Jeanneau Merry Fisher - the versatile all-rounder

by Jeni Bone on 27 May 2013 Making its Australian debut at the 2013 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the Jeanneau Merry Fisher is, as the name implies, a jolly little fishing and cruising line that boasts seaworthiness, versatility and appealing pricing for fishers and families.

With modern, sleek styling, the Merry Fisher 855 has been designed for comfort, combining innovative interior design solutions never before seen on a boat of 8m.

Adapted for fuel-efficient cruising with an outboard engine, the 855 features two independent cabins, wide glass surfaces and surprising ease of movement onboard for enhanced cruising pleasure. Innovative and attractive, the new Merry Fisher 855 is a true cruiser.

From around $169,000 well-equipped with motor, the 855 has an overall length of 8.72m, with a 2.99m beam, and accommodates between four and six in comfort. It uses a single 300hp engine or two 150hp engines and weighs 2,900kg without engines.

'There's a real market for this boat with fishing guys and families,'says Brett Thurley of Pacific Motor Yachts and Jeanneau Australia. 'It offers easy cruising, great for shallow waters, you can beach it, and there are no covers or clears. You just lock it up and jump off.'

Thurley reports he has enjoyed 'the most sales of a Sanctuary Cove boat show since 2009' when he first started exhibiting under the Pacific Motor Yacht banner. He says the mood has finally changed and consumers are out to buy.

'People are coming back. For us, the market turned about five weeks ago. People are getting seriously into negotiations on buying a boat. They are convinced the election in September is a foregone conclusion and the mood has altered.'

With five boats on display this year, Pacific Motor Yachts sold one Prestige 440, a Clipper 36 and Hudson Bay 50, with sea trials scheduled for Wednesday and Friday, as well as negotiations on other boats and plenty of interest in the nc11.

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