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Jeanneau Leader 30

The Jeanneau Leader 30 packs a lot of livability and entertainment options, along with a soft ride.
Jeanneau Leader 30
LOA: 30’3″ | Beam: 9’9″ | Draft: 2’0″ (drive up) | Displacement (Approx.): 8,161 lb. | Transom Deadrise: 17 degrees | Bridge Clearance: 7’1″ | Fuel Capacity: 79 gal. | Max Horsepower: 500 hp | Available Power: Single Volvo and single or twin Volvo Penta sterndrives | More Information: jeanneauamerica.com Jeanneau America

The Leader 30, the ­entry-level boat for the ­Jeanneau Leader series, is also the only one with a fully open cockpit. Starting with a hull designed by Michael Peters, Jeanneau has managed to fit a surprising amount of living space into the cockpit and, somehow, into a cabin with an outward appearance belying its capacious and comfortable ­interior accommodations.

The cockpit has thoughtful touches, including ­seatbacks that fold outward in order to create a sun pad, a backrest that becomes a helm companion seat, a mini galley with sink and refrigerator, plus a folding dining table for alfresco meals. Entertaining crew should prove easy aboard the Leader 30.

Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America
Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America
Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America

Belowdecks, we admit to being impressed by the big aft stateroom. It’s a squeeze to get through the door but, once inside, there is 6 feet 2 inches of headroom, a settee, and a 75-inch-by-51-inch square berth slightly smaller than a standard full-size bed. Brightening this mini suite is the pale moabi (pear wood) on the bulkheads and a large window with an opening port for light and air.

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In the main cabin, a dinette wraps around forward, converting into another double berth when needed, with a fabric privacy screen. We give extra points for the overstuffed backrest cushions, which would make this a prime spot for lounging comfortably. “Cave” describes many aft cabins, but not this one.

The galley is a compact unit to port with an undercounter fridge, two-burner cooktop, and surprisingly spacious stowage for utensils and supplies, including a dedicated cutlery ­drawer. Overhead skylights and long windows keep this area bright and cheery.

The enclosed head will find favor, since it’s molded fiberglass for easy cleaning. A vessel sink is atop the vanity, and a hand-held shower has a drain in the floor. A cabinet holds toiletries and, again, an opening port, set into a large window, provides fresh air.

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Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America
Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America
Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America

A Volvo Penta D4 diesel with a Duoprop drive powered our test boat, and we topped out at a respectable 36 mph. The engine compartment is a delight: fully ­molded and spacious with great access. Your service tech will love you.

With a distinct French flavor, this import packs a lot of livability into 30 feet, and you’ll find yourself saying “tres bon!”

High Points
* Large aft cabin features a square double berth, settee, and closing door for privacy.
* Large transom platform has a cavernous locker for stowing a life raft or an inflatable tender out of sight.
* Michael Peters designs soft-riding V-hulls, and this is no exception.

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Low Points
* The 20-inch-wide door to the aft stateroom is a good incentive to start a diet.
* Wide, black mullions in the corners of the windscreen can block your view.
* Glossy-white dash reflects in the windscreen, reducing visibility.

Toughest Competitor: The Sea Ray 310 Sundancer ($224,574 base) is 9 inches longer and offers a similar layout, although it has two dinettes below and is a bit larger in the galley and head compartment.

Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America
Jeanneau Leader 30
Jeanneau Leader 30 Jeanneau America

Available Power: Sterndrive

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Price: $187,000

How We Tested
Engine: Volvo D4-300ZD
Drive/Prop: G-DP-F6
Duoprop Gear Ratio: 1.76:1
Fuel Load: 50 gal.
Water On Board: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 500 lb.

Jeanneau America
Annapolis, Maryland; 410-280-9400; jeanneauamerica.com

Jeanneau Leader 30 Certified Test Results
Jeanneau Leader 30 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine
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