Preview: Jeanneau DB/37

An eye-catching Italian design and a Michael Peters hull is always a successful combination.

Following on the heels of the DB/43 launched last year, the new DB/37 clearly has the same DNA. The hull is designed by Michael Peters, while the external and interior design is the work of Camillo Garroni. Being a smaller clone of the DB/43, we can realistically suppose this boat will be as eye-catching as it is innovative, while providing the driving experience for which Peters’ hulls are renowned.

Engine options are twin sterndrives in the form of 320hp Volvo D4s on DPI duo-prop sterndrives or twin 400hp outboards, which will likely be supercharged Mercury Verados. There are trade-offs for both options. The sterndrive option will increase the purchase price but have lower fuelling costs, as well as less internal storage, while the outboard version will have a greater thirst but lower servicing costs, and a big storage compartment where the D4s would have been. Once, it would have been unthinkable to have a boat this size powered by outboards on this side of the Atlantic, but things change, and driving a boat with two silky-smooth supercharged petrol engines on the transom has a distinct appeal.

The fold-out platforms transform the boat.

The central helm station features three individual seats, sheltered by an integrated glass windscreen and a large hardtop. The entire area can be canvas-enclosed to extend the cruising season – and benefit from the full volume of the cockpit. Two recessed side decks enable secure deck movement – accessed directly from the helm. Consequently, the forward deck area is easily accessible for taking advantage of the two sunloungers, and there is a deep anchor locker in the forepeak. The DB/37 appears to have deeper side decks than its bigger sibling, which may slightly reduce the internal volume in the forward cabin, but it certainly increases deck security.

The design ethos of the DB line focuses strongly on its topside innovation, notably the two fold-down bulwarks that sit on each quarter. Activated at the push of a button, these sections expand the aft deck space hugely, and when at rest, they can be safely enclosed by rope-connected drop-in stanchions. In the cockpit, two facing bench seats accommodate eight around a large transverse table. Alternatively, the bench seats and the table convert to a large sunbed by dropping the table, inserting a mattress infill and then folding down the aft bench seat backrest. The deck design benefits from a big, fully equipped, central island galley, whose large Corian countertop is a great social spot and is equipped with a hob, a grill, a sink and a refrigerator. It is impressively large for a boat this size and has enough storage to keep a small family supplied for several days, and with the canvas covers in place, the galley and cockpit area is an extension of the boat’s accommodation.

A serious galley for a 37-footer.

Descending the companionway steps brings you to the ‘breakfast point’ on the port side of the small saloon. This, in addition to the large topside galley, provides you with the sustenance you want first thing in the morning – and is equipped with storage, a microwave and a refrigerator.

The forward cabin is well lit and has full standing headroom.

The forward owner’s cabin features an island double berth, a dressing table and numerous storage lockers. The aft cabin benefits from the full-beam design. There are two large single berths that, with an infill, convert to a double when needed, though headroom is limited. There is a single day heads compartment, which affords a high level of comfort. Fitted with a sink, a cabinet, a toilet and a separate shower, like the saloon and the forward cabin, it has full standing headroom and plenty of natural light.

The mid cabin is large but does not have standing headroom.

The new Jeanneau DB/37 will be available later this year.

Specifications

• LOA: 11.83m
• Beam: 3.57m
• Draught: 1.17m
• Category: TBC
• Engine options: 2 x 320hp diesel Volvo D4s on DPI sterndrives or 400hp twin Mercury outboards
• Cabins: 2
• Berths: 4
• Performance: 35–37 knots (estimated)

Contact

www.jeanneau.fr