One of the jobs in the workshop this week is commissioning this impressive new Merry Fisher 895 offshore. Destined for a long-standing customer upgrading to his third Merry Fisher, with power matched to twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards for effortless performance, along with a very high factory specification – including cabin air conditioning. One of the last jobs now being undertaken is a Gelshield 200 treatment (From International paints), a hull epoxy treatment upgrade.
Gelshield 200 is a quick drying and easy to apply epoxy primer, that protects GRP against ingress of water which can cause Osmosis. (Omosis is the movement of water or other solvent through a membrane from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration. Osmosis is passive transport, meaning it does not require energy to be applied. From a nautical stand point, GRP over a long period of time can absorb a small amount of moisture. This process can be accelerated when the GRP is stressed – such as boat hulls that are caught in frozen water, etc.)
Gelshield 200 from a workshop point of view is very easy to use. It can be applied in temperatures down to just 5°C and as it’s very fast drying, you can apply multiple coats in one day (good to know as five coats are required). Cleverly, it is also provided in two shades (green and grey) to ensure consistent and complete coverage.
Preparation is straight forward as well on new boats with a wash down using Super Cleaner, then rinse with fresh water and allow to dry. Then lightly sand with 180 grade (grit) paper to provide an initial key for the first coat. Then simply apply the required number of coats, detailed in the specification sheets (minimum 250 microns DFT). As mentioned, by alternating the grey and green colours, you can ensure consistency starting and ending with grey. Mixing the epoxy is easy as well – just stir or shake individual components thoroughly. Add Curing Agent to the base, stir and leave for 10 minutes to allow bubbles to disperse.
Once the last coat is on and had plenty of time to cure then we will go on with the final antifoul coat as normal.
So, this Merry Fisher should have plenty of life in her, even when she’s onto her next owner several years down the line!
New for 2020: Jeanneau Leader 36 – with Lounge Cockpit
For the new season, a superb lounge cockpit version of the Leader 36 has been released.
This new version offers a comfortable cockpit, which can be easily expanded with the back seat transforming at the touch of a button into a beautiful sunbathing area.
The Leader 36 is already a well-regarded sports boat with a host of awards gained on her release. Available in two different versions, sport top and open top, the Leader 36’s sporty lines are by Garroni Design and the superb V-shaped hull designed by Michael Peters.
To bring you a unique level of comfort at sea, Jeanneau has incorporated a separate shower stall, as well as three berths in the aft cabin. Just some of the clever features that make the Leader 36 the ideal boat for family cruising.
With her long, fluid lines, unmistakably high-quality living spaces and exceptional performance at sea, the Leader 36 is the perfect blend of sportiness and elegance.
The Leader 36 – general overview
Jeanneau’s Leader 36 is an express day cruiser built for short, coastal voyages. Two versions are available: The Sport Top, which has an electronic sunroof, and the Open Top, which comes with a GRP radar arch. Both models share the same layout, which includes a fully equipped galley, swim platform, adjustable sundeck, head and separate shower compartment. This vessel is well-suited for families or couples looking to have fun and spend a few nights on the water in a relatively affordable vessel.
Specifications
Length Overall
38′ 1”
11.62 m
Beam
11’ 10”
3.62 m
Dry Weight
14,586 lbs.
6,616 kg
Powered with twin sterndrives, Jeanneau’s Leader 36 is a capable cruiser in a well-priced package. Above the waterline, the vessel is well suited for relaxation in the sun, and other day-boating activities such as on-board picnics, entertaining, and cocktail parties. The below decks interior living spaces have an innovative, open layout that offers multi uses and a double berth amidships for cruising with two couples or a small family.
Jeanneau offers a choice of diesel or petrol inboards for the new for 2020 Jeanneau Leader 36. For diesel, there are the well proven twin Volvo Penta D4 260-horsepower to 300 horsepower engines with DuoProp sterndrives lower units. Standard features of the Volvo Pentas include common-rail fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, a freshwater cooling system, a seawater strainer, and easy access to the impeller pump.
The other option (probably better to suited to the US market) is twin 300-horsepower MerCruiser 6.2 litre MPI V-8 petrol engines, with dual prop sterndrives. These engines have computer controlled multi-port fuel injection, a closed freshwater cooling system and the Adaptive Speed Control (ASC), which holds engine RPM regardless of load.
The engines are under the aft lounge, which lifts electronically at the push of a button. Note that raw water sea strainers are on top for easy inspection as are oil dipsticks and fills.
At full throttle, the Leader 36 can reach up to 33 knots, consuming about 30 gallons an hour. A comfortable, efficient cruising speed is usually between 17 and 21 knots, and at those speeds this vessel should have an approximate range of 130 to 150 nautical miles.
One of the most interesting features on the Leader 36 is the double wide aft lounge. The backrest can be adjusted to create a variety of seating configurations. There are useful cup holders and alongside, a full-length handrail that aids movement on the swim platform, which also doubles as a footrest when the backrest is positioned so loungers are facing the open water when at anchor. Reverse the backrest and loungers can sit upright, facing inboard and within comfortable reach of the table in the cockpit. Swimmers have easy access in and out of the boat via the full-beam swim platform and the stainless-steel swim ladder. The ladder is stowed in a compartment built into the starboard side of the platform. This deck space can also double as a place to stow water sports equipment, such as a paddleboard. A shower wand with hot and cold water comes standard.
The lounge seats lift electronically to access the engine and mechanical spaces. Hot water is provided by the engines and by an electric hot water heater. The vessel has both an inverter and a generator, as well as an automatic fire system for the engine room. Just forward of the engines are the fuel tanks, which are accessed through the deck sole hatch.
The Leader 36 is clearly designed for relaxing in the sun and general on-board entertaining. Guests on the Open model with radar arch, can be shaded with an optional Bimini while operators of the Sport model press a button and the electronic sunroof on the hardtop pulls back to let the sun in.
Guests stepping up from the swim platform will find a standard hardwood table with fixed U-shaped seating to port with space for four, with room for two more if the aft lounge is configured with the backrest positioned aft. When not in use, the table can be folded in half, which reveals a flat steel top with built-in cup holders. This is a great feature – seating for six people around the table.
Opposite the table is a small galley with a wet bar and storage compartments. An optional grill and refrigerator are available. With cocktail parties, this console can be used as a side board for beverages or finger food.
Forward of the galley is the helm with a single helm seat. A forward-facing companion seat is across the aisle next to the aft-facing chaise lounge. An optional multi-function display is positioned at the centre of the helm station, just above the wheel, with the system switches, engine display gauge and optional VHF positioned close by. Set in a panel above the display are gauges for the trim, RPM, steerage, and fuel with the compass positioned at the top of the panel. The compass is installed as it should be on the centreline of the steering wheel hub, and there is a standard electric windshield wiper on the starboard side.
Outside, it’s possible to move forward on either side of the bridge, but there is a slightly wider side deck to port. The walkways are narrow, but grab rails are well positioned to help balance. The foredeck sun pad has space for two or three passengers and has the bonus of lifting backrests. From the bow, you can also access the (optional) anchor and standard electric windlass.
Stepping down the companionway to access the open-plan cabin – to port is the fully equipped main galley with a sink, two-burner gas stove, and refrigerator, all standard (a microwave is optional). Storage is overhead and in a cabinet. Above the sink is a cabinet with all the electric controls, battery switches, and water levels with a digital display.
Opposite the galley is the head with a sink, vanity, and separate shower stall with head. This arrangement makes double use of the shower stall space and provides a seat when taking a shower, if needed! A manual head with holding tank is standard. There is an opening port light and overhead hatch.
There is a host of optional extras that can be fitted by the factory for the new for 2020 Jeanneau Leader 36 which are worth considering. When specifying a stock boat, we use our many years of experience to specify what we know works best and makes life more comfortable aboard a given model. As a starting point, we would specify the anchoring kit, followed by trim tabs and a bow thruster. The rest of the options owners might want to consider include a stereo, cockpit refrigerator, and grill for the cockpit and microwave for the galley below. For those into sunbathing, the sun pads forward are a must.
To pre-order this stunning New for 2020 Jeanneau Leader 36, or for further details on this or any other Jeanneau model, please contact Oli, Graham, Ric or Steve in the Morgan Marine Sales Office: 01206 302008.
We can supply this new model fully prepared, antifouled, and ready to go with handover at Morgan Marine (or any other Marina in the UK or Europe).
Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 DC Series 2: The Next Generation Day Cruiser!
The new Cap Camarat Day Cruiser line with its sleek lines and protective cockpit, allows for all types of marine activities, as well coastal cruising – with family and friends.
The Cap Camarat 7.5DC Series 2 features extended lines and a wraparound windscreen, while offering an entirely redesigned cockpit. The generous U-shaped cockpit saloon, which is modular and secured by a gate, enables ease of movement around the boat and to the wide swim platforms, for easy access to the water. The aft bench seat features a reversible seat back, enabling an alternate orientation toward the aft for swimming and a sundeck on the starboard swim platform.
This new model is not short on cruising comforts: the interior is voluminous with wide windows in the deck and hull. It offers a generously sized double berth with a view of the sea, good storage areas and a separate head compartment. Cruising of course is safe and comfortable, with a co-pilot bench seat facing the sea and a perfectly integrated Bimini (or cabriolet top), all with the famous Michael Peters designed hull. Its more than just a Day Cruiser – it’s a classical ‘weekender’!
When you step into the cockpit, the layout of the new 7.5 DC is easy to understand. It features a full beam aft bench with a cushion-topped walk through to starboard, plus a port bench that merges with the co-pilot’s seat to create an unbroken C-shaped seating section that wraps nicely around the cockpit edge. To make the most of the deck space the cockpit’s furniture is finished off with a rotating helm seat to starboard and a set of moulded foredeck steps to port of the dash. When you come to a standstill, the rotating helm seat and the reversible backrest on the co-pilot’s bench enable you to exchange the five forward-facing seats for a seven-person dining station. For sunbathing you can fill the central deck space with a cushioned infill, creating a large family sun lounger without obstructing the passageway fore and aft. A perfect recipe for a great day cruiser! There are additional touches as well such as the infill for the sun lounger is not made of heavyweight plywood but from lightweight aluminium. It weighs virtually nothing enabling you to manoeuvre it easily and there are many satisfying elements such as this to make your life that bit easier.
The design of the aft arrangement on the 7.5 DC also impresses. The Series 2 takes advantage of the long swim platforms with a set of simple cushions that turn the entire portside into a full-length, sun lounger. Elevated aft mouldings keep you secure and the combination of the stainless arch over the engine well, dedicated rail for the starboard platform and the top grab rails make movement in and around this part of the boat very easy.
Making your way below deck you find the primary forward storage space can be accessed by hinging up the bed, complete with mattress, on a powerful ram, with a further compartment beneath the forward-most part of the bed. There is plenty of room to move around below deck as well. There is also a transverse single bed beneath the forward part of the cockpit sole. Tucked away behind the removable ladder that brings you down from the cockpit, it offers a place for an adult guest or a couple of small children to spend the night on.
Engine options up to 300bhp are available but with Yamaha’s impressive F250 outboard motor 30 knots is available in approximately eight seconds and it can achieve well over 40 knots at wide-open-throttle.
Whilst the 7.5 DC S2 is certainly quick and agile, it’s also quiet and solid. The wind deflection created by the long wraparound screen is also outstanding, for all occupants.
Jeanneau has worked hard to make its new Day Series 2 cruiser as simple to use as possible, and it really does show. It looks slick, it feels solid, it cruises beautifully and it’s full of great design features.
To pre-order this stunning new model, or for further details on this or any other Merry Fisher, please call Oli, Ric or Steve in the Morgan Marine Sales Office: 01206 302008.
We can supply this new model fully prepared, antifouled, and ready to go with handover at Morgan Marine (or any other Marina in the UK or Europe).
