Jeanneau Cap Camarat opinions please ?

[Sea Ray]

Hi all.

This is my first post and I’m hoping there are some wise folks out there that can offer an opinion on the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 WA, their sea worthiness and build quality, or possibly suggest some alternatives? The 7.5 WA seems to tick all the boxes for the style of boat we want and the type of boating we do, weekend coastal hops and skiing. Whatever we buy it must have an outboard (a single will do), be trailerable, comfortable enough for 2 to overnight in and have a separate toilet. I don’t see many Cap Camarat’s around though, even older models, the Merry Fishers seem more popular, I’m guessing the wheel house style suits the UK weather better, but I personally prefer an outdoor helm position. I don’t want to go smaller than about 25ft, and I don’t think I can practically (or legally for that matter) tow anything larger. I’ve had a look at Karnic’s, White Shark, Beneteau, Trophy, Sessa Key Largo and Aquadors, the Aquador 25 or even 23WA would be ideal but they are inboards, only the 21WAE is an outboard, but its just that bit too small. So I keep coming back to the Cap Camarat. Compared to the slightly larger 8.5 WA, the 7.5 WA is a lot lighter (1300kg without engine) it needs to be able to safely handle the various delights the Solent weather throws up from time to time. There’s slim pickings on the second hand market, even outside the UK, so I’m contemplating buying new, in which case I would go for the 300hp Yamaha engine, as opposed to the 250hp Suzuki that most seem to have. I suspect its going to be hard to get a test drive, so I’m trying to get as much information on them as I can. They look fine in the brochures and videos blasting around the Med, but I wonder how they fair in the UK as a safe family boat. Any opinions on the boat or engine setup would be much appreciated.

Regards Andy

 

[Sea Ray]

Hmmmm, seems no one can offer an opinion. I guess they are less popular in the UK than I thought, maybe time for a re-think!

 

[Nick_H]

I can't really comment much on the Cap Camarat build quality or handling, as i've never been on one. I think it's well known that they're built to a price, but that may be more down to basic fittings etc. I think Jack Haines may have one, so maybe worth a pm to him, and I think he also did a short write up about it for one of the magazines recently.

I have a view on the style of boat though, having just bought something similar. It may be worth skimming through this thread for people's opinions on the GRP walkaround style of boat for UK use. http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?380243-American-trailerable-sport-fishers

As well as the brands you mention there are some Scandinavian makes like Flipper, Nordkapp, Oceanmaster that may be worth considering, and a never ending list of US builders, though most are not represented at all in the UK.

In terms of the outboard, my boat will have fairly light use, so I went for an Evinrude ETEC as the price was keen, the warranty is 5 years, and they only need servicing every 3 years. If I was planning to use it more heavily I may have paid extra for the Yam, for the rock solid build qualty and slightly better fuel usel

 

[wakeup]

I have chartered a Jeanneau 755WA on a few occasions in the SoF. They are built to a basic standard as Nick H has already said.

The 755 WA has been around for a lot longer, (perhaps over 10 years) you will find that there are many more on the second hand market that the newer 750. The one I have chartered had a single Yam 300 and did 40 knots with 6 up. The hull is pretty good imho, fine entry and deep v at the back. I didn't manage to get it to slam at all even at 40 knots (good conditions though). Handling is very sharp with this big single engine and very quick to plane and turn. More like rib handling without the slamming.

The foredeck/sun pad is nice and big for a boat of this size, big enough for four adults to picnic on the front. Only room for two to lie out on though. The walk around facility is great though it is only on the port side as it is asymmetric in layout There is an option for a windlass, many though don't seem to have had one fitted. There is enough seating for 6 adults, two up front in the bucket seats and 4 on the bench seat at the rear though. There is a sizeable lazarette which is a bit of a surprise on a boat of this size. Don't know if this is the case on the 750. The model I used to charter had a double bimini so plenty of shade can be created. The boat also has a small but useable cuddly, sink with cold water only and a small gas hob. The bed area is actually quite big, headroom only at the base of the bed through. The loo however is tiny, if you are a reasonably sized bloke you will have to drop your trousers and back into the loo with all your paper work ready whilst adopting the hunch back position. You cannot stand to pee unless you stand in the aisle and you cannot turn around once in place ;-) They are usually sea loos rather than the chemical potties that you get on smaller boats. Other premium/lux pack options included a small amount of teak near the bow and on the floor of the lazaretto, a small window forward in the cuddly out to the sun pad and there was an option for either swively bucket seats or fixed units with a fridge under the pilot seat and a small (really small) table for the cockpit bench seat. We found the swivel seats good as you can obviously turn them round to face your guest for lunch. The boarding ladder is small and tight but you get that on all outboard boats really, I think there was a cold water shower but am not absolutely sure about that. You do see many 2 engined versions of they boat fitted usually with Suzi 125s or 150s. I would go for the big single, performance was great. We took one out in a bit of a swell, 1.5 metres between the isle de lerins and had an absolute blast with this boat, it goes exactly where you put it ( and I mean exactly). I bought a Jeanneau after experiencing this boat although a different model (805) and if you are ok with the fit out quality then this isn't a bad boat, you can get better for more money though, just look at the quality of the fast open that Nick H has recently purchased. That boat looks to be ideal imho.

 

[beejay190]

I spotted a couple of WA750s / 755s ?? when I was snooping around the DryStack at Parkstone Bay Marina earlier this year. Give Tom Bettle (aka Nautibusiness of this parish ) a call at PBM - he will be be able to answer all your questions.

 

[Sea Ray]

Thanks for the input guys, plenty of food for thought. Love the look of your Scout Nick, I’ve never seen or heard of them before, as much as I would like a boat of that quality I suspect its well over my budget. I only really want to spend about 60k, and I thought for that money I would be spoilt for choice, but not in the UK for a walkaround that fits our criteria. I have been speaking with a Jeanneau dealer and have some figures on a Cap Camarat 7.5 WA. Bottom line is a new boat with the 300hp Yamaha, and the options we’ll want, plus a trailer and a custom built full canopy (Jeanneau don’t do one) I’m looking at approx 70K, for a boat that only appears to have average build quality, I feel it’s a lot of money for what it is. I can get a new 2013 model and save 10k, but even 60k on the package is starting to seem excessive, I also suspect the depreciation will be quite high. 60/70k can buy a lot of boat second hand. I’ve limited my choices as I want an outboard, separate loo and a decent double berth in a walk around style boat. I’m sure that style of boat best suits our needs, as others on the forum have said its surprising they are not more popular in the UK. The full canopy which is also a must for us is an issue, must walkarounds don’t seem to have them.

For now the search continues, I’ll have a look at the Flipper, Nordkapp and Oceanmaster. Thanks again for the input.

 

[wakeup]

You can get a very new, as in two year old 755wa for under £38k

 

[rhino_mac]

Tom isn't working at Parkstone Bay Marina anymore. Claire will be able to help you there. They have a couple of Cap Camarats in the boat club

 

[Nick_H]

Thanks for the input guys, plenty of food for thought. Love the look of your Scout Nick, I’ve never seen or heard of them before, as much as I would like a boat of that quality I suspect its well over my budget. I only really want to spend about 60k, and I thought for that money I would be spoilt for choice, but not in the UK for a walkaround that fits our criteria. I have been speaking with a Jeanneau dealer and have some figures on a Cap Camarat 7.5 WA. Bottom line is a new boat with the 300hp Yamaha, and the options we’ll want, plus a trailer and a custom built full canopy (Jeanneau don’t do one) I’m looking at approx 70K, for a boat that only appears to have average build quality, I feel it’s a lot of money for what it is. I can get a new 2013 model and save 10k, but even 60k on the package is starting to seem excessive, I also suspect the depreciation will be quite high. 60/70k can buy a lot of boat second hand. I’ve limited my choices as I want an outboard, separate loo and a decent double berth in a walk around style boat. I’m sure that style of boat best suits our needs, as others on the forum have said its surprising they are not more popular in the UK. The full canopy which is also a must for us is an issue, must walkarounds don’t seem to have them.

For now the search continues, I’ll have a look at the Flipper, Nordkapp and Oceanmaster. Thanks again for the input.

Those costs seem quite high, though of course I don't know all the options you've specced. I think you're probably right about heavy depreciation in the first year or two, so a used boat may be a good idea as Wakeup suggests.

 

[Sea Ray]

I would like to see a 755 to see how much difference there is compared to the new 7.5, problem is finding a 755 to go and have a look at. I may try contacting Parkstone Bay as suggested and see if they can help. There's a few likely looking boats in France well within budget, but not having ever purchased outside of the UK I'm a bit green on what's involved. Any tips, hidden costs or pitfalls to look out for? Planning ahead I would need a full canopy custom made for the boat, does anyone have any recommendations, although a dealer has given me a rough price (£2,000) I would like to get a more accurate estimate. I'm still trawling the various different makes but keep coming back to the Cap Camarat, but not new, too big a depreciation.

 

[rhino_mac]

When I had a look at the 7.5 at Parkstone Bay it was really nice. Great looking boat, looked nicely finished. Very modern interior. Looked to me to be an ideal day boat that you could overnight on and still be comfortable (although theirs isn't a walkaround) model. Theirs has the 250hp Suzuki from memory.

I'd consider one, or a leader 8 perhaps.

 

[Nick_H]

Summer is approaching, which means you'll be able to fly to Nice from loads of regional airports, so why not treat the family to a short break in the SoF, and look at a few boats while you're there. I don't know the specifics of buying a boat in France, but I can't imagine it's very complicated, and getting it back is easy enough. Even if you can't fetch it yourself, you can get someone else to tow it back on its own trailer for c. £2k. £2k also sounds about right for a full canopy, although a lot of med boats will have biminis, and you may be able to add to that, rather than start again.

 

[kevingreystones]

Hi
I currently have a Jeanneau 635 Cap Cap Camarat with a 150 hp Suzuki outboard which I bought new 5 years ago . Fantastic sea worthy boat , never had any issues at sea and it is great in rough seas provided you know how to handle the beast !!
I am currently selling the boat only because it is time to move up in size.
Last weekend we went from Poole on a lovely coast cruise , flying along in beautiful sunshine , when we did hit the occasional "race " the boat glides through. The french know how to build their small boats.
I had researched the larger Cap Camarats

 

[Sea Ray]

Thanks for the input kevingreystones, gives me confidence in the CC's abilities. Had a look at a 755WA today, it was well under budget and would have been of interest had it been in better condition, unfortunately it was a bit too unloved. I thought about making an offer but I don't want to have to spend the time/money bringing it up to scratch, much sooner buy something that's been well looked after and up and running, plus the 755 is 2 models old now. I think Nick has the right idea, I might line up a few candidates and pop over to France.

 

[wakeup]

plus the 755 is 2 models old now.

I am not sure this is quite right. jeanneau did salami slice their product range but I am pretty sure that the 755 whilst it was long in the tooth was only replaced in the last four years by the 750wa. I think there was. 715wa that was the 7 series for a while before they came out with the 750. There are many of these models in France, many of them dry stacked so shouldn't be hard to find a cared for model with the right engine and as Nick h says, not a kings ransome to have towed home.

 

[Sea Ray]

I think you're right Wakeup, I've tried researching the model history, even using Jeanneau's own info it's not exactly clear. I think we're set on the 7.5 WA or 755, nothing older than 2010 ideally. We've found a couple of likely candidates in France, just waiting on a response from the brokers.

 

[kevingreystones]

Saw a lovely new 715 WA in the showroom in Marbella in February lovely looking boat and also saw my first 855 WA with twin outboards , I am happy to send pictures if you would like to see them , not sure how I can post pics on the forum ?

I am off to Britanny Wed night so will be scouring the marinas and dealers and will keep an eye out for a 755.

 

[Sea Ray]

Thanks Kevin, much appreciated, safe journey. Do you remember who the Marbella dealer was, trying to find it on-line but no luck, may well have been sold.

 

[kevingreystones]

Hi the dealer was at a place called Metropol Nauticas , Autovia del Mediterraneo near to Estepona I think they must have been recently appointed as main Jeanneau dealers as they had nearly every model available on display in the best boat showroom i have ever visited.My wife and I spent a morning there drooling . If you PM me your details I can mail you a couple of pictures of the boat that we saw , lovely blue hull.
I have seen a smart new 755 for sale at Walton Marine sales at Shepperton http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/...extras-in-st-river-thames-shepperton/40904488,
If that is the boat you like then negotiate very very hard , I suspect you should get a further £10k off that one for a cash purchase.
Our Cap Camarat 635 has now sold , took a week !!!