You’d expect voluptuous lines from a French boat, right? While attractive, the Jeanneau NC 895 Sport borrows from the ultimate functionality of a commercial fishing boat and takes an upright stance with a square pilothouse, the top of which rakes slightly forward. And that’s great because, in addition to looking salty, this geometry helps deliver one of the most unique layouts in boats under 40 feet (length overall).
For example, that big pilothouse gives you a bright interior, with windows that start below seating level and go right to the ceiling. Want to feel cool and taste the tang of the breeze? Two big sunroofs slide open separately, a big opening window opens on the port side, and the skipper has a walk-through -sliding door next to the helm seat, which is perfect for talking to the deck crew without yelling, or for grabbing lines if you’re short-handed.
We loved the cockpit, with a sliding bench seat so the outboards tilt clear of the water (no corroded zincs) and -optional seating for an -alfresco -dining -table.
But the cabin is particularly cool, with two real staterooms (each with a door) plus an enclosed head, -complete with shower and nearly 6 feet of -headroom.
The forward berth is 7 feet long—no tangled toes—while the aft berth is -nearly queen-size; both cabins have 6 feet of headroom. Each gets great light from -hull-side windows.
The pilothouse has a compact -galley (single-burner stove/fridge/sink), plus a four-seater dinette with the -forward seat converting into a companion seat while underway. Bonus points for -one-level sole from helm to transom.
The skipper gets a tidy dash with room for dual monitors, and our test boat had a bow thruster to ease docking woes.
Power is your choice of either twin Yamaha 200 hp or 250 hp outboards (get the 250s), which pushed us to 47 mph even while the Yamaha guys fooled with props.
By the way, this Jeanneau is solidly built by craftsman in Poland, and more than 1,500 are plying the water in Europe. French-designed, Polish-built, this American boat tester loved it.
High Points
⋅Helm door makes kicking out fenders or grabbing dock lines easy.
⋅Outboards remove many maintenance issues in salt water and open up the cockpit.
⋅Great access to service points, -shut-offs and battery switches.
Specs
LOA: 29′3″
Beam: 9′10″
Draft: 2′0″ (hull/outboards up)
Dry Weight: 7,275 lb. (approx.)
Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 158 gal.
Price: $147,530 (with base power)
How We Tested
Engines: Twin 250 hp Yamaha V-6 4.2-liter
Drive/Props: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater 15 3/4″ x 15″ Series II stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 100 gal.
Water on Board: 10 gal.
Crew Weight: 1,300 lb.
More Information
Jeanneau – Annapolis, Maryland; 410-280-9400; jeanneauamerica.com
