For cosy cruising or sporty pleasure: Jeanneau's Merry Fisher 895 in the Sport Series 2 version is designed to fulfil all requirements. Does the concept work?
Anyone looking for a motorboat that is equally suitable for action-packed leisure activities and relaxed family outings should take a look at the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2. Its design is quite striking: the side view has a modern and sporty look, the windscreen is slanted downwards towards the rear and dark accents give the cruiser a dynamic character. But underneath this sporty shell is also a well thought-out space concept.
The layout on board the Merry Fisher
The cockpit impresses with its modular utilisation: you can either relax on the seating elements. However, if the crew needs space to set up water sports equipment, for example, the seats can be folded away. The concept is based on versatility per se. Whether you want to go snorkelling, fishing, paddling or get on a SUP or wingfoil - the Merry Fisher offers itself as a base with plenty of storage options for equipment. A roof rack is available for an extra charge, which is ideal for transporting bulky boards, for example. At the same time, the boat offers travelling qualities with sleeping cabins and a wet room.
You can easily get on board via the side door, the bathing platform or the bow. In the cockpit of our test boat, the shipyard installed a galley unit with electric grill and the U-shaped seating area. A stable ladder is fitted as standard on the starboard side of the aft bathing platform. A stern shower, on the other hand, is only included in the "Trim Level Premiere" package. The passage from the cockpit to the platform can be locked. This should please families with children.
To starboard, a wide running deck with a sturdy railing leads to the foredeck. There is also a side deck on the port side, although this is much narrower. The bow area can be ordered with seat cushions, but a sun lounger and a table are also available.
A glass door leads from the cockpit into the wheelhouse. There is a seating area on the port side, which can be converted into a small berth for an extra charge. The backrest of the bench seat can be folded back and used as a co-driver's seat. There is a window on the passenger side and a door directly next to the driver, so that good cross ventilation is possible. A hatch is also installed in the roof, which also lets in air and light.
A galley block with a standard sink is installed to starboard next to the entrance area. A gas cooker or a ceramic hob, a microwave and a refrigerator are on the accessories list. The entrance to the underfloor cabin is located on the port side. The inward-opening door requires some skill when closing from the cabin, as space is limited. The double berth measures 1.42 by 1.95 metres and the cushions are comfortable.
On the opposite side is the wet room, which is fully equipped with a shower, toilet and washbasin. It is a functional size and is ventilated via a porthole. At the front there is another double berth, lockers and a ventilation facility.
The equipment of the driver's cab
A sports seat is mounted on the driving position, which can be pushed forwards and backwards. It can also be swivelled so that it can be integrated into the seating area behind it. The seat offers good lateral support. The seat can also be folded up at the front so that you can also choose to steer standing up. A step serves as a footrest.
The driving position is equipped with a three-spoke sports steering wheel. This is a Yamaha SBW version (steer-by-wire), which is child's play to turn. The same applies to the Yamaha gearstick: it is also easy to reach and simple to operate. The view of the Garmin monitor (extra) and the compass is unrestricted. The compass is included as standard, a horn is only available from the "Trim Level Premiere" package.
Reflections in the windscreen are not an issue thanks to the aforementioned tilt angle of the windscreen, especially as the driver's cab is also kept dark. In rain and splash water, two sturdy windscreen wipers with a wiper washer system ensure a clear view. Our test boat also had a defroster installed, which prevents the windscreen from misting up from the inside in damp weather.
The test drive with the Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2
We tested the Merry Fisher off the coast of Cannes. From Port Canto there, we headed out into the Mediterranean. After leaving the harbour, a speed limit initially applies. At the prescribed speed, the Jeanneau is stable and relaxed to sail.
Outside the zone, we then pushed the throttle lever forwards. The transition from displacement to planing takes place between around 2,000 and just under 4,000 revolutions per minute. The bow naturally rises, but the view ahead remains good. This transition phase lasts around four to five seconds. The economical driving mode is at 4,500 revolutions per minute with a good 22 knots and a consumption of 66.7 litres per hour. With the two 300-litre tanks, this results in a range of 171 nautical miles plus 15 percent reserve. At full throttle with a good 34 knots, the range is reduced to 110 nautical miles.
Even with a slight wave, the test boat manoeuvres well through the bends, does not lean excessively on its side and performs its laps sportily and safely. When slaloming, the Merry Fisher can be steered precisely. Even when the steering wheel is jerked, it behaves in an exemplary manner - there is no swinging or anything similar.
During slow manoeuvres, the turning circles are small in both forward and reverse gear. When reversing, the bow swings to the other side after about three seconds. Together with the bow thruster (extra) installed on our test boat, harbour manoeuvres pose no problems for the skipper. If you want to make things even easier, you can order the Yamaha joystick system for the test motorisation.
The two securely fastened fuel tanks are located on the sides below the cockpit floor. There is also access to the fuel filters. The boat has remote-controlled petrol taps - a very practical and safe solution. The batteries are solidly secured in a frame and the main switches are easily accessible. As is usual with Jeanneau, the cable routing and the workmanship in general are evidence of expert workmanship. The equipment with a manual bilge pump and an electric bilge pump is exemplary.
The Merry Fisher is moored to a total of six cleats, and there are two stern cleats. The fenders are attached to the railing and cleats, while a rubbing strake provides all-round protection.
Optional accessories for living comfort
For living comfort, air conditioning and hot air heating are on the accessories list. Suitable awnings can be ordered to protect the foredeck and cockpit from the sun. Further accessories: generator, inverter, anchor package (with anchor, chain and line) and mooring package (with four lines and four fenders). Thanks to these various accessory packages and individual options, the Merry Fisher can be individually retrofitted. This makes it the ideal vessel for everyone, whether family or sportsman.
Technical data
- CE design category: B 6 / C 10
- Total length: 8,83 m
- Width: 2,99 m
- Draught (hull): 0,66 m
- Clearance height: min. 2.73 m
- Weight (w. test m.): approx. 4,227 kg
- Motorisation min: 2 x outboard engines with 200 hp
- Motorisation max: 2 x outboard engines with 250 hp
- Fuel tank: 2 x 300 litres
- Water tank: 100 l
- Holding tank: 85 l
- Hot water: 230 V
- Batteries: 3 x 110 Ah
- Berths: 4 + 1
- Kilogramme: per PS 10.57
- Base price with test engine ex shipyard: 184.093 €
- Dealer proof: jeanneau.com/en
Dimensions
- Freeboard: 0,60 m
- Cockpit sidesh.: 0,82 m
- Bow berth: 1.60 x 2.19 m
Running deck
- Side deck Bb: 0,18 m
- Side deck starboard: 0,34 m
- Deck covering: Teak
Standard equipment
- Driver's seat
- Passenger bench seat and seating area
- Two cabins with four berths
- Wet room
- Sink
- Pressurised water system
- Cockpit bench seat
- six cleats
- Railing and handrails
- Side door
- Bathing platform with ladder
- Electric and manual bilge pump
- Compass
Construction method
The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Sport is made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic using modern manufacturing processes.
Manoeuvring aids
A bow thruster (included in the comfort package) is available for an extra charge, and a joystick system is also on the accessories list for the test motorisation.
Driver's seat
Comfortable upholstery and good lateral support. Can be swivelled and thus integrated into the seating area.
Surcharge for comfort equipment
"Trim Level Premiere" package with anchor winch, eyelet for trailer, stern shower (cold), 230-volt boiler, shore power with charger and sockets, LED ambient lighting, LED floor lighting, 12-volt refrigerator 60 litres, storage bag under steering wheel, Lenco trim tabs
- Signal horn: 12.531 €
- U-shaped cockpit seating area with table: 3.7.96 €
- Upholstered bow seating group: 1.892 €
- Teak deck on cockpit and running deck: 5.105 €
- Gas cooker: 1.047 €
- E-package with Garmin Echomap 892SV UHD2 Touch and depth sounder: 2.535 €
- VHF radio: 1.511 €
- Comfort price: 212.510 €
Motorisation
Only twin engines from Mercury or Yamaha can be ordered for the Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2: either 2 x 200 hp or 2 x 250 hp.
The motor
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Type: 200hp XSA2 SBW
- Quantity: 2
- Performance: 200 HP
- Full load speed: 5,000-6,000 rpm
- Cylinder: 4
- cubic capacity: 2,785 cm³
- Fuel: Petrol
- Sound pressure: At a cruising speed of 4,500 rpm and a speed of 22.4 knots, the boat is quite quiet. We measured 75 dB/A at the driving position with the doors closed.
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | Speed kn | Speed km/h | Consumption l/h | Range sm | Reichwiete km | Volume db(A) |
| 1.000 | 4,1 | 7,6 | 6,3 | 332 | 615 | 55 |
| 2.000 | 7,0 | 13,0 | 15,5 | 231 | 428 | 57 |
| 2.500 | 8,0 | 14,8 | 22,8 | 179 | 331 | 59 |
| 3.000 | 8,8 | 16,3 | 31,3 | 143 | 266 | 68 |
| 3.500 | 12,0 | 22,2 | 44,8 | 136 | 253 | 69 |
| 4.000 | 17,7 | 32,8 | 58,8 | 154 | 284 | 72 |
| 4.500* | 22,4 | 41,5 | 66,7 | 171 | 317 | 75 |
| 5.000 | 25,3 | 46,9 | 81,0 | 159 | 295 | 75 |
| 5.500 | 30,4 | 56,3 | 117,0 | 133 | 245 | 78 |
| 5.800 | 34,2 | 63,3 | 159,2 | 110 | 203 | 80 |
* The most economical range here is a good planing speed. Measured during our test with three people on board, light swell and 2 Beaufort wind. 66 per cent petrol in the tank.
BOOTE review of the Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2
The Merry Fisher 895 Sport is a boat for anyone who enjoys touring, but would also like to practise other water sports such as wingfoiling. The boat is expertly finished and has good, safe handling characteristics with the test motorisation.
Design and concept
Solid construction
Variable for many water sports activities
Driving and steering
Stable course
Smooth control
Living and finishing quality
Four berths
Comfortable upholstery
Berths are in closed cabins
Equipment and technology
Modern outboard technology prepared for joystick system
Hand and electric bilge pump are standard equipment
Horn not included as standard
Alternatives on the market
Beneteau Antares 9
The boat has a spacious cockpit with room for family and friends. Below deck there is comfortable sleeping accommodation, a practical galley and a wet area. Price: from €162,554. You can find the BOOTE test here.
Quicksilver Activ 905 Weekend
The Quicksilver is a modern cabin cruiser specially designed for active water sports enthusiasts and families. At around nine metres, it combines sporty design with high recreational value. Price: from € 153,190.
Rodman 890 Ventura HT
It is aimed at a broad target group and is suitable for fishing trips as well as relaxed trips with family and friends - a versatile all-rounder. Price with 2 x 200 hp Mercury: €170,675.
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
