Merry Fisher 635

[Roadhog]

Still searching for my first sports fisher. Came across the Merryfisher 635. All the reports I have read seem positive. But as always, if anyone has one or had one - any comments, particluarly what to watch out for in buying a used one (prob e 2003/2004 model) 85hp nanni. Mainly to be used for South UK coastal cruising with family with some fishing!

Thanks in advance.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Nautorius]

I like this Jeanneau 655 with a D3. Looks like a great compromise between a Fisher and a Here cruiser,

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Nautibusiness]

The 635 was sadly discontinued in 2005 to make way for the super, but more expensive 655.
The 635 is a really pleasant sports fisher. Fairly utiliatarian by Jeanneau standards, but pure luxury compared to it's competitors like Arvor. Nothing wrong with the Arvor, but anglers will know that Jeanneau tend to have a few more cruising facilities onboard.
The 635 tends to come with simple cruising comforts with a stove and sink under the twin helm position and a marine toilet as standard. The only downside to the loo is that whilst on the throne you are looking straight back out thorugh the patio doors, so it's best to know your crew reasonably well.

The 635 is no sports boat, but she is extremely sea worthy for her 20'11" loa. A proper little ship and her frugal diesel, shaft drive engine options will push her through most weather with you giving up well before the boat.
A few early boats had Yanmar 88Hp engines with boats from 2002 to about 2004 having either the Nanni 85Hp or the Volvo 105Hp. The last boats were all (I seem to remember) Nanni 85's. A few boats hit the market with 50Hp Nanni's. Steer clear unless 12knots tops is your thing.

Expect 18 knots, downhill with a strong wind behind you. That is with the Nanni engine, a light boat and a sparkling clean bum.
Cruising at 14 or 15 knots should be easy, but this will fall a little towards the end of the season.
Boats that have the Volvo 105 will run at about 2 knots faster on average.

All the engine options do seem pretty bullet proof. Some of the earlier 85Hp Nanni engines had sticky waste gates, but these were easily fixed by the service agents.

A utilitarian, but very practical sports fisher / family cruiser.
Expect to pay from about £16,500 for an early model or one that requires tlc and anything up to £24,500 for the last models in A1 condition and a reasonable specification.

I don't visit YBW too often, so for those that don't know me, I am a Jeanneau dealer (hence all the info), but an owner myself of a 695 the 635's bigger sister.
If people would like more info then please feel free to PM / email and I'll try and help.

Cheers
Tom

PS: For anyone thinking of selling their own 635.... I won't say we have people queuing up for them, but it was a sad day when they stopped being produced and we could probably find you a buyer very quickly through our brokerage.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Nautibusiness, I know you commented on the differences between the Cap Camarat 715WA and 755WA back in May. Have you had more experience with the 715WA now and how does it compare with the 755WA?

 

[Nautibusiness]

Sorry a little off topic

Sorry Mike

Since I last mentioned it I haven't had any more dealings.
The 715 Open is a great boat with a well finished console interior. A customers boat here with me is fitted with a 250Hp Suzuki and he loves it.
Whilst the 715WA does look very striking, it doesn't have a hugely bigger console / cuddy cabin than it's "Open" sister. The point of the WA's is to have some basic accomodation and the 715WA cuddy is little bigger than the 625WA.
Not a problem as the boat is great, but when the price rises to not a million miles from that of a 755WA then the 755WA begins to look very attractive. Not least because it does have a tardis like cuddy, separate marine loo, fridge, stove and a truly usable cabin.

Totally off topic, but it put a huge smile on my face...
I tell you what I've just had my first play with and it is abolutely stonking. The Cap Camarat 925WA.
Twin 250's and a genuine 50 knot performance (I did Poole to Weymouth via the outside of the firing range in a fraction under 50 minutes the other day... that was at a fast cruising speed).
Well worth a nose around if any of you are passing by Salterns Marina in Poole.
...my kettle is usually on!

Tom

PS: Back to the 635. Sorry BigD

 

[Roadhog]

Re: Sorry a little off topic

Thanks Tom, thats a great rundown on the boat. Sounds like a good starter craft. My concern TBH, was the lack of grunt...they are plodders, but I think for the learning period 12 months or so I can put up with that! First and foremost I want stability and sea worthiness and an easy boat for a starter! ...and all for a small budget. Don't want the family to refuse to come on board a second time coz Capt D (the novice) bought a 50 knot power boat, loaded everyone up then skimmed across some chop on his first trip and gave the everyone white knuckles...lol

The 655 is absolutely perfect, bit more power and more luxury and would be my first choice, but they command a premium above my starter budget!

Is there anything on the superstructure that detiorates particularly? to watch for?

Thanks again...