Jeanneau, one of the big names on the European shipyard scene, has already won a prize with the NC concept when it was named "Powerboat of the Year" in 2011 with the NC 11. The smaller NC 9 follows the same idea of a "flat on the water". The motorisation is also one size smaller, with only one engine instead of two. The NC 9 is not intended to be a racer, but a boat for pleasant trips on inland and offshore waters.
The overall finish ranges from good to poor: high-gloss gelcoat on the outside, smooth inner shell with sealed laminate, but also untreated plastic cut edges everywhere. The view is of neatly installed technology and electrics, but with hoses and cables rubbing against sharp-edged corners. Important parts, such as the 12 V fuses and relays, are hardly accessible. On the other hand, we liked the entire interior design. The optional bow thruster needs an engine and a drive when manoeuvring, especially when you are reversing and need to change course.
The small thrust at the bow is also needed in crosswinds or crosscurrents. Slowly ahead, the test boat sails "true to line". The course and heel do not change when people change places. To ensure that the waves generated by the boat remain at an acceptable level, we sail the slow passages at just under
7 knots and let the engine turn at 1400 rpm. As the speed increases, the NC 9 switches to planing speed from 14 kn (2600 rpm) without trimming much.
We measured the top speed at 28 knots, while the engine turns 150 rpm more than the manufacturer's permitted speed. This is due to the low load on our test boat. We drove the NC 9 up to a speed of 20 kn (3000 rpm) with the drive fully trimmed and then went up from trim position -5 to 0. Any trimming before or more trimming afterwards had a negative effect on the speed.
From a speed of 20 knots, you are travelling at a fast planing speed in the economic range, where one tank of fuel is enough for about 137 nm and at full throttle for 135 nm at a stretch - plus reserves. This means that the test boat narrowly misses our minimum requirement of at least 150 nm plus reserve at planing speed. Things look better in terms of sound pressure, where we measured a maximum of 82 dB/A in the closed saloon at full throttle.
We also rate all extreme manoeuvres performed at top speed as positive. In the increasingly tight bends, the test boat leans towards the centre of the bend and follows its course unperturbed. The fact that the side view is restricted is due to the cabin roof, which moves into the field of vision. The 180° turns are almost like normal cornering manoeuvres and cause a well-sustained centrifugal force of
0,8 g. When the rudder is twisted, the boat follows the chosen course, and when travelling along the slalom course, the NC 9 can be made to oscillate safely about its longitudinal axis.
It is important to know that the Volvo Penta DPH C-Z drives are limited in their turning angle and do not allow the NC 9 to turn less than three boat lengths at full speed. - The Main did not offer us any rough water. The hull leaves a positive impression when travelling over its own waves. The driver sits on a seat open to starboard in front of a staggered dashboard.
The steering and gearstick function precisely and smoothly. Visibility is unclouded, especially as defroster nozzles and windscreen wipers keep the windscreen clear. Part of the seat bench can be folded down for driving while standing. The co-drivers sit on the folded-down dinette bench seat and have no lateral support to port, but have a wooden grab rail in front of them.
Engine, tank, electrics
The only possible engine is a 260 hp diesel engine from Volvo Penta with Duo Prop-Z drive. It is located under a large, easy-to-open cockpit floor hatch and is easily accessible from all sides for servicing and inspection. The engine compartment with integrated storage space is extended forwards and contains the plastic fuel tank as well as well-mounted batteries. The associated fuel tap can be operated remotely from the floor storage space in the saloon, where 230 V fuses are also housed.
While the main switches are perfectly accessible at the entrance to the cabin, the 12 V fuses have to be accessed through the floor storage space in the saloon through an opening to starboard in the technical room. This is hardly possible for people of normal height when the boat is lying still, let alone in swell.
Security
The aft open cockpit has an effective drainage system in front of the sliding saloon door. Another plus: two remote-controlled fire extinguishers in the engine compartment. The integrated anti-slip structure on the walk-on plastic surfaces is only partially effective in damp conditions. It is good that the engine compartment can be drained manually in an emergency (in addition to electric pumps).
Living and equipment
Two separate cabins and a convertible dinette offer space for six people to sleep. The forward cabin with double berth serves as the owner's cabin, but its rounded shape impairs sleeping comfort as the mattress is shorter at the sides of the foot end. We also miss ventilation under the sleeping area. The bunk can be folded up for storage or to access the bow thruster, and there is also a cupboard and floor storage space. Light enters through two side windows and the ceiling escape hatch, which is used for ventilation.
The second cabin is located on the port side under the driving position, driver's seat and saloon. There is room for one person to stand in the entrance area behind the door; to sleep, you have to bend down and crawl over the mattress into the berth. Standing height, head height and lying area are limited. Light and air enter through a longitudinal window with a built-in porthole. There is a cupboard at the entrance and storage space under the mattress.
Opposite the outside cabin is the bathroom with WC and shower (with a porthole for ventilation). The test boat was equipped with an electric toilet and waste-holding tank - both extra. The saloon shines on the starboard side with a convertible dinette and opposite with the well-equipped galley, which has nothing to complain about. There is room for four at the table. Open-air enjoyment: via the transparent and electrically operated sliding roof.
The cockpit is dominated by a longitudinal sliding bench seat with storage space inside; two doors provide access to the bathing platform with bathing ladder, which is also easy to handle from the water. The side decks vary in width, while the foredeck offers space for a sun lounger and a self-draining anchor locker with bow fitting. An anchor, chain and winch are on the accessories list. The railing is stable all round, and handrails on the saloon roof provide optimum support.
The Jeanneau NC 9 is equipped ready to sail. Navigation lights certified by RINA and six matching mooring cleats are standard, as are many other features. An analogue compass is included, but not an echo sounder. In addition, the "Premiere" and "Preference" equipment packages offer everything you need to customise your boat.
Data sheet: NC 9
Shipyard: Jeanneau
Type designation: NC 9
CE category: B - Outside coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 9,43 m
Width: 3,15 m
Displacement: 4,83 t
Price: 148.036,00 €
