Jeanneau’s NC 895 proved ingenious and compact. Developed on “the Continent,” the NC 895 evinces the primary Euro-boat design mantra in packing a lot of comfortable, usable space into its quick 29-foot-2-inch-by-9-foot- 8-inch hull. Twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards provide quiet, efficient but spirited power for cruising speeds in the 20s. Thanks to a clever sliding seat across the transom, those outboards can tilt for visits to picturesque sandbars. The spacious, safe and secure bow offers a sun pad that converts to a splendid seat for two, readily accessible via the wide walkway forward along the starboard-side. Meanwhile, that sliding transom seat couples with two more folding lounges in the cockpit to create seating for six around a table or a broad sun pad.
The Jeanneau NC 895 truly shines as a coastal cruiser for a couple, with provisions for overnight guests. The extra-bright and airy salon boasts windows set at the height of the dinette table, complemented by a broad one-piece windshield, windows across the aft bulkhead, and a skylight. There is a two-burner cooktop, and the forward helm conceals a refrigerator at its base. We know you’ll find the door to the starboard deck convenient for docking and for communicating with other boats. To port, the dinette can seat four, and the forward seat reverses to form a double companion/navigator seat opposite the helm. The dinette table drops to form a double bunk for guests. Optional air conditioning and heat run either on shore power or with an optional 3.5 kW Westerbeke gas genset installed in a large utility space under the cockpit sole.
Below deck is a queen-size island master berth with an enclosed head to starboard and a hanging locker to port. Just aft of the hanging locker is stand-up-height access to a full-width double berth set athwartships beneath the salon. If unoccupied, it offers access to more utility spaces and considerable storage. Safety-glass windows on both sides and strategically placed skylights keep both cabins well-lit in daytime. Cabinetwork fit and finish are attractive and tight for comfortable cruising. What waters would you like to explore in Jeanneau’s NC 895?
High Points
- Bright, airy pilothouse with galley and dinette.
- Ingenious use of space provides enclosed head, two human-size cabins, and abundant stowage belowdecks.
- Versatile cockpit seating; excellent access to plumbing, wiring and equipment.
Low Points
- Not very efficient at speeds in the teens, if required to run in gnarly seas.
- Compact layout may not appeal to North American boaters used to more open spaces.
- No backing plate or fender washers backing up the tie-eye for the anchor windlass’ safety line and the bitter end of the anchor rode.
Toughest Competitor
Boston Whaler’s 285 Conquest Pilothouse ($225,779 with twin 225 hp Verado outboards) offers all-weather cruising comfort with a proportionately larger cockpit and smaller cabin.
Price: $190,000 (well-equipped)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Twin 200 hp Yamaha F200 four-stroke outboards
Props: 14.5″ x 15″ Reliance
Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Fuel Load: 77 gal.
Water Load: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 700 lb.
More Information
Jeanneau America – Annapolis, Maryland; 410-280-9400; jeanneauamerica.com
