Thinking about Downsizing Jeanneau Prestige 32 for a Merry Fisher 805 or similar - Info request

[frothblower]

Morning All.

I currently have a 2006 facelift Prestige 32 with the Volvo D4 260's which I adore and have owned since 2008 but now with a young family and other commitments she doesn't get as much use as I would like having only covered just over 400 hours from new, so I'm thinking about about getting something a bit smaller with less maintenance and upkeep.

Looking for something around the same era, single diesel engine, shaft drive, cruise at 18+ knots, with a wheelhouse and loving my P32 I really like the look of the MF805. Beneteau 760 looks similar but I like the layout and lines of the MF805 (although never seen one in the flesh).

Anything else I should be considering?

With regards to the MF805 can anyone tell me which year they were facelifted with the roof access hatch and stainless rubbing strake?

Early ones seem to have the VP TAMD41 200hp, latter the Nanni 200hp and a rare few seem to have the VP D4 210hp, was the D4 an option over the standard Nanni?

Thanks.

 

[Kawasaki]

If you just want a day boat
Go for the 760
Easier to single hand
Safe wide side decks, easy access all around
Go nicely at 12 to 18 kts
805 is more tricky going forward along the side decks
Ok, more ‘accommodation’ but a bit cluttered
Both hulls react much the same in a chop
Nowt wrong with the TAMD 41’s
Both vessels are affected by prop wash in reverse which is a bit confusing at first but you will get used to that
After a bit!
?
TBH I can’t see much difference in maintenance and running costs
As you say you ain’t using a boat so much
760 would be a cheaper purchase though
I’d keep the Prestige or get a 760

 

[R400]

Had 2 805s. Think you’d be disappointed when comparing comfort and noise levels to what you have. 18 knot cruise is achievable but tiring.

 

[jamie langstone]

I don’t see any difference when it comes to upkeep as the same jobs have to be done each year for the both boats . i.e antifoul , anodes , cleaning . I understand the cost will be different so that may be a factor.
But as you said you have a young family and with in a few years you will need that extra space and no doubt regret selling your beloved boat. I have a MF 805 and more than 2 adults is cramped .

 

[Pleinmont]

As a 760 owner I think they are brilliant for two people for day trips, fishing and longer trips a few days away from home (esp if you have the cockpit canopy up).
More than two people, eg bringing friends or teenagers etc gets busy but doable for a day if you can get them off onto the shore at some point

I would have thought your 32 would be a great boat for either 2 people or taking out the kids depending on how close you are to home.
Loads more space that the 760s and 805s don't have.

760 lacks the handy ladder and roof storage that the 805 has for beaching legs etc (guess they saved that for the Series 9).
15-17knts is a comfortable 760 cruise speed - more than that feels like you are starting to thrash it a bit on long journeys.
A friend with an 805 generally does 14knts but maybe personal choice as the hulls are really similar and same engines.
Very easy to handle solo and you can dry them out on legs.

That said, I agree with the other posts above that you might find it's not much different in upkeep/maintenance (albeit you have twin engines) but then miss the space/accommodation.
I would.
If I was you probably keep the bigger one for a while and sell on if you really desperately wanted something smaller.

Had my 760 for 4yrs now and still very happy with it but if I was to upgrade I really like the look of the Merry Fisher 925.
Does all the same stuff, single inboard and can dry out on legs but much more cabin space and looks ok to take out solo.
Also better layout than the Series 9 (in my opinion) with the guest cabin.

 

[frothblower]

Thanks for all the responses.

Its a combination of things wanting to go smaller, smaller boat less to keep clean and look after, single engine less time spent on maintaining and wanting to put the extra money in to other things whilst still staying on the water. If anyone is looking for a lovely P32 and have something that fits the bill like a MF805, Beneteau Series 8, Quicksilver 750 weekender, Starfisher etc etc and are interested in a PX then please get in touch.

 

[ST840]

Thanks for all the responses.

Its a combination of things wanting to go smaller, smaller boat less to keep clean and look after, single engine less time spent on maintaining and wanting to put the extra money in to other things whilst still staying on the water. If anyone is looking for a lovely P32 and have something that fits the bill like a MF805, Beneteau Series 8, Quicksilver 750 weekender, Starfisher etc etc and are interested in a PX then please get in touch.

I'm late to the party here a bit, but did you get rid of your P32 yet?

 

[frothblower]

I'm late to the party here a bit, but did you get rid of your P32 yet?

Yes sold it back in April.

 

[Bowlerhat]

We downsized from a Prestige 32 to a Quicksilver 855 Weekend for similar reasons. The single engine (we have the inboard so we can still carry a tender easily) helps with maintenance costs and we have also put her in a dry-stack. We looked at the same sort of boats as you, but the island bed, planing hull (the QS 855WE is good for 28kts and cruises very comfortably at 24kts) and the dining layout in the saloon/space in the aft cockpit meant we went for the 855. Even though there is only a metre difference in the LOA, we still notice a big difference in space (the tyranny of volume) and miss the flybridge. However, it works for us.