JEANNEAU NC37
The second generation of the NC range sets out to be an even more practical, polished performer – we see if it delivers
TESTED
The second generation of this handsome deck cruiser is a seriously versatile craft
So established has Jeanneau’s NC range become that it’s easy to forget just what a groundbreaking new model line this was when it was launched almost a decade ago. Designed by Italian Vittorio Garroni and unveiled in 2010, the first example was the NC11, NC standing for New Concept. The idea was a compact practical deck saloon vessel that would be popular in Northern Europe where one-level living and the ability to fully enclose most of the main living area would be very welcome. The boat, and the concept, proved to be a winner. With almost 400 built, and the NC range extended across four models from 9m through to 14m, it’s time for round two. Last year Jeanneau brought out the first of a new generation of NC models, the smaller 33, and now it has replaced the boat that started the revolution, that very first NC11.
Jeanneau turned again to Garroni for the styling which, while staying true to the ideals of the original NC11, is a far fresher looking boat. The pale hull band is narrower and segues to a sharper point at the stem while the window line of the deck saloon curves upward for a softer, more contemporary look. In common with the NC33, a black tapering stripe arrows forward from the base of that window line to the bow, stretching the aesthetic and making it look sleeker and more distinctive. At the back of the boat the bathing platform is longer at 1.2m. So although the aft cockpit seat still slides – its default position is extended over the platform – it’s unlikely you’ll need more space. That seating is a different shape, too – the old boat had a central island of seating with access either side. The new boat gets a far larger L-shape that extends to the edge of the cockpit on one side (and features a backrest that drops flat to create a sunpad).
PRACTICAL DETAILS
But before you’ve even got as far as that cockpit, the practical features are firing at you thick and fast. Beneath the seat and accessed from the platform is a dedicated shore power locker containing both space for a coiled lead and its deck socket. Next to that is a larger locker with openings in the cockpit as well as the bathing platform, and the shower is just inside the transom door. It’s the same story with the asymmetric decks, although they’ve been reversed compared to the original boat with the wider and deeply bulwarked deck to starboard giving easy access forward past the sliding helm door to a foredeck with optional sun loungers. Neat features include a shallow side gate to aid alongside boarding and the twin diesel filler caps grouped together so that you don’t have to drape a dirty filler hose across the cockpit when refuelling.
So far so very NC11 with tweaks, but as you step inside you begin to uncover more fundamental changes. Gone are the four-piece sliding doors, replaced by a wide centre-hinged bi-folding door that folds flat against the cockpit side (provided the cockpit seat is slid right aft, there’s not the space for it otherwise). On the opposite side, the galley window hinges up on a gas strut against the hard top, completely connecting these areas. A neat touch is the large square stool that makes up the third leg of the internal settee. Lift it out once the door is open and you can position it to connect the internal and external seating.
If you’ve ever been on an NC11 you’ll know something is fundamentally different, but it might take you a moment to figure out what. Then it hits you – the layout has been completely reversed, putting the settee to port and the helm and galley to starboard (neatly explaining why the asymmetric side decks have been reversed). As before, the galley is a ‘sideboard’ behind the helm seat; lift the top to reveal the sink and twin-burner gas hob (electric is an option). Overhead cupboards are also a new feature. Over on the port side, the settee is better set up for relaxing than the ‘diner’ arrangement of twin two-seater seats facing each other of the old boat. Hinge the seat base for more storage.
As before, the entire front section of seating hinges upwards and backwards to create forward-facing seating next to the helm. There’s an optional electric glass sliding roof above with a mosquito screen sliding across from one side and a blind from the other. Twin deck hatches are standard so you’re not short of daylight regardless of your choice. And at night, some neatly integrated strip lights bring this area to life. But if you want to see
something really new, un-pop the large flap of carpet in front of the galley just inside the door.
Ever seen a boat with a cellar before? Well you have now.
That flap of carpet lifts to reveal a hatch. Pop the toggles and it hinges open on gas struts to reveal a cavernous deep rectangular locker that is absolutely perfect for throwing the cockpit seat cushions in at night if you can’t be bothered to erect the cockpit canopy, or (in fact, and) for losing the foredeck sun cushions that are always such a pain to store. Better yet, this area is open to the lower deck at the other end so, if you wish, you can have a couple of fitted mattresses on the floor and use it as a small occasional double cabin, or a great place to put Child Two if it won’t stop squabbling with Child One at night. Child One has the better deal though – the second cabin is a great size for a sub-40ft boat, with standing room in the lobby and two single beds that infill to make a double. But the best is, quite rightly, kept for the owner. The master cabin in the bow has a proper centreline double bed, a removable fillet allowing you to prioritise floor space at its foot or bed length. Lift the trailing edge and you’ll find a big storage void in addition to the usual hanging locker and day storage.
In fact, convert the saloon into sleeping as well (the table drops to create a double) and you can sleep eight! At which point you’ll be glad of one more upgrade over the old NC11. For the new boat, Jeanneau has split the toilet and the shower compartments. Now you can use the loo while someone else is in the shower.
So it’s a great waterside apartment but is is a great boat? Jeanneau turned to Micheal Peters for naval architecture, Volvo Penta for motive power in the form of a pair of 220hp D3
sterndrive diesels, and Cannes for the perfect location for us to test the boat. “We initially installed D3-200 as the base engine” Martin Meyers, Product Marketing Manager for Jeanneau powerboats, tells me, “but we found a real improvement not just in performance but in noise and refinement by opting for the slightly larger D3-220 version”. Unlike the previous model, twin D4-260 diesels are an option, although the rarely chosen single D6 diesel has gone (only 10% of the NC11S went out with this choice). At the helm a sliding door offers ventilation and deck access, and the console itself, finished in a low-glare dark grey matt finish, has space for a 12-inch MFD screen. A false floor drops into place, allowing the less statuesque to stand at the helm if they choose.
NO NEED FOR SPEED
Quiet at low speed, hinging the aft saloon doors shut helps improve noise levels at planing speeds (and that side door, opening roof and a dropping window ensure plenty of ventilation). The two D3-220 motors feel adequate rather than proficient – if you carry a lot of gear and crew then it might be worth considering the D4 option. Flat out is 30 knots with a brand new boat and two crew, although with the engines 300rpm shy of rated max, it’s possible there’s more to come with a little tweaking.
But what is impressive is the boat’s ability to run level at low speed. Trim in the legs, add a little tab, ease off the power and it’ll sit very nicely on the plane in the mid to high teens. Put the helm down hard at 25 knots and there’s that sense that the engines are only just powerful enough as the speed bleeds off in hard turns. Does that matter? If it does, you’ll need to stump up for D4s.
But I suspect that most NC37 owners won’t bother. With a wide cruising envelope of 15-25 knots and a layout bias that will appeal to those looking for a great waterside apartment, the D3 engines suit the boat’s comfortable cruising ethos.
And the boat itself is a great update of the NC concept. It feels newer, looks fresher, has a cleverer layout and even sleeps more people. But fundamentally it taps into the same practical, liveable, all-season vibe that made the original so popular.
It taps in to the same practical, all-season vibe that made the original so popular