Powerboat range.
CUSTOM OPTIONS
Although this sacrifices some of the manoeuvrability advantages provided by twin engines, it does make for efficient running even on one engine. Besides which, a bow thruster up front provides the pinpoint control needed for negotiating a tight berth.
Fishing rod holders are located all around the stern. If it were my boat I’d be reluctant to soil the beautiful teak deck with bait and fish blood. But there’s a simple alternative: sliding that bench forward opens up the boarding platform for a spacious and secure area for three or four anglers. And it’s easily cleaned.
it felt like we were just cruising, the 4,680kg weight of the Merry Fisher cutting through the water smoothly. The photo boat was bouncing along – we, by contrast, could have been sipping our lattes. Top speed is in the upper 30s – but it seemed a shame to shorten the outing.
Despite our best attempts at hoon driving, she remained smooth and controlled – even in tight turns. Sitting fairly high off the water spray wasn’t an issue but the huge windscreens are both equipped with wipers. Those outboards produce hot acceleration and, positioned so far back noise level is minimal – even at full throttle. Normal conversation at the helm is a bonus – and it’s even better when the sliding cabin door is closed.
While a buyer of a boat like this is unlikely to be overly concerned by fuel consumption, those engines are fairly miserly. At a leisurely 4,500rpm (around 28 knots) fuel consumption was a shade over 50 litres per hour per engine.
With twin 400-litre tanks the boat has a safe working range of around 200nm at this speed. An extended weekend’s cruising on a single fill of fuel would be no problem, and the 260-litre fresh-water capacity will keep the passengers happy as well.
Prospective buyers after a little individuality can select numerous custom options, from the sound system and electronics package through to the colour and fabric type used for the furnishings, sunshades and awnings, additional overhead lockers, and the type and style of flooring and decking.
Other options include a number of less visual enhancements for extended cruising, such as air conditioning or diesel forced-air heating, a diesel auxiliary generator, a larger fridge, ceramic hob and microwave options. Other navigation and electronics packages are also available. This boat’s fitted with the Mercury 300hp Verados but alternative powerplants can be specified.
Easing into the tight berth was a pleasure with the fingertip steering and throttle controls, all aided by the bow thruster – an effortless procedure. Like most modern outboards, the Verados are easily fresh-water rinsed – you simply plug in a hose – no need for them to be started or tilted.
With the 1095 Jeanneau has a worthy flagship for its Merry Fisher powerboat range. The build quality is excellent and, with the powerplants hanging off the back they maximise interior space – and they’re also easy to maintain. The manufacturer’s more than 60 years of boatbuilding experience is clearly reflected in every aspect of the vessel.