It is important to us that we can offer our customers as many design options as possible" - this is the company philosophy of the Jetten shipyard. Of course, this is only possible to a certain extent, as the hull and deck structure are predefined.
However, our test boat, the Jetten 45 AC, shows just how flexible you can be. There are three layout proposals in the design data, but none of these layouts corresponds to that of the test boat. Instead, a different mixture was chosen. The companionway from the cockpit via a staircase in the saloon is the same for all of them. However, the entrance in the hatch area is not yet optimised (risk of impact) and is to be modified for more comfortable access in future models. The same applies to the door to the owner's cabin, which has been given a little more width.
Back to the saloon: Here you will find the fully equipped galley and a U-shaped seating area, on the rear wall of which (towards the cockpit) the owner had a television installed - the advantage of this arrangement. The cook and the rest of the crew are at the same height and therefore have the opportunity to chat, watch TV or cook together. The large windows on the sides and front are particularly striking. They provide a far-reaching panoramic view.
The windows in the aft wall of the owner's cabin should also be mentioned in this regard. Lying on the bunk, they allow relaxed and dreamy views aft. The easiest way to crawl into the berth with slatted frames and comfortable cushions is from the side. There is plenty of storage space in the owner's cabin as well as in the bow cabin, which is intended for guests. With a boat of this size, it is not surprising that the shower and toilets are separate. All four rooms are generously proportioned, have practical layouts and effective ventilation.
When the weather is nice, the cockpit with another seating area and the driving position is of course the nicest area. But even in bad weather - as on our test day - this space can still be used thanks to the convertible top.
The Jetten is controlled from a modern control station with monitors, where the driver has everything in view. A free-standing armrest seat (owner's option) can be adjusted in all directions to find a comfortable seating position for every user. Standing drivers simply push the seat slightly backwards and can easily operate the steering wheel and steering. When seated, you can look through a safety glass windscreen, which three windscreen wipers keep clean in the rain and splash water.
To ensure a lower clearance height, the canopy bar can be folded down, reducing the height from the waterline from 4.70 metres to 3.20 metres. On our tour from the test harbour in Sneek to the sea of the same name, we had no clearance problems and were able to leave the roof on.
In the Sneekermeer fairway, we reached a top speed of around 9.5 knots with the installed 210 hp Vetus six-cylinder engine, which is around 1 knot above the theoretical hull speed. Which in turn means that you are not travelling particularly economically (4.46 l/sm). When cruising at a good 7 knots, consumption is reduced to around ¼ compared to full throttle and, with the 900-litre diesel tank, enables a remarkable range of 642 nm, plus a good 100 nm in reserve. The noise level of around 60 dB/A at the driver's ear proves that it is also quiet and relaxed. At full throttle, we measured no more than 69 dB/A.
Winds of around 5 Bft created a small, steep wave on the Sneekermeer, but this did not affect the boat, apart from a little spray on the windscreen. Despite the high canopy, gusts of wind hardly moved the Jetten off course. In full-throttle manoeuvres, the boat only leans slightly on the outside of the bend and swings easily into its own wave, with nothing rattling in the lockers and nothing being swept off the tables. Slow manoeuvres can be carried out confidently and relaxed using the bow and stern thrusters.
The mechanic doesn't have it quite so easy, as he first has to take a deep step into the engine compartment when the hatch in the saloon floor is open. If he then wants to get to the rear of the engine and do a quick job, he has to keep his head down, as the headroom is not particularly generous. To make it easier to reach the tricky corner, there is an auxiliary access via the saloon bench. The installations make a good impression, and the double diesel filter system in particular demonstrates safety awareness. The same applies to the fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment and the bilge system with several electric and manual pumps.
Wide side decks and a solid railing guarantee safe access to the foredeck. The non-slip bathing platform with additional hydraulic version (owner's request) can be accessed directly from the side decks via two steps with handrails. Although the boat is the first of its kind, the workmanship is impressive.
What is not so nautical, however, are the angular door handles and sometimes sharp edges of the furniture, where you cannot support yourself in an emergency in rough seas without injuring your hand.
The shipyard has installed thick rubbing strakes around the boat to prevent the outer skin of the Jetten from becoming scratched and dented so quickly. Fenders can be easily attached to the railing and handrails, and the boat itself is secured to solid cleats.
Conclusion:
The Jetten 45 AC is a well-built boat designed for sea and inland waters. The owner has plenty of choice when it comes to the layout and the same applies to the types of wood. Our test boat is designed for four people, who also enjoy a high level of comfort on board.
