Here’s everything you need to know about this line-up of great day cruisers

In our previous article, we explored Jeanneau’s range of Merry Fishers, a range of cheerful and smaller yachts that excel as cruisers and fishing boats. We would love to follow that with a guide to understanding another range of smaller boats made by the shipyard, the Jeanneau Cap Camarat, which we think would be perfect for coastal boating and all the activities that come with it.

What the numbers mean
Jeanneau Cap Camarat models have their lengths in metres. It’s unusual, but not unheard of in the boating world to name boats in metric instead of imperial units. And even though most of the world uses metric measurements for length, the world of boats still uses imperial units, mostly because it is easier to imagine a vessel of 30 feet, as opposed to 10 metres.

The Cap Camarat boats range from 5.5 metres (18’), all the way to 12.5 metres (41’). That’s quite a diverse length and size difference, but this just highlights the flexibility of the range. They can be used as tenders for superyachts to extended day boats.

Together with the diverse length, 3 body styles are available in the Cap Camarat range as well. They are Centre Console, Day Cruiser, and Walk Around.

Centre Console, or CC

This body style is characterised by the console position, as well as the wide open deck. The console is right in the centre, as the name suggests, which opens up deck space on both sides of the cockpit. As you can see, aft of the helm are seats, while forward the benches can be converted into a sundeck or a table can be added for other uses.

The wide open deck means that there are no berths available, except in the largest model of the range. However, this body style allows boaters to fully experience the elements, and they can also fish casually from all around the vessel.

There are 4 models available with this style, the 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 9.0. We think the simplicity of the CC range gives it an incredibly sporty appeal.

Day Cruiser, or DC

Differing very obviously from the CC, the DC has a wraparound windscreen, fore of which is a deck with windows that provide ventilation into the cabin below. A canopy with an integrated storage keeps out all except the worst of the elements, further cementing its day-cruising purposes.

The wraparound windscreen adds security for the cockpit, which makes the DC ideal for boaters with young children. This also elongates the silhouette of the craft, giving the DC a relaxed, distinguished style.

There are 2 models available in this style, the 6.5 and 7.5, and they both have a cabin with storage and a chemical head.

Walk Around, or WA

The WA body style can be summarised as having the best of both the CC and the DC. The console is situated just slightly starboard so there is still space on the sides. Every model, even the smallest one, has a cabin and head, which extends their useability.

The cockpit is wide open, with a few seating configurations that will meet most needs. All models, except the smallest, have flush swim platforms that help egress and ingress. Forward of the cockpit is a modular space which can be changed from benches to sunbeds.

There are 6 models in this style : 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 9.0, 10.5, and 12.5. They are, in our opinion, the most flexible of the entire Cap Camarat range.

As you peruse the model line-up, you’ll also realise that some of them have SÉRIE2 or SÉRIE3 attached to the name. This just means that the model is in its second or third iteration (or generation if you prefer, like a car), and have received upgrades that are significant enough to differentiate it from its predecessor.

The Cap Camarat range is quite vast, and unless you’re itching for something over 50’, we recommend having a look at this first. Most of the updated Cap Camarats (i.e. SÉRIE2 or SÉRIE3) come with a hull designed by Michael Peters, and boaters worldwide have hailed this hull design for its comfort, and its ability to go quickly. As usual, get in touch with us if you’d like to get further information on any of these boats.