Boat Tests

MERRY FISHER 895 Series 2, the year-round weekender

Merry Fisher 895 Series 2, the sea trial of a timeless boat

 

The Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 is a boat suitable for multiple uses. Its internal volumes, and the many external features make the Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 suitable for fishing, sports, or simply for vacation. A boat that, despite its length of just 7.98 m, with an overall length of 8.94 m, manages to perfectly exploit all spaces, offering a pleasant navigation experience even for multiple days.

The Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 in detail

Climbing onboard from starboard, thanks to the door positioned by the shipyard on the bulwark, we find a sofa that extends almost the entire width of the aft deck and a “folding bench” positioned on the port side bulwark, which, when opened, creates additional seating. Also on the starboard side of the transom of the Merry Fisher 895 Series 2, there is an opening to access the small beach platform equipped with a ladder for getting back on board from the sea.

The port side-deck, although a bit narrow, is well protected by a high and sturdy handrail, while on the starboard side, there is decidedly more space to move forward. Just on the starboard walkway, lifting the hatch, we find a small locker housing the gas cylinder for the galley.

The modern hull windows and the elegantly designed superstructure blend into a dynamic and sporty profile. Right on the deckhouse, there is accommodation for support that can offer space for a stand-up paddleboard, a canoe, a kiteboard, or any sports equipment we want to have with us during our cruises. Moving forward, we can use the walkway for anchoring or mooring maneuvers thanks to the space between the bow sofa and the sunbathing area, or during cruising, place an additional cushion to join the area and form a large and unified sunbathing spot.

Interior

On the starboard side, we find the helm console with a GARMIN screen flanked by a dedicated video for engine data control. The joystick and throttle, facing each other, are easy to use and allow for precise and quick maneuvers. Next to the console, the Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 has a sliding door that helps us easily control everything and maneuver with 360-degree visibility.

Just down two steps, in front, there’s a cabin with a double bed measuring a generous two meters in length, with ample side space for easy access to the bed. The cabin is quite spacious and, above all, bright, thanks to the lateral windows that run almost the entire length of the cabin, the forward window, and the two deck hatches.

On the right, there’s a bathroom with a shower, and on the left, there’s another double cabin along the bulwark, also of decent proportions, considering we’re on a Merry Fisher 895 Series 2. Two cabins and a bathroom allow for enjoyable family or friend vacations without space issues.

Sea Trial

The day is cold, and the sea doesn’t have the usual color we find in the bay of Cannes. Heading out to sea today with a boat that fortunately allows us to stay warm in the cockpit is a real blessing.

The visibility of this Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 is truly exceptional. We leave the harbor at idle, pointing the bow seaward. With the two Yamaha 250 V6 engines at 600 rpm, we’re cruising at a speed of 2.4 knots. The sea is slightly choppy. We increase the speed, bringing the engines up to 3500 rpm to get out of the coastal waves faster. The boat starts planing at 11.5 knots, and in no time, we’re at 16.7 knots. The Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 gives us a feeling of great stability. Closing the door aft significantly reduces the noise, and the warmth inside allows us to take off our jackets.

The Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 has a hull that allows for navigation in absolute comfort without ever losing maneuverability. In fact, bringing the engines up to 4500 rpm, with a speed of around 30.7 knots, the hull has no problems maintaining its trajectory. Even when steering sharply, the boat responds smoothly without jolts.

To make our experience complete, we head towards the wake of a boat that has just passed across our bow. The waves we encounter are about half a meter high, and I accelerate to push the hull to its limit. I glide over the waves at 35 knots with the engines at 5000 rpm.

The bow cuts through the waves without bouncing us too much, and as soon as we pass, I return once more to the wake of the other boat, accelerating again. The speed I read is 39.2 knots, which, at 6000 rpm, is the boat’s maximum speed.

The engines push, and the Merry Fisher 895 Series 2 slices through the water. I turn to head back towards the harbor.

Conclusions 

The Merry Fisher 895 series 2 is not only a comfortable boat for a family looking to spend relaxing vacations but above all, it’s a boat that allows you to experience the sea with adequate space on board in just under nine meters.

Test Data

RPM

Speed

Consumption l/h

600

2.7

3.2

1000

3.8

6.4

1500

5.5

10.4

2000

7.2

16.9

2500

8.2

25.2

3000

9.3

37.1

3500

11.7

51.1

4000

16.5

67.7

4500

25

79.9

5000

28.9

107

5500

33.3

138

6000

35.5

154

Giorgio Bruno

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