It’s hard to hide the smiles on the faces of Australasia’s Jeanneau dealers – they’re all going hammer and tongs with the popularity of their Merry Fishers!  Boating enthusiasts have welcomed the outboard-powered models with open arms, especially when they see these trick, value-packaged Euro designs and functional offerings.

The Merry Fisher 1095 has already hit the country with a bang. It falls into a niche market with its twin outboard powered configuration that appeals to many boaters looking for large, highly maneuverable day boats for harborside moorings with the added advantage of three individual staterooms for accommodating family and friends – now that’s almost unheard of in a 10 metre (34ft) boat. It’s perfect as an overnighter or weekender – but certainly has the comforts and facilities to cruise more for longer.

Twin Outboards

The whole world seems to be moving to twin or multiple outboard configurations, and why not? Modern engines provide safe, exceptionally fuel-efficient power with low acoustics, service, and maintenance costs. Jeanneau has made the attraction even greater by fitting the rear lounge with an easy sliding mechanism that allows the outboards to tilt clear of the water, drastically reducing corrosion and maintenance, especially compared to stern drives.

Our demonstration unit was fitted with a pair of the popular 4.6 litre V8 Mercury 300HP Verado 4-strokes - as Mercury likes to call them, “The Smooth Operators”. They are certainly smooth in operation and chic in styling, plus they will rock your socks off in performance too! They pushed this full-bodied craft, complete with its crew, up to a speedy 68 kph @ 5820rpm with its 14.5 x 17 counter-rotating, 3-blade Enertia propellers. Perhaps even better still, we found optimum cruise at a speedy 44kph, returning 0.44 kilometres per litre, giving a range of around 160 nautical miles (approx. 300 km) with 10% reserve from twin 400 litre fuel tanks. This craft is undoubtedly capable of some coastal hopping, where you will slow down to even greater efficiencies in swell and chop. However, she does love to get up and boogie with those big, beautiful Verados.

I was very pleased that the new owners hadn’t wasted their money on the joystick option in this case. I firmly believe that if you can’t drive a boat of this size with twin propulsion and the bow thruster, you shouldn’t be boating - plus, it saves well over $30K in purchase price.

Merry Fisher Flagship

The 1095 is currently the flagship of the outboard-powered Merry Fishers, and is also available with a flybridge, which may appeal to those who like the wind in their hair. Ours was a saloon model with an efficient and appealing layout, whether boating alone, as a couple, or with a tribe of family and friends. She’s a full-bodied hull with its 3.35 metre beam carried well forward, and combines with deep sides to create a large internal volume.

She’s a very sociable boat with terrific flow throughout the four living areas, which include the rear cockpit and platforms, the extensive saloon, the downstairs accommodation and facilities, and a truly functional bow complete with optional sun beds featuring reclining backrests. You feel very safe moving around the wide side decks which are all enclosed by bow and side rails, making it quite kid-friendly.

I love having a sliding door next to the helm. It is reminiscent of much larger and often more traditional craft and helps sole skippers attend to docking. The relatively snub nose and wide beam create a large foredeck with a recessed capstan winch with bow sprit for easy mooring. There’s also plenty of big cleats for your docking ropes.

Alfresco Cruising

Out back, there is a teak-lined boarding platform on either side of the outboards, with a functional walkway and telescopic ladder to the starboard. When set up for cruising, the lounge forms an appealing, fully upholstered L-shape with a drop-in style table for entertaining, and ours had an extended canvas sun awning.

The rear doors slide open very wide, creating an alfresco flow that keeps the whole crew in easy reach and communication, hence the skipper never feels left out of the party. I was pretty surprised at the roominess of the saloon, especially considering how much is on offer. This is accentuated by large windows giving panoramic views, plus a pair of manual sunroofs over the helm and passenger seating. There’s also plenty of vital ventilation, a factor lacking in some competitors' offerings.

Enticing Interior

As you enter from the teak-lined cockpit, you find a large and imaginative convertible dinette to port, plus a galley opposite leading to the helm. I say imaginative because the forward seat converts from the face-to-face dinette to a forward-facing dual seat with backrest. It works particularly well in this application.

Opposite the dinette is the galley, which features plenty of light from the spacious windows, a long gloss stone benchtop complete with S/S sink with flick mixer H/C water, and a twin-burner electric induction stove. There’s a good array of storage, a Dometic compressor fridge and microwave, plus overhead cabinets.

The skipper has a thickly upholstered bolster seat with a footrest, which allows excellent vision through the large two-piece curved windscreens. The dash panel is black gelcoat to reduce glare, and it works really well with the polar white trims, faux teak cabinetry, black benchtops, timber laminate flooring, grey upholstery, and blackout curtains.

This functional dashboard included a Raymarine 12” multi-function unit, Mercury’s Vessel View digital gauges, Fusion sound system, ZipWake trim tabs, capstan controls, accessories plugs and switch panel, plus twin key start and binnacle engine controls. The sports steering wheel highlighted its dashing feel. Incidentally, the Mercury electro-hydraulic steering felt sensational!

Snoozing Time

Take a few steps into the downstairs accommodation, and I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised. Up in front is a fully enclosed V-berth complete with an island bed, side pocket, and storage beneath. There is also a deck hatch with awnings, insect screens, and overhead cabinetry for all your goodies.

A further step around to port finds an enclosed double stateroom running north-south under the saloon, and it’s surprisingly roomy and inviting. To starboard is a fully fitted bathroom with an enclosed shower, marine head, ceramic vanity with storage, and plenty of light through the side windows with porthole ventilation. Speaking of light, there’s a good array of sensible LED lighting throughout the entire boat.

But surprise, surprise, there’s yet another small stateroom that extends up under the helm. It’s a little small to call a double and doesn’t have a lot of headroom, but it would certainly do me after a long day on the water. 

The Wrap!

Jeanneau has delivered a comprehensive and very attractive offering to a large segment of our boating public. Best of all, it comes at a very attractive price. The Merry Fisher 1095 has a great mix of sporting attitude, hi-tech V8 horsepower, luxury fittings and accommodation, and a fun attitude for smart Aussie families.

Demonstration boat provided by:  38 South Boat Sales, Chelsea Heights, VIC

Specifications

NAME OF BOAT: Merry Fisher 1095

LOA:

9.95m

Beam:

3.35m

Weight/displacement:

4368 kg’s (DRY- NO ENGINES)

Fuel capacity:

2 X 400 L

Water capacity:

200L plus optional 160L

Berths/capacity:

5.5 in 3 cabins plus drop-down dinette

Power (as tested):

Twin Mercury 300HP Verado V8 4-stroke outboards

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats, and perhaps narrow down your search to our fantastic selection of Jeanneau boats for sale.

We have awesome deals on many other great boats for sale, including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it! 


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