JEANNEAU PRESTIGE 36
BUILT: 2008 PRICE: £117,500
Prestige is at the top end of the Jeanneau pantheon, set apart from the more prosaic Jeanneau models. But only a decade or so ago Prestige models were firmly linked via the Jeanneau Prestige nomenclature – this boat a case in point. And rather than the glossy top end luxury models of today, they were entirely practical, sensible cruisers. Launched in 2000 it offered great value and clever thinking.
INTERIOR
Prosaic best sums up the interior of a Jeanneau of this era (and I speak from experience). It’s no Princess yacht inside, but it is practical and the cherry wood looks classy (and has at least seen a tree, which is more than can be said for similar size and era Sealines). The galley-down layout squeezes the two cabins slightly – there’s not a huge amount of floor space in the forward cabin for example, but beds are full adult-sized and there is a decent heads. However, the trade-off is a less compromised and more sociable saloon with seating on both sides.
EXTERIOR
Asymmetric side decks are a clever touch, giving great access forward on one side plus a perfectly reasonable deck on the other whilst releasing more interior beam to allow for a wider saloon. The flybridge is low-sided to keep the side profile lower, complete with a low-level radar arch. Big square windows are hugely practical, giving plenty of light to the interior and a great view out.
PERFORMANCE
Most early boats had twin Volvo Penta KAMD 44 or KAMD 300 engines (260hp and 285hp each respectively), a few gaining the larger TAMD 63P 370hp option. From about 2005 onwards the more modern (but more complex) D4-300 engines were on offer, their combined 600hp giving speeds in the high 20 knots area.
SEAKEEPING
Jeanneau puts good hulls under its boats, and the Prestige 36 is no exception. A full planing hull, the exaggerated flare to the bow helps manage spray well, keeping it off the boat in all but the worst conditions.