2021 Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5WA Series 2 review

Jeanneau is a leading French manufacturer of powerboats and cruising yachts to 12.5m and 20.7m respectively. Owned by the giant Beneteau Group, Jeanneau is arguably best known for its sailing craft, even though the company was founded with the production of a range of power dinghies and trailerable craft way back in 1957.

Today, the Jeanneau powerboat range is large and comprehensive, with more than two dozen quality-built fibreglass models available; customers can choose from centre console, walkaround cabin, sports cruiser, enclosed cabin, and weekender-style boat configurations.

In keeping with current worldwide trends, all of the small to mid-size Jeanneau powerboats are now outboard-powered.

In Australia, boaters will be familiar with several of the mid-sized Jeanneau models including the Merry Fisher enclosed cabin cruisers and the Merry Fisher Sport (formerly called Marlin) walkaround cabin fishing boats (with the trawler-style reverse-raked windscreens).

Not quite as well known (locally at least) are the Cap Camarat models. These centre console and walkaround cabin boats are enormously popular on the world stage and gaining traction in Australia, especially the larger models.

The subject of this report is the smaller of the two range-topping Cap Camarats, the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 Walkaround Series 2 powered by two 300hp Yamaha V6 Offshore four-stroke outboard engines.

Brisbane Jeanneau dealer Northside Marine has Cap Camarat 10.5WA prices starting at a very competitive $413,090 when rigged with a pair of grey coloured 300hp Yamaha V6 Offshore ultra-longshaft (30-inch) four-stroke outboards.

This price includes hydraulic steering and the base Yamaha Helm Master EX navigation system with digital electronic throttle controls and Yamaha's Command-Link 5 digital touchscreen display.

Opting for the full Helm Master EX system complete with digital electric steering, autopilot and joystick control adds $38,841 to the price, but gives owners access to the full suite of Helm Master EX functions.

The higher price of $451,931 also includes swapping out the standard grey V6 Yamahas for a pair of white-coloured versions.

Jeanneau Cap Camarats are designed to be customised from the outset; base boat pricing includes only a modest inventory of gear and equipment. From this starting point, buyers are then encouraged to up-spec their craft to their specific requirements from a large list of accessories.

Our test rig was optioned with plenty of extra kit, the most obvious being the polished, stainless steel framed fibreglass hardtop with sliding sunroof/hatch.

Tinted zip-on vinyl drop curtains were added on all sides to enclose the helm station and provided shelter from the weather.

Of all the options — and there are many — the hardtop is one of the few that you really do need to counter our harsh and hot Aussie summer climate.

Our test boat also gained Jeanneau's Premier trim level that equips the Cap Camarat with an electric anchor windlass; bow seating/lounge chairs; a 220-volt shore power fitting plus charger; hot water heater; ambience lighting pack; interior fridge upgrade (from 40-litre to 80-litre capacity); a ventilation pack; and a set of Lenco trim tabs.

I would have expected the above gear (priced collectively at $21,572) to be standard in a boat of this size, but having it listed as an option does give customers more choices.

In a similar vein, the electronics gear also is optional. Our test boat was appointed with a Garmin 8412xsv fishfinder/GPS display with full Helm Master EX integration and connectivity, Garmin VHF radio, and a premium Fusion RA70N audio pack with Bluetooth and multiple speakers scattered throughout the boat.

Extra options included a bow thruster for close-quarter manoeuvring (in addition to the Helm Master joystick control); anchoring kit; teak flooring to the boarding platforms; bow platform with ladder; two rod holders; height-adjustable teak cockpit table to create cockpit sun pad; gas stove, 49-litre fridge and 50-litre live well to the outdoor galley unit; infill cushion to bow seating area; cabin air conditioning; infill cushion to master cabin berth; shower door with toilet seat cover; port side cockpit folding bench seat; windscreen wiper and washer system.

With the above gear and equipment, and an open water safety gear pack with six inflatable PFDs, our test boat is priced at $569,741.

The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 Series 2 has an all-new hull designed by world-renowned naval architects Michael Peters Yacht Design.

Florida-based Michael Peters also penned the previous hull, an advanced, high-performance design that incorporated a series of steps in the hull to aerate the running surface for extra lift and reduced drag.

This innovative stepped hull met the design brief to provide excellent handling with more speed and fuel economy, but it suited some outboard engine combinations better than others. Accordingly, a more traditional hull was designed for the second-generation model, featuring a 21-degree transom deadrise but no hull steps.

Jeanneau has also now adopted a high-tech vacuum-bag resin infusion moulding construction process using composite materials to save weight, boost hull strength and rigidity, and to streamline the boatbuilding operation.

Elsewhere the build quality is evident in the fit and finish of doors, joinery, deck hatches, hard-surface benchtops, and more.

The interior is arguably utilitarian, more practical than luxurious, but there's no questioning the quality of the materials, fixtures and fittings.

Similar to most mid-size four-berth sports cruisers, the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5WA Series 2 has a bridge-deck configuration with the helm station and cockpit elevated to provide space underneath for a full-width double berth.

Space is relative, mind you, as there is enough, but not a lot of headroom above the aft double bed that can also configure as a pair of single berths.

A curtain divides the aft berth from the main cabin area, although a door to separate the aft berth has now been introduced as an option.

From the cabin steps/entryway, the cabin layout is open-plan right forward to the V-shaped seating area that converts into a double berth when the table is lowered and an optional infill cushion slotted into place.

The cabin feels light, airy and spacious, with light coloured vinyl upholstered berth cushions and galley benchtop, in combination with the natural white gelcoat finish to the seat/berth mouldings, ceiling and surrounds.

These light, pale colours contrast nicely with the rich timber veneers used to surface the doors, floors, drawers and cabinetry.

The large side windows and front skylight also flood the cabin with ambient light; there's no need for the LED cabin lighting during the day unless it is dark and gloomy outside.

As well as the four berths and spacious living area, the cabin has a galley on the port side complete with sink and mixer tap, two-burner gas cooktop (electric optional), fridge (behind a timber door) and plenty of cupboard storage space.

Opposite is an enclosed full-height head compartment with mirrored vanity, storage cupboards, shower recess with a full-flush toilet, ceiling vents and a porthole window.

The Cap Camarat 10.5WA is nicely set up for outdoor living and entertaining; it has gathering/seating areas at the bow and the stern, separated by a three-seater helm station and a well equipped second galley/leaning post.

Fronting the flip-up bolster equipped helm chairs is a broad fibreglass helm console, complete with a full-width footrest, cup holders, centreline-mounted steering wheel and throttle box, and a two-tier front fascia to accommodate several large displays, switch panels, radio head units, and more.

Everything is nicely laid out in front of the skipper; easy to view and operate. I did experience a little sun glare off the single front piece windscreen and surrounding stainless steel hardtop supports, but the panoramic view is otherwise very good.

Stepping out from the helm station on the port side takes you to a broad side deck walkway that stretches between the bow and stern cockpit/seating areas.

There's another walkway trench to starboard, but it isn't as wide so the crew are encouraged to use the port side access.

Each walkway is topped by high, supportive safety rails to keep you contained as you walk forward to the bow.

Sun lovers will appreciate the foredeck's three chaise-style lounge seats that convert into a large sunpad with the addition of an infill cushion at the bow.

Skippers will appreciate the easy access forward for anchoring, or for securing deck lines to a wharf or marina berth.

A great new feature situated amidships on the port side is the fold-out side deck terrace. The extra standing/sitting space provided by this manually lowered platform makes the whole aft cockpit feel larger and more open.

The side deck terrace is intended for use only whilst anchored up in calm waters, but it can be optioned with a lifeline railing system for security.

There's also an option to fit a removable ladder for swimmers.

Further aft is the primary cockpit gathering area, complete with a moulded rear bench seat and starboard side fold-out bench seat.

Our test boat was optioned with an additional, port side folding bench seat and a height-adjustable teak dinette/cocktail table which can be lowered to create a rear sunbed.

The leaning post galley between the cockpit and helm station can be optioned with a gas stove or electric grill, along with a fridge, and storage cupboards.

On the starboard side of the galley/lean seat unit, there is space for an optional 50-litre live well — a feature anglers will appreciate.

Other features of note include a large storage/mechanical room beneath the cockpit floor (for the optional diesel generator), port side transom access gate, and large rear boarding platforms with a port side telescopic swim ladder.

The Michael Peters-designed 21.5-degree deep vee hull beneath the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5WA Series 2 is both aesthetically attractive and functional.

The depth and volume of the hull is cleverly disguised by the raised sheer line, the angle of the gunwale rubbing strip, and a blacked-out panel in the topsides that incorporates the tinted cabin windows.

Rather than looking high and bulky, the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 Series 2 looks sporty, streamlined, even racy — fitting given the hull performs beautifully on the water.

Underway our test boat proved easy, enjoyable to drive, Yamaha's finger-tip light digital steering responding instantly to the slightest input.

High speed turns and figure-eight manoeuvres were completed with aplomb, the hull banking sharply, but maintaining a safe, secure balance throughout.

The Moreton Bay waters offshore from Brisbane were calm during our test, but there was enough wave action to confirm the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 Series 2's deep-vee hull is soft riding, stable, safe and generally well-mannered.

Twin 250hp V6 Yamahas is Northside Marine's entry power option for the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5WA Series 2, but most Australian customers opt for the higher-rated but physically identical 300hp Yamaha outboard engines.

If you really want to go fast, there's also an option for a pair of Yamaha's flagship 425hp V8 XTO Offshore four-stroke outboard engines. With these beasts on the transom you can expect a top speed in the range of 46-48 knots.

As noted, our test boat was rigged with the 300hp V6s outboard engines. These smooth, quiet, proven engines delivered plenty of mid-range punch and a top speed of 40 knots — excellent performance for a 10 metre-plus sports cruiser.

Performance*

Range on 95% of the 800L fuel supply at 4000rpm: 204.3nm
*Both engines

Verdict

The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5WA Series 2 is very popular in Europe, USA, and the rest of the world for that matter.

It is easy to understand why. This cleverly designed sports cruiser combines a smooth-riding offshore capable hull with a comfortable four-berth cabin and a cockpit that is set up wonderfully for entertaining.

With pricing for a moderately optioned boat starting in the $460K-$480K range, this big Jeanneau power cruiser is also excellent value for money.

Priced from: $413,090 with dual grey coloured Yamaha 300hp V6 Offshore ultra-longshaft (30-inch) four-stroke outboard engines with hydraulic steering, digital throttle box and Command Link 5 digital display.

Price as tested: $568,741 including a pair of white-coloured Yamaha 300hp V6 Offshore ultra-longshaft (30-inch) four-stroke outboards; Helm Master EX full system (digital electric steering, autopilot and joystick control), bow thruster, polished, stainless steel framed fibreglass hardtop with sliding sun-roof/hatch and clear drop curtain enclosure; Premier trim level (refer Jeanneau website); Garmin 8412xsv fishfinder/GPS display with Helm Master EX integration and connectivity; Garmin VHF radio; Fusion RA70N audio pack with Bluetooth and multiple speakers; anchoring kit; teak surfaced boarding platforms; bow platform with ladder; two rod holders; high/low teak cockpit table; gas stove, 49L fridge and 50L live well to the outdoor galley unit; infill cushion to bow seating area; cabin air conditioning; infill cushion to master cabin berth; shower door with toilet seat cover; port side cockpit folding bench seat; windscreen wiper and washer system, and an open water safety gear pack with six inflatable PFDs.

Supplied by: Northside Marine