Enough to make you merry
With its cruiser looks, it’s the perfect, high-quality offshore boat for serious anglers
Dave Lewis tests the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 605.
In the 25 years that I have been reviewing fishing boats for magazines, it is no secret that certain manufacturers have become firm personal favourites, companies whose latest models I always look forward to the opportunity of running on a sea trial; French boat builder Jeanneau is one such company.
I have reviewed a considerable number of Jeanneau boats, which are actually built in Poland, and never have I walked away feeling less than very impressed with what I’ve just seen and experienced.
This was precisely the case when, recently, I had the opportunity to cast a critical eye over the new Jeanneau Merry Fisher 605, courtesy of Cambrian Boats, based in Swansea.
As I had fully expected, I found an immaculately turned-out boat that had been finished to the highest standards. The quality of workmanship that goes into all Jeanneau boats has to be seen to be fully appreciated, especially the rich lustre of the gel coat and the attention to detail that goes into the installation of all fixtures and fittings, which are always of the highest quality. Of course, this means that not only would you become the proud owner of an extremely smart boat, but also, when the time to change did come, her condition would likely mean she would command the highest possible resale value.
CLEVER DESIGN
Take a quick glance at the images illustrating this review and you will see that the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 605 has been designed as what I describe as a ‘cruising fishing boat’.
Yes, she makes a perfect angling platform but, as you will see, she is also a very comfortable boat for extended, overnight trips for anglers and non-anglers alike.
The cleverly designed layout of her interior means she can accommodate three to four in berths located within the forward cabin and the wheelhouse, although I concede that four adults might find things a bit ‘cosy’.
Comfort is ensured, with plenty of light, along with all-important ventilation afforded by skylights installed in both the forward cabin and wheelhouse deck heads, both optional extras, and side-opening windows within the wheelhouse. Condensation is the bane of most cabin boats, and ample ventilation is the easiest way to minimise it.
The helm is situated to starboard, and affords the helmsman excellent all-round vision. The moulded console is designed for the installation of a multi-function display
“An immaculately turned-out boat that had been finished to the highest standards”
module, such as the Lowrance Elite 7 fitted, along with sufficient space for all necessary gauges, switches and other controls.
Tilting the helmsman’s seat forward reveals a small, yet entirely functional, galley, complete with a 20-litre freshwater supply.
A dining table is located to port and, of course, you get plenty of stowage space throughout both the forward cabin and wheelhouse.
Sliding glass doors provide access from the wheelhouse to the aft cockpit. The design of the cockpit means there is sufficient space for two anglers to fish in absolute comfort, and while fishing three would be alright, adding a forth would be a bit of a squeeze. This is due to the amount of seating provided, which extends across the full width of the transom and along the port side. The exact amount of seating can be adjusted though, to minimise or maximise cockpit space.
Access outboard is achieved via a hinged door situated within the starboard quarter, adjacent to the all-important boarding ladder.
Adequate stowage space is provided with a large, centrally situated deck hatch, along with other compartments located within the transom and fixed seating. A broad walkway to either side of the wheelhouse provides access forward, with onboard safety enhanced courtesy of a stainless pulpit rail and stainless grab handles affixed to the wheelhouse roof.
At the bow you find a large anchor locker, and all necessary deck hardware is provided fitted as standard.
Overall length of the Merry Fisher 605 is 18ft 11in, and she sports an 8ft beam, while the hull displaces 2,381lb and draws 1ft 4in.
SEA TRAIL
My sea trial took place in Swansea Bay, and having exited the Tawe Lock and cleared the harbour breakwaters, I pointed her bow towards Mumbles Head, pushed the throttle forward and sat back to enjoy the ride.
The test boat was fitted with a beautiful, maximum power-rated 115hp Yamaha which, on the day, produced 6,100rpm, delivering a top speed of just over 30 knots, while the fuel is stored in a 100-litre inboard tank.
Sea conditions were more or less calm, which provided the perfect opportunity to evaluate the top end handling performance of the Merry Fisher 605.
Pushed hard through all of the usual manoeuvres, including tight high-speed turns, she delivered an impeccable performance. Out in the tide rip south of Mumbles Head, we did encounter choppy conditions, through which the hull cut cleanly without slamming.
In summary, it is hard to come up with a complete and accurate assessment of any boat’s sea-keeping characteristics based on the briefest of sea trials. All I can say based on what I have experienced from my numerous other sea trials aboard Jeanneau boats, and this latest run offshore, is that I very much doubt anyone would be less than highly delighted at how the Merry Fisher 605 performs under a full range of typically encountered different conditions.
She really is a very, very nice offshore angling boat, perfect for serious anglers and nonfishing members of your family alike.