Jeanneau at FLIBS 2022
French boat builder Jeanneau brands its premium DB series with the tagline “More Than You Expect.” Wrapping up my Thursday afternoon tour on its trifecta of new debuts released at FLIBS – the Leader 10.5 CC, NC 1295 Fly, and DB/43 OB were all “More Than I Expected!”
Jeanneau Leader 10.5 CC
Received with great enthusiasm, the new 35’9” Leader 10.5 CC takes home the gold for its versatility and competitive entry price of $275 thousand dollars. The flagship center console is a ball for all, whether you want to fish it up or merely fun it up. And no matter your motive for being out making waves – predictable handling and performance are guaranteed from the Michael Peters-designed hull.
Nine rod holders, foldaway seating, and a transparent livewell appease the anglers as do the dual 300-hp or 425-hp outboards attached to the back blasting them and their bait right to the bite. The well-equipped mezzanine galley with sink, fridge and optional gas burner or grill all draw further applause, especially when the designated chef is ready to cook up that fresh catch of the day. On the other hand, a comfy bow sunpad, ample aft seating, a flat-screen to starboard and an integrated swim-ladder to port, please the fun lot onboard the Leader 10.5 CC looking for tan lines and good times.
Belowdecks, French designer Patrice Sarrazin’s passion for meshing modern style with high caliber materials cascades through the air-conditioned cabin which sleeps four. The private head and shower, and optional microwave and fridge placed inside the cabinet, make spending the night all the more delightful.
NC 1295 Fly
Jeanneau’s next newcomer NC 1295 Fly joins the ranks of the popular NC Weekender range. For a base price of $662 thousand dollars, the triple 300-hp outboard engine powered 41-footer jumps on plane before there’s time to spread the towels on the foredeck lounge bed.
Once at your destination, you can enjoy some downtime relaxing on the extended starboard wing or take a dip by entering the water off the attached ladder. After that swim, it’s time to head up your next ladder, this one is made of stainless-steel and teak treads and leads to fun in the sun up high on the fully equipped flybridge (also available with an optional galley).
And if the open flybridge does not bring you enough brightness, step inside the saloon that soothes your senses from the natural light filtering in from the large windows, which serve as the hallmark of the refined interior. Down the centerline stairwell three smartly configured cabins make overnighting onboard the NC 1295 Fly an agreeable experience.
Jeanneau DB/43
We have the Michael Peters-penned DB/43 to round out the trifecta. Designed as a premium day boat cruiser, no matter the angle, its striking aerodynamic attributes from the cutting-edge lines of the windshield to the high freeboard, will stop you in your tracks to do a double take, even a triple take.
Speaking of triples, the gasoline powered trio of 350-hp outboards, as seen at FLIBS, has the DB/43 dashing around snappily up to a top speed near 40 knots (46 mph). Keeping options open, new owners can also fit their vessel with twin diesel stern drives.
Not only is the premium V-bottom dialed in speed-wise, Italian-based Camillo Garroni and his studio dialed in the design elements to perfection. Superb streamlined styling cues can be seen as a whole and in detail. Distinct examples include the center island exterior galley and the thoughtful ways in which it was equipped with a stove, sink storage and even special pop-up lights.
What’s more, the large cushioned lounge pad connecting the stern to the edge of the cockpit can be positioned in multiple formats such as a sunbed or panoramic counter bench. Raise the entire module and the aft storage locker is so massive it can house the tender sans problem. Another riveting facet on the exterior is the platform dimension of the aft beam. When the side balconies fold down the area swells from 12 ½ feet to 18 ½ feet. “Jeanneau” that’s the same width of many 70-footer motoryachts?
(Get it? Jeanneau… did you know!)
