Jeaneux NC9 who likes and dislikes for prospective new owner

[mjmatsea]

Hi

We are considering buying a ten year old Jeaneux NC9 motor boat. We have been given very mixed opinions of them, some suggest they are lovely but others hate the rear drive engines. New to this we are now confused. Does anyone have one, would you buy another or avoid it?

 

[Momac]

I presume you mean some folks don't like outdrives , which is true. For the most part outdrives just need to be serviced regularly which means the boat has to be lifted ashore perhaps more often than a shaft drive boat. Limiting the options to shaft drive leaves fewer choices.

 

[mjmatsea]

Thank you for this. Yes you are quite right. We have been warned off them but a boatyard has told us that shaft drive boats are being phased out, in a few years they will not be available to purchase at all. ( Except on the second hand market). Another issue we were warned of was its stability, as the bow of the boat lifts up gathering speed. Again the boatyard says the stability of the boat is able sustain nine foot waves, but who would want to go cruising in nine foot waves! It all adds to the confusion, from experienced sailors to views of boatyards who want to sell. Is it just a case of ‘ some people prefer BMW cars to those who love a Merc’

 

[jakew009]

Thank you for this. Yes you are quite right. We have been warned off them but a boatyard has told us that shaft drive boats are being phased out, in a few years they will not be available to purchase at all. ( Except on the second hand market). Another issue we were warned of was its stability, as the bow of the boat lifts up gathering speed. Again the boatyard says the stability of the boat is able sustain nine foot waves, but who would want to go cruising in nine foot waves! It all adds to the confusion, from experienced sailors to views of boatyards who want to sell. Is it just a case of ‘ some people prefer BMW cars to those who love a Merc’

Whoever told you shaft drives were being phased out would be best ignored.

The reality is that outdrives give you more interior accommodation space and slightly better fuel economy. The downside is that they are much more complex and are considerably more expensive to maintain / service / repair when they break.

There are obviously thousands of boats with them on and the owners decide the increased costs / hassle are worth it to them.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thank you for this. Yes you are quite right. We have been warned off them but a boatyard has told us that shaft drive boats are being phased out, in a few years they will not be available to purchase at all. ( Except on the second hand market). Another issue we were warned of was its stability, as the bow of the boat lifts up gathering speed. Again the boatyard says the stability of the boat is able sustain nine foot waves, but who would want to go cruising in nine foot waves! It all adds to the confusion, from experienced sailors to views of boatyards who want to sell. Is it just a case of ‘ some people prefer BMW cars to those who love a Merc’

Sounds like the boatyard is run by nuts. Shafts being phased out ?

9 foot waves in an NC9 ? Keep plenty of spare underwear onboard.

 

[Nick Wight]

Hello MJMATSEA -- this info may be of use/interest to you.

We have a 2016 NC9 that we bought 2 years ago when it had about 100 hours "on the clock" and it now has 225 hours. For 10 years prior to that we had a couple of American sports cruisers, which were OK as far as it goes, however we were getting fed up of being soaking wet and cold whenever we encountered a bit of bumpy weather. We have found the NC9 to be an excellent boat for a couple to handle easily and it is very comfortable to live on when we go away for 2-3 weeks. With four people on board it is fine for a day out, although outside deck space is then a bit limited, but not so good to sleep on. The mid-berth is really a large single and very cramped for two. We tend to give guests the forward berth, my wife sleeps in the mid and I use the salon seats with the insert cushion and that just about works for a couple of nights. The helm is comfortable and staying warm and dry when it gets bumpy is a real bonus. The build quality is generally OK and certainly far better than the American boats that we've had. The Volvo Penta D4 engine and DPH drive combo has adequate power for the boat, but don't expect anything much above 24-25 knots max and we cruise at 19-20 knots.

I'm not sure how much previous boating experience you have had, but some might consider the NC9 a bit ambitious for a first boat?

Having said that we are very happy with our boat, we are now considering selling, but that'a more to do with our being perhaps now a little too old and doddery for this boating malarkey!

 

[mjmatsea]

Many thanks to everyone who contributed a response to our questions, it has been very helpful. We feel more confident that we are going into a potential sale of a Jeaneux with our eyes wide open. We are impressed with its accommodation, height, and visibility, essential for a tall man. It certainly does not feel cramped. We agree that training is imperative for novices and will be taking up all opportunities to train with experts before venturing out, slowly and carefully. There’s no rush. Any other advice and experience here is certainly welcomed. Thank you all.

 

[mjmatsea]

Sounds like the boatyard is run by nuts. Shafts being phased out ?

9 foot waves in an NC9 ? Keep plenty of spare underwear onboard.

Hello PaulRainbow
We are aware that many sales person will tell you just about anything to get that sale, which is why forums such as this are very useful. However I don’t think the jeaneux would make a useful addition to the RNLI in nine foot waves, and neither do we want to test it out ( just in case)

 

[Gustywinds]

Many thanks to everyone who contributed a response to our questions, it has been very helpful. We feel more confident that we are going into a potential sale of a Jeaneux with our eyes wide open. We are impressed with its accommodation, height, and visibility, essential for a tall man. It certainly does not feel cramped. We agree that training is imperative for novices and will be taking up all opportunities to train with experts before venturing out, slowly and carefully. There’s no rush. Any other advice and experience here is certainly welcomed. Thank you all.

I’m sure you will like it for exactly the reasons you mention. I looked at two different NC9 and the interior is lovely, the build quality and materials are superb. I am also a large person (187cm, 110kg) and the extending bed was very good. I was wary of the sterndrives and veered towards Nimbus and Aquador and am in the process of buying an Aquador 32