At Jeanneau, the Merry Fisher series stands for versatile, robust boats. The series starts with the Merry Fisher 605 (5.66 metres) and ends with our test boat - the flagship Merry Fisher 1295 Fly. A boat that is perfect for travelling with family and friends. The flybridge yacht is also ideal for swimming trips, island hopping and discovery tours.
We were able to test her on the Mediterranean off Cannes. She is powered by three 300 hp Yamaha outboards. That's plenty of power and, in conjunction with the joystick system, a convenient way to manoeuvre the boat. If you also order the bow thruster, you have safety on your side when manoeuvring in harbours. Outside the harbour, we use the helm station and the smooth-running steering. I can operate both at the helm station on the flybridge as well as down in the saloon precisely and without restriction. In the saloon, the driver sits on a comfortable swivelling bench that can be integrated into the seating area. Another practical feature is the door installed next to the driver's seat, which guarantees quick and easy access to the side deck. In fine weather, the driving position on the flybridge is the first choice. Up here there is good visibility, a wind deflector and a comfortable sports seat for the driver. A camera on our test boat provides a view of the stern of the boat, with images displayed on the Garmin monitor.
Let's go: At slow speed, the Merry Fisher holds its course well and is easy to drive. The same applies to planing, which we achieve with the three Yamaha engines without any visual obstructions. An optional ZIP wake system on the test boat ensures that the Jeanneau is always optimally trimmed. At 4500 rpm, we calculate an economical planing speed of around 25 knots. The tank capacity of 1174 litres is then sufficient for 145 nm plus 15 percent reserve. That is roughly the distance from Livorno (Italy) to Bastia (Corsica) and back again. At full throttle, the Jeanneau reaches just under 36 knots and has a calculated range of 120 nm.
We make tight turns at high speed and are amazed at how stable and safe the hull is. When things get choppy at sea, the test Jeanneau also has the optional Seakeeper (SK3) on board, which stabilises the boat while underway and at anchor. It is securely fastened under the saloon floor at galley level. Another option is installed under the cockpit floor: This is where you will find the diesel generator. The list of accessories also includes heating and air conditioning, which guarantee the appropriate level of comfort depending on the weather conditions. To ensure that the skipper always has the necessary visibility in rainy weather, the shipyard has installed two solid double-arm windscreen wipers with a washer system.
Those who want to enjoy the sun in fine weather can do so particularly well on the cushions on the foredeck (included in the Premiere equipment package) or on the flybridge. In addition to the standard aft sunlounger, the latter comes with additional optional cushion variants and the option of having a wet bar installed. Access to the flybridge is via a ladder with a sturdy handrail. If the ladder is not needed, it can be detached from the fixing point on the cockpit floor and moved towards the stern door to save space. There is a seating area in the cockpit, which also offers options.
There is also a trend in the cockpit of the 1295 Fly: on the starboard side there is a terrace in the form of a lowerable side wall, which significantly increases the cockpit space. A comfortable bathing ladder for this platform can be found on the accessories list. The standard ladder is fitted under the split bathing platform. To connect the cockpit with the well-organised and well-equipped galley in the saloon, the stern door can be slid all the way to the other side. Further forward, there is a seating area in the saloon, which can also be converted into a berth if required. Between the seating area and the driving position, a companionway leads to the cabins.
The owner's cabin with double bed is located in the bow. The owner has his own bathroom, which is one size larger than that of the guests - which also serves as a day toilet. The two well-organised guest cabins have single beds that can be joined together with an inlay cushion. There are good storage options in all cabins, as well as throughout the boat. As is usual with Jeanneau, there are remote-controlled shut-off valves and filters for the fuel system. The rest of the safety equipment and the workmanship are also impressive.
The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295 Fly is a boat with many facets. Six people can travel comfortably and relax on board. The sailing characteristics with the three Yamaha outboards are safe.