Scheiber control panel

Compact. Completely dismantleable. Easily stored. Suitable for all line/rod weights. Options available. Accessories - Rod holders, adjustable gimbal.

Jeanneau’s NC14 features a Scheiber control panel which allows the user to control all of the ship’s major systems from one place.

Rather like the New Zealand-built C-zone, the Frenchmade Scheiber’s scalable, multiplexed control system integrates all the boat’s electrical control and monitoring systems, reducing cabling and wiring, sharing data across multiple displays and offering more user functions with enhanced fault-finding and diagnostics.

Also like C-zone, Scheiber’s MULTIBLOC system can be custom configured to the user’s specific needs, the functions controlled remotely via an app using Wifi or Bluetooth. This allows users to control the boat’s lighting, or any other preprogrammed onboard system, from a smartphone or tablet.

Scheiber’s MULTIBLOC system is suitable for complex installations and because it is scalable users can start with a simple system and later upgrade to a more complex one.

Aboard Savvy Too the modest 3.5-inch colour LCD touchscreen user interface provides direct communication with the boat’s MULTIBLOC network to control a variety of customisable functions and to monitor battery voltage, tank levels and temperature.

A single tap of a touchscreen button can activate a whole suite of onboard functions, simplifying day-to-day operations of the vessel.

EASY LIVING

The NC14’S interior is simple and elegant. The single level saloon is large with big windows offering excellent sight lines. The massive electric sunroof floods the space with light and the threeway sliding rear doors provide unimpeded access to and from the entertainer’s aft deck.

Jeanneau has a knack for multi-use furniture, examples of which are evident in the NC14. The saloon’s seating comprises a pair of bench seats facing one another around the saloon table, with pull-out seats along the wall turning it into a lounger.

These simple box seats can also be used elsewhere in the saloon. Back-to-back benches face each other over a second table on the port side opposite the helm as well. By lowering the table and adding a drop-in cushion it converts to a comfortable reclining day lounger or sleeping accommodation.

It’s hard not to be taken by the NC14’S chic, modern interior. The decor is contrasting bone/white leather and black and white vinyl with dark oak trim and inset LED ceiling lighting. The galley takes up most of the saloon’s port side, the appliances, including a dishwasher, hidden away under the sink behind attractive dark timber cabinetry.

Forward facing propellers provide enhanced efficiency for exceptional fuel economy and strong performance. We cruised out to the back of Waiheke Island at a comfortable pace, with 24 knots showing on the Raymarine Hybridtouch multi-function display. The boat will reach a maximum speed of around 30 knots full of fuel and water. At 24.5 knots Volvo Penta’s figures show a combined fuel burn of 120lph rising to 155lph at full throttle and 30 knots.

As is common these days with modern electronics, the sleek helm console is uncluttered. There’s a single row of rocker switches, the Raymarine MFD, Volvo Penta engine gauges, a Volvo digital display screen, ICOM VHF radio, joystick and throttle and shift. There are also USB and 12V outlets. If desired, engine data can be displayed on the Raymarine display, along with video inputs.

The NC14 rides very well. She has a distinctive plumb bow, which adds interior volume forward, benefiting the master cabin, but the bow lifts clear of the water once the boat is on the plane so the V-hull can cut cleanly through choppy seas.

Trim tabs adjust the bow attitude, but the boat runs nice and level naturally. There’s plenty of response from the Volvos when power is applied and the transition onto the plane is fast and fussfree. She made easy work of a metre or so of wind-induced pressure waves in Motuihe Channel kicked up by 20-knot westerly breezes.

Savvy Too’s helm position is relaxed with great visibility and room to seat two adults side by side – no need to be lonely at the helm in the NC14. A fold-up seat bolster gives support for stand-up helming and for easier movement through the side door onto the side deck. Grab rails on the coachroof provide a secure handhold and the railing wraps right around the bows and back to the cockpit.

LIFESTYLE FOCUS

The NC14’S one level living provides a seamless flow between outside and inside, inviting you to open the doors, the sunroof and the side windows. With the platform down, access to the water is brilliant, which we enjoyed on test day.

Launching and retrieving the tender, deploying water toys or stepping onto paddle boards couldn’t be easier and with the platform in the up position you could happily fish from it keeping any mess off the boat. Non-participants can enjoy the proceedings from the comfort of the cockpit lounger, or from inside the saloon itself, where they’ll miss little of the action.

The boat’s light and airy nature is refreshing, but it would be a mistake to think of the NC14 as a fair weather friend only. The Jeanneau’s performance and handling is well sorted, as is the ride. Savvy Too has a diesel heater for winter boating and its owners intend using the boat year round.

She’ll be a delight when the sun shines, but even when it’s cold and grey outside, the interior is a stylish, welcoming space that remains well-connected to the outside even with all the doors and windows closed thanks to all that tinted glass. B