The Merry Fisher series was originally designed for fishing and has the appropriate equipment with fishing rod holders and storage boxes. However, the larger the boats become, the more amenities, such as a dinette, pantry, toilet and sunbed, are possible. This makes our 755 test boat the perfect travel and holiday boat for two. The convertible dinette also offers enough space for two children (or an emergency berth for adult guests).
With the exception of a hanging pantry door, the fittings were a perfect fit. The gelcoat leaves a glossy impression, the insides are (as is often the case) only painted in the visible areas, behind the scenes you can see the raw laminate in places. Cut edges are machine-cut but not sealed; the same applies to most of the inlay boards. The technicians fastened visible fittings and hinges with through bolts.
The shipyard recommends inland areas and coastal waters as sailing areas. A trailer with a total weight of 3000 kg is required for safe transport; the tug should be a large SUV or similar. A special licence is also required for a width of 2.78 m.
Driving and manoeuvring
A variety of outboards are possible for the motorisation, with a maximum of 200 hp permitted. We are running our test with a Yamaha F 150 including power trim. The latter should be set to "down" in order to get from displacement to planing speed as quickly as possible. A good ride is achieved from around 4000 rpm (just under 20 knots), which is also the most economical speed, as the Yamaha consumes the least fuel at 1.31 l/sm when gliding. With a tank filling of 285 litres minus 15% reserve, this results in an impressive range of 185 nm.
reserve, this results in an impressive range of 185 nm. At full throttle (5600 rpm) we reached a top speed of over 30.5 kn and consumed 1.77 l/sm, which in turn gives us a range of 137 nm. High praise: the noise at the helm was well below 85 dB/A.
Tight bends and roundabouts are determined by an air-snapping propeller. After about one lap in the gyro, it revs up and you have to take the throttle off and start again. In the trimmed position, it naturally draws air even faster than in the "down" position. However, the normal, fast turn on the Main near Schweinfurt is also possible in drive trim. The hull reacts well to slalom courses and steering twists. The Merry Fisher skips waves generated by pleasure craft and inland waterway vessels with ease and dryness. She reacts agilely and directly when manoeuvring at slow speeds. Straight-ahead manoeuvring is also no problem; apart from a slight yaw - which rarely needs to be corrected - everything works perfectly.
The skipper steers the boat from a sports seat (light version) with firm cushions on an easily accessible Fisherman steering wheel with a wooden rim. His feet rest on a plastic board, which we would like to see a little lower; however, this has the advantage that the footwell is more generous when you are standing up. The mechanism that folds the entire seat forwards is a good idea - this creates more space for handling in the galley behind it. The front passenger seat is similar: the backrest can be folded down to switch between dining table and front passenger seat.
There is a wide handle above the pillion's storage compartment to hold on to. The technician screwed Yamaha's single-lever gearstick into the side wall recess, which is sufficiently smooth to operate; the view of the multifunctional instruments and compass is unrestricted, apart from moderate reflections, while the safety glass windscreen is partially disturbed by reflections caused by the white driving position. On our test boat, two windscreen wipers (only the driver's side is standard) with a washer system ensure "clarity" in the rain.
Engine, tank, electrics
Small jobs on the outboard motor are carried out from the two side platforms, while the Merry Fisher is taken out of the water for larger jobs. - Cables and hoses are located in a protective conduit from the engine to the hatch, while clamps and cable ties hold the "strings" in the visible interior. The tank system is characterised by two clamps on the hose connections, secured and labelled filler necks, securely bolted tank, fuel tap and fire extinguishing opening in the tank compartment.
A fuel filter with sight glass is also exemplary. However, it is installed in such an unfavourable position that you first have to remove a board to drain or change it. The two 110 Ah batteries (1 x extra) are held securely in sturdy plastic boxes, each with two retaining straps and ventilation. They are switched via two toggle handles in the stowage box under the cockpit. The fuses are easily accessible in the pantry cabinet.
Security
The Lenz system with electric pumps and manual bilge pump is impressive in this respect. The fire extinguisher is suitable protection for an outboard boat. If you want to go to the foredeck, take the starboard side deck (wider than the port side); you can hold on to the handrails on the cabin roof and the sturdy railing. You can crawl out of the water via a long bathing ladder with a grab handle; however, the ladder's Velcro strap is difficult to release from the water.
Living and equipment
If you order the cockpit equipment in the standard version, you get a spartan open-air area, as the upholstery for the benches costs extra. If you want the matching table and the option of converting it into a sun lounger, you pay extra. The same applies to the bow sun cushion and the stern shower. There are just as many storage options on deck as in the bow cabin and saloon. For an extra charge, a sliding hatch is available for the latter, which turns the driver's seat and the convertible seating area into a "place in the sun".
There is a 1-burner gas hob for cooking simple meals. There is also a sink and deep storage space in the pantry block. The 42-litre refrigerator (incl. additional batteries) with ice compartment under the well-padded seating area costs a good €1500. To enable the toilet door to be opened at night, Jeanneau slopes the shelf of the comfortable double berth at the footwell. The toilet is ventilated via a porthole. Personal hygiene is best done sitting on the toilet (standard chemical, pump toilet for an extra charge) at the basin integrated into the mould.
Some of the accessories are included in practical equipment packages. Individual options include a shore connection, convertible top and anchor mooring package. The boat is moored using four cleats - however, the "frequent moorer" misses the practical centre cleat.
Data sheet: Jeanneau Merry Fisher 755
Shipyard: Jeanneau
Type designation: Jeanneau Merry Fisher 755
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 7,40 m
Width: 2,78 m
Displacement: 1,97 t
Price: 49.806,00 €
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
