Ralf Marquard
· 15.11.2015
Console boats are considered all-rounders. Add to this a cabin, as on our test boat the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 6.5 WA, and the all-rounder is perfect. And even on the road, because with a weight of around 1400 kg-1500 kg, the 2-t trailer is sufficient for smaller SUVs and upmarket mid-range cars. Jeanneau recommends inland and coastal waters as cruising grounds. An assessment that we share.
The Jeanneau is built in modern industrial production: The gelcoat has a high-gloss, clean finish. Typical for this class of boat: the shipyard applies a protective coating to the easily visible inner sides of the laminate, while the corners that are difficult to access are spared this "painting work". The cut-outs are precisely milled, but not broken at the edges and sealed with protective varnish. The upholstered cushions get points for both their clean finish and their strength.
Together with the shell shape, this gives the driver and front passenger seats a sporty character. Adjustment options in all directions allow super seating positions for the driver and front passenger. The co-pilot can hold on to a handle directly on the driving position or to the bar running around the windscreen. Shortcoming: The white driving position is reflected in the Plexiglas windscreen, which disturbs the view ahead. The engine instruments (Smart Craft from Mercury) can be read almost without restriction and the compass sits prominently in the centre of the instrument panel - about 0.30 m away from the other instruments (good against distraction). The driver operates Mercury's 150 hp EFI outboard precisely and smoothly via a well-positioned hydraulic control and top-mounted single-lever gearstick.
It brings the Cap Camarat effortlessly from displacement to planing speed between around 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm. When trimmed down, the bow only rises so far that even seated drivers are not disturbed. From around 3500 rpm, the boat-motor combination glides well, which also characterises the most economical sailing. With a fuel consumption of just under 0.90 l/sm, you can cover a remarkable 163 nm plus 15% reserve with one tank of fuel (170 litres). Even at full throttle (38.5 knots), the fuel is theoretically still sufficient for over 100 nm. The power trim is then set to around ¾. If you overtrim the boat, you will quickly notice that the boat is luffing. If the trim is correct, the steering wheel is easy to turn back and forth.
During fast slalom manoeuvres, the hull reacts extremely directly and you only realise the second time that you still have everything safely under control. The same applies to the steering wheel. In fast, tight turns, the trim should be lowered so that the propeller does not catch air too quickly. With the drive "down", the Jeanneau enters the roundabout with noticeable lateral forces and the air snap comes late.
Water-skiing enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the stern wave is flat, which is particularly fun for beginners. Trailer eyelets, into which the necessary towing triangle can be hooked, are supplied as standard. Sports enthusiasts pay just under 250 euros extra for the bar, which makes water skiing more professional.
So that the exhausted runner can get back on board comfortably, the shipyard has provided a robust, long bathing ladder that is easy to use from the water. From there, the route leads to the cockpit via a non-slip, split bathing platform and stern access (pull-out backrest cushion). You can then relax on the stern bench (L-shaped) or the huge sun lounger on the foredeck. However, if you want to sit in the front, you have to pay around 650 euros extra for the cushions. The plastic table, which transforms the cockpit into a cosy place to chat with storage space for drinks and snacks, also costs a good 200 euros. The Jeanneau CC 6.5 WA offers fishing rod holders as standard, which are embedded in the side wall cover (wooden moulding). It is also a good idea to saw recessed grips into this cover.
The folding bench on the starboard side, which can be folded out of the side wall, is also a good idea.
You climb into the cabin through a sliding door, which was sometimes difficult to slide on our test boat. The headroom in the front area is sufficient for sitting, but further forward it is reduced to a good 0.50 m, which only allows you to lie down. A chemical toilet (extra) is placed in a cupboard right next to the entrance door. The cushions for two single berths are part of the Premiere equipment. If you want to turn the bunks into a double bed for cosy snuggling, you will have to pay an additional 180 euros. There is also an extra charge for any kind of tarpaulin, navigation lighting approved throughout Germany, fire extinguisher and electronics package.
The standard safety package includes railings, handrails, anti-slip structures on the floor (bar deck possible in the cockpit), exemplary hand bilge and electric bilge pump and fuel filter with sight glass and drain cock. The skipper can reach the filter easily enough through inspection hatches. The tank system also includes a plastic tank that is secured with a pipe cross in the centre. Plus/minus: An easily accessible stopcock is standard, the fuel hoses are only secured with a screw clamp. Hoses and lines are neatly laid in protective tubes or with clamps. Under the driver's platform, everything is neatly organised with exemplary strain relief. This is complemented by the powerful 110 Ah oxide battery (safely stored in a plastic box with sturdy straps) and double main switch design (1 x plus 1 x minus). The switches for the individual consumers are conveniently located on the driver's platform. The associated fuses under the driver's platform can be accessed from the cab via a flap, but the fuse box is so far back that it is difficult to reach.
The four cleats to which the boat is moored are easy to reach. Fenders should be attached to the railing, handrails or, as on our test boat, to the canopy poles. The anchor (complete harness is on the accessories list) is placed in a self-draining anchor locker with eyelet and bow roller in front of it.
Conclusion
In order for the Jeanneau to offer good comfort, you still have to pay a lot extra. This is because the Premiere version only provides the basic upholstery. You have to pay extra for the bow sunbed and double berth or amenities such as a toilet, stern shower and canopy. With the 150 hp outboard engine, the 6.5 WA is suitably motorised, and the workmanship and installations are of a good average standard.
Shipyard: Jeanneau
Type designation: Jeanneau Cap Camarat 6.5 WA Premiere
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 6,59 m
Width: 2,48 m
Displacement: 1,27 t
Price: 42.221,00 €

Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE