Boat Test: 2024 Jeanneau NC 895 Sport Series 2

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Overview

Pocket cruisers are designed to be the “transformers” of the waterway, and Jeanneau ­expertly engineered its NC 895 Sport Series 2 to be Optimus Prime. It is unlikely there is a more carefully planned deck and berth space on any vessel in the new 895’s size class. That is immediately clear from the starboard boarding door to the cockpit. That spacious area is made more so by opening the three-panel sliding door to the salon, joining those areas with fresh sea air. All the salon side windows open as well, and as do two sliding-sunroof panes. And if the sea breeze isn’t cool enough, shut all the glass and run the air conditioner. It’s reversible to create heat on a frosty morning as well.

Interior and Accessories

In the cockpit, the aft lounge slides forward on rails to offer easy ­passage from the starboard side of the transom platform to the portside transom boarding door. Remove the couch cushions and rigid seatback to reveal that boarding option. Underway, the lounge slides aft to expand the cockpit. In the aft position, a lounge folds from the port gunwale to join the aft lounge, transforming the area into a conversation pit. It’s completed by an opposing cushioned bench seat against the slider, and the entire area converts to a sun pad by lowering a cocktail table, padded with cushions to match the seats.

Steps to the port and starboard catwalks to the bow are always ­accessible, and the starboard walkway is accessible from the helm for easy mooring. The narrower port catwalk leads to a triple lounge on the foredeck with an added cushion for seating or for kneeling to address the windlass. The starboard catwalk is wider, and the helm-station door opens to it, giving the singlehanded skipper snappy access to a midship cleat for making fast to the dock. 

If instead of going forward you aim for the salon, Optimus Prime is evident in the dinette with a folding cocktail table that can be lowered to lounge level to complete a third berth. Or leave the table in dinette position but fold the forward half back to the aft half, like closing a book, and the forward lounge seatback folds aft, transforming that to a companion seat for the skipper. Even the skipper’s techie seat swivels to face the salon, should the boat be at anchor. 

The galley also transforms from a compact sink and stove thanks to a removable panel that serves to extend the food-prep counter slightly into the cockpit through the sliding door. It’s welcome added space and connects in securely.

The three-panel sliding door separating the salon from the cockpit opens wide from starboard to port, making cockpit and salon one large gathering area. It’s optimal deck space with prime seating all around. 

Pretty fair competition for the NC 895 Sport Series 2 comes from Cutwater’s 288C ($339,937 base price). Comparable in length, beam and preferred power, the Cutwater offers a somewhat similar deck plan, with a convertible dinette in the salon and convertible aft lounge that folds away like a card trick to open the cockpit or give access to the transom platform. The Cutwater’s salon and forward berth offer comfortable accommodations, but instead of an aft stateroom berth, there’s a double berth tucked beneath the dinette on the salon deck. It’s ideal for kids or teens—perhaps a little cozier than Jeanneau’s more-spacious midberth below deck.

Engines

Both are best powered with a pair of ­Yamaha 250s with electric steering. The Helm Master EX joystick full maneuverability is an essential option, I think, and I would insist on the bow thruster too. With those tools, anyone can grease a boat in the tightest marina fearlessly. On plane, the power steering makes the vessel respond like a sportboat, and both vessels are comparable in displacement and will achieve speeds in the mid-40s with a light load.

When equipped with full ­maneuverability and ­Yamaha’s integrated autopilot through a Garmin GPS display, the autopilot can be addressed through the joystick, the GPS or a dedicated autopilot panel (a feature I’d omit as redundant). At 35 mph, the 895 boasts 150 miles of range using a safe 90 percent of its ­158-gallon fuel capacity. Gentle canal cruising at 5 mph will take you almost 300 miles. A 2-foot-3-inch motor-up draft means getting into the skinniest marinas or past numerous shoaled-in miles of the Great Loop.

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When cruising the Great Loop, there’s a spacious cabin below deck with a forward V-berth and a surprisingly spacious midship berth. Separated by doors, they provide comfortable privacy. The companionway to them is via three wide steps for easy footing; on the way down, you’ll pass the circuit panel. A galley includes a microwave, sink and fridge, plus ample storage for cruising supplies. Lockers under the V-berth and a hanging locker provide space to store clothing, but the bulk of the storage on board is found, not surprisingly, under a cockpit hatch, where a large compartment can hold supplies securely, keeping them dry and ready for use. 

With near-robotic autopilot controls, a ­vessel full of versatile transforming ­accommodations both topside and below, the ­Jeanneau NC 895 Sport Series 2 is the Optimus Prime in its class for ­cruisers.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha 250 outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Saltwater Series II 15.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.

High Points

• Stand-up paddleboard and kayak racks on the roof double as handrails when ­traversing the gunwale passageways.
• The three-panel sliding windows open the entire salon to the cockpit.
• The convertible dinette seatback tilts aft to create a two-person lounge alongside the captain.

Low Point

• The transom walkway is covered by the aft cockpit lounge seat. Passage there requires sliding the seat forward.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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