• The MF895 Offshore is a tougher version of its standard MF895 sister
  • Its power delivery is noticeably improved over the single F300-powered MF895
  • Practicality is a key theme throughout the design of the boat, which is evident from the moment you step into the cockpit
  • Jeanneau have traditionally built strong hulls, and the Offshore is certainly a good example of this

Jeanneau MF895 Offshore

Greg Copp explores the rationale behind the creation of a new beefed-up Offshore version of the Jeanneau MF895…

You are probably asking why we are featuring a boat that we reviewed last November. The answer is that this is not your normal Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 but the MF895 Offshore, and the first one in the country. To all intents and purposes, at a glance it looks much the same. However, there are some subtle differences, and I will go so far as to say that this boat is a more rewarding drive.

The MF895 in standard form is offered with either 1 x F350, 1 x F300 or 2 x F175s (all Yamaha), but with the Offshore version Jeanneau have put a sting in the tail, with a pair of Yamaha F200s. This is not all, as they have also stiffened the transom and increased the laminates throughout the length of the hull to make a boat that can live up to its name.

The subsequent result is that it now qualifies for RCD category B, as opposed to being a category C boat. Category C craft are designed and rated for inshore use up to 6 miles from land, with wind conditions not exceeding F6 and wave heights up to 2m. Category B is for offshore use, with wind conditions touching F8 and wave heights of 4m. The reality is that in the UK these categories are considered basic guidelines, and often taken with a pinch of salt, but in France it is a different kettle of fish. In a country that takes its middleweight sports fishers seriously, this has led to the birth and growing popularity of the MF895 Offshore.

The moment you push the throttles forward, the difference between the two models is obvious. Having two 200hp engines as opposed to one 300hp motor is a distinct advantage when it comes to middle-range power delivery. The standard MF895 with one F300 needs to spin up to 4000rpm to realistically plane at 18 knots, and to cruise around 23/24 knots it needs to be running at 4750rpm. In comparison, the Offshore’s two engines need to run at 3600rpm and 4000rpm respectively to match the same speeds. Both the F200 and the F300 produce maximum torque at around 3400rpm, which is also their most fuel-efficient spot, so the Offshore is always going to be closer to this sweet spot at like-for-like speeds. Further up the spectrum the efficiency gap closes slightly due to the extra drag of a second outboard. However, the power delivery of the Offshore all the way to its top speed is noticeably stronger than the standard boat with one F300. The standard MF895 also requires a bit of fine-tuning with the trim of the outboard leg to squeeze out the last 3 knots of her 33.7-knot top speed.

Fine trim tuning was not an option when I tested the Offshore as the weather conditions were bad and getting worse. I set off with a strong south-westerly F5 on my stern, which meant, with the exposed position of Brighton marina, and the residual swell of the past five days, that the boat was actually going to have to prove its category B status. Heading east, I trimmed the outboard out three bars on the gauge, and we started recording performance and fuel figures, knowing it was unlikely we would get another chance. The conditions were such that we could not hang out for wide-open throttle for the last knot or two. Having recorded over 33 knots with a bit left to spare, I have no doubt about the boat’s ability to cross the 35-knot barrier and possibly more.

We now got a chance to drive this boat in the conditions for which it was designed. Jeanneau have traditionally built strong hulls, and the Offshore is certainly a good example of this. This boat has a medium-vee hull, so driving it like a Hunton Gazelle is not really ideal, but with the weather strengthening we had our moments. It had its work cut out, even running at its rough-weather sweet spot of around 25 knots, with just a couple of bars on the engine trim gauge. It can deal with such conditions comfortably provided you keep focused and work the throttles according to the sea. This is where two engines pay dividends, as the strong bottom-end power delivery makes it easy to power up and down the waves. When turning into or away from the weather, the stability afforded by two motors was reassuring, especially as this boat has a fair degree of windage.

When helming, you have an equally tempting choice of being seated or standing. Though the helm seat puts you in a good spot to see clearly over the bow, with the seat bolster up you can wedge yourself in standing, and get a slightly better view. Visibility on all quarters is outstanding thanks to the abundance of window space. I could be wrong, but I got the impression that the windscreen wipers have been uprated over the standard MF895, as the ones fitted to the Offshore were quite capable of dealing with the constant deluge of sea cascading over the windscreen and coachroof. The standard MF895, I recall, was wanting in this area.

Having headed east past Newhaven, we now had to return into the face of the weather, which had certainly got worse. The sea had heaped up considerably in a short, sharp and angry manner. Planing was not an option, so we settled down to discover life at a 12-knot semi-displacement speed. It was an up-and-over ride, but at this speed the boat is reasonably stable. At no point was there any need for trim tabs, any more than there was a need at planing speed. I will say that the forecabin door would not stay shut, and spent the whole return passage annoyingly sliding back and forth with a loud bang. A decent door catch is in order instead of the inevitable budget catches that many builders fit, as this could develop into a more serious fault. Also, due to the conditions, the backrest to the navigator’s seat came loose as a result of an inadequate Velcro fastening. The standard MF895 had a different and stronger seat back set-up.

Practicality is a key theme throughout the design of the boat, which is evident from the moment you step into the cockpit. The wheelhouse is offset to port, enabling a wider 9″ starboard side deck enclosed by a 15″-deep bulwark complete with side gate – and you still get a 6″ side deck on the port side. The aft bench seat assembly can slide forward on rails, enabling the engines to be trimmed clear of the water when berthed. The large cockpit hatch reveals an even larger lazarette beneath that has its own internal storage lockers. Forward deck access underway is all the safer thanks to tall guard rails and effective non-slip decking everywhere, and the anchor locker is deep enough to cater for fenders and warps, as well as housing a good-sized Lewmar windlass. I was a bit disappointed, however, with the size of the cleats, which, all things considered, was out of keeping with the rest of the boat.

The wheelhouse saloon certainly benefits from the abundance of window space and a starboard side door, which enables you to step out and quickly get to grips with fender duties and mooring lines. The galley is the usual compact set-up with a two-ring gas hob, reasonable storage and a fridge behind the helm seat. Opposite sits the dinette, which converts to a small double berth if need be, and the forward bench seat has a tilting backrest, which quickly turns it into a double navigator’s seat. Sadly, in order to get more light into the mid cabin below, the option of fitting an internal skylight took priority over placing a chart table in front of the navigator. 

Below decks, the design has given nothing away. The heads, complete with shower, has enough headroom to accommodate anyone up to 6ʹ 3″ and it certainly has enough space for the most well-fed. The mid cabin is par for the course, with a medium-size hanging locker, full standing headroom in the doorway and a wide double berth. In the master’s forepeak cabin, Jeanneau have embellished the large double island bed with a large storage locker underneath, and a slim hanging locker. There is plenty of sleeping space, but limited room around the foot of the bed.


Verdict

The MF895 Offshore is a tougher version of its standard MF895 sister, as it takes the fast fisher concept further by building an even stronger hull, while recognising the need for more power. Its power delivery is noticeably improved over the single F300-powered MF895. Surprisingly, the fuel figures we recorded are slightly better than the MF895 with a single F300, which is not an inefficient engine. This contradicts the accepted concept that one big single engine is more efficient than two middleweight engines. Both sets of figures were recorded from identical Yamaha gauges, which use the latest pulse-metering technology to calculate consumption. All I can say is that Yamaha’s F200, built with an offset crankshaft, has a wide spread of power for a 2785cc 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine, and is fuel-efficient as a result.

Twin motors also give the boat better stability in rough weather, especially at displacement and semi-displacement speeds. The result of beefing up the MF895 into this Offshore version is that its RCD rating has been uprated from C to B, and it is a more realistic boat into the bargain. As tested, this boat retails at £129,999 (inc. VAT), which includes all the extras that you will realistically want.


Fuel figures (Yamaha flow meter)

RPM                   Speed (knots)            Fuel consumption (mpg – both engines)

3500                   16.0                                          1.8

3750                   20.7                                          2.0

4000                   23.4                                          1.9

4250                   26.5                                          1.9

4500                   28.3                                          1.8

4750                   30.1                                          1.8       

5000                   32.0                                          1.7

5300                   33.6                                          1.6

Due to rapidly worsening weather conditions we did not get a chance to squeeze the last knot or two from her, as we are told this boat can top 35 knots. In better weather these fuel figures will also improve.


What We Thought

For

  • Innovative design making good use of space
  • Very good performance
  • Practicality
  • Safety
  • Solid build quality
  • Lots of storage
  • Very good heads for a 30ft boat
  • Good economy for a twin-engine petrol boat

Against

  • Trim tab switch position on dash too low
  • Cleats not large enough
  • Front cabin door kept sliding open and closed when the boat was rolling heavily in heavy weather – needs a more substantial catch
  • Velcro straps holding the navigator’s seat backrest kept coming unfastened in the heavy weather of the day

Specifications

  • LOA: 8.90m
  • Beam: 2.99m
  • Draught: 0.63m
  • Power options: 2 x 200hp Yamaha F200
  • Fuel capacity: 2 x 300 litres
  • RCD category: B for 6
  • Test engine: 2 x 200hp Yamaha F200

Performance

33.6 knots – sea conditions F5, gusting F7 and worsening, with 70% fuel and 2 crew


Price

  • As Tested: £129,999 (inc. VAT)
  • From: £111,200 (inc. VAT)

Contact

www.blackrockyachting.co.uk

Blackrock Yachting Ltd

1B East Dockside

Brighton Marina

BN2 5HA

Tel.:01273 697777

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