxury.

There are two options for power : 2 x 450 hp, or 3 x 300 hp. That’s a potential maximum of 900 hp. For absolute sea-worthiness, she has a magnificent V-shaped hull designed by Michael Peters.

LOA of the Cap Camarat 12.5 WA is 39’ 1”,  with a width of 11’ 9”. The figures tell a promising story already, but not the whole of it. There is a large teak table aft for alfresco dining, and another horse-shoe shaped dinette in the galley that can be converted into an additional berth. Aside from this, there is also a full-beam aft cabin, with a king sized berth and a separate shower compartment. She may be a day cruiser, but she does not lack in accommodations.

 

The Merry Fisher 1095 Fly

It was commonly thought that cruising outboards of around 10 metres (32’) were impossible, but Jeanneau scoffed at that. The yard first unveiled the Merry Fisher 1095, following quickly with the Merry Fisher 1095 Fly, which boasts a flybridge. In fact, with 3 cabins, outboard engines, a compact form and a flying bridge, the Merry Fisher 1095 Fly is unique in the world of boats.

Two engine options are available here too : 2 x 225 hp, or 2 x 300 hp. Interestingly, though her smaller siblings have a decidedly hobbyist appeal to them, the largest Merry Fisher (LOA 34’ 3”, width 11’ 1”) is all about onboard leisure. The large cabin is pushed port side to provide a starboard walkway, and there’s a galley just inside the rear sliding door, so no one is left out of the conversation.

Owners can specify up to 3 cabins, or have 2 cabins with 1 storage area. We recommend getting a sunpad to maximize the area at the bow too. And of course, the flying bridge also adds another area to experience the yacht.

 

The Leader 40

The Leader 40 was launched in 2014, and this sports cruiser has received wide acclaim since. Unlike the Merry Fisher and Cap Camarat above, she’s not the flagship of her range, as there is a Leader 46. Even so, she only differs in size from her larger sibling, and not in class. She comes in two configurations : Sport Top and Open. The former has a fiberglass roof that stretches across the cockpit with an electric sunroof, while the latter has a fiberglass arch that can be fitted with a Bimini to provide cover.

Four engine options are available, and the swim platform can either be fixed, or hydraulically adjusted as well. No matter which you choose, step up from it and you’ll be greeted with a fully-reclining sun pad. Move further into the cockpit and there is a U-shaped dinette that is complemented by an outdoor galley. Keep going past the helm, and you’ll find another outdoor lounge that faces aft.

Below, the sports cruiser is more motor yacht-like. Two cabins and a head is the standard layout, and these accommodations are well designed. The master stateroom is a V-berth to optimize space, while the aft cabin has a split berth layout that can be connected to form a single queen-sized bed.

The 40-foot range of boats is considered to be a great place to look for a starter boat with family-friendly features and space. Jeanneau has quite a few offerings here, but we decided to highlight their more affordable ones. Please feel free to get in touch with us to know more!

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