Jeanneau NC 37

I like surprises. Not the kind that makes you jump out of your shoes or have your eyes shoot out of your head. I’m too old for those. Give me the more subtle, benign kind that, when experienced, you think, “Hey, that was cool!” I found a few of these recently as I reviewed the Jeanneau NC 37. They were in plain sight — hard to miss by the trained eye — but they were new to me.

What’s in a name

With the “NC” in the name standing for “New Concept,” Jeanneau has taken some old concepts and refreshed them to work on modern watercraft. This benefits the demands of today’s buyers that want as much as they can get in a new yacht. Introduced barely a year ago, the NC 37 fits into Jeanneau’s line of NC models, which includes the 33, 38 Fly and 14 (approximately 45 feet). They market the NC line as “living life on one level,” in reference to the aft and main decks on one level, which enhances the boat’s fluid layout.

Jeanneau does a nice job with the main deck floorplan. With a mid-salon galley to starboard, all areas are easily served while keeping the chef mixed with the guests. Well-featured galley appliances include a Miele microwave oven, Kenyon two-burner cooktop, Dometic fridge, stainless sink with fold-down faucet and more, allowing for meals to be much more than a soggy sub or out of a can. The salon has a portside fold-out dining table flanked by an L-shaped settee. Compact when closed up, the table is amply sized for a family dinner. Opt for the package that converts the dinette into an additional berth.

Keeping with the excellent sightlines and ergonomic flow, there’s a fold-down cover over the sink and cooktop that hides the galley when not in use. A deck hatch at the galley foot offers storage of dry provisions and gear. Overhead cabinets add to the storage.

Open wide

The single-level concept carries to the aft deck thanks to the twin folding glass doors and flip-up window, as demonstrated by Thibaud Maudet, regional director of sales for Jeanneau, during the sea trial. Maudet is a wealth of information on the NC line and thoughtfully explained what each function can do and why.

Blending the interior and exterior seamlessly, the main deck social area just increased exponentially. Invite the extra guests as there’s plenty of room for all to enjoy. It creates a wide-open feeling, and no one will suffer from claustrophobia when onboard. The addition of opening side salon windows, sunroof in the hardtop and a 6-foot, 5-inch headroom really makes this an airy gathering place on those perfect days.

One surprise I found is the multifunctional L-shaped aft deck lounge with classy, cushioned diamond-stitched upholstery. When you remove the center folding teak table and post, the bottom of the seat pulls out for a filler cushion. Recline the aft backrest and you have a giant sunpad with the side backrest creating a nice lounge seat. From the transom, the seat has copious storage underneath for water toys, lines or fenders in a large, closed compartment. A 26-inch flat screen TV mounted in the salon swings out for viewing from the aft deck.

Wheel time

The biggest highlight of the sea trial was getting some wheel time. The starboard helm is perfectly sized for this vessel, with all the electronics in easy reach and sight. A 12-inch Raymarine multifunction display centers the upper console, flanked by analog circular gauges for RPM, fuel and outdrive angles. The dash contains the Volvo Penta joystick and throttles, Lenco tab controls and rocker switches. I ran the boat in the ocean in a 2-foot chop, always in control, cruising at 24.1 knots and burning just 18 gph total. The twin Volvo Penta D4 260-hp diesel engines coupled to Volvo’s Duoprop outdrives seemed well-suited for the NC 37, giving a top-speed of 32 knots — enough to get where you need to be.

As we cruised effortlessly through the light chop, Maudet showed me the yacht’s pièce de résistance: The sliding deck door situated right next to the helm. It allows the operator to put a foot out the door while tending to the wheel. Nostalgically, it makes the experience feel like old-time cruising with the wafting of the salt air, breeze in your hair (sorry to those follically challenged) and being close to nature. It also affords single-handed access when docking thanks to a strategically placed side cleat that’s within easy reach as well as deck access. The NC 37 allows captains to feel the breeze and not feel cooped up. Across is a companion helm seat that, with a few flips of the backrest, is converted from the dining settee.

Below deck

More than just a dayboat, the NC 37 has fine accommodations below for weekend getaways or extended cruises. Forward is the master in the peak, with a center berth and 6 feet, 1 inch of headroom. To port is a double berth stateroom, perfect for guests, and under the starboard deck is the “cave” with padded flooring, which the kids will love. Or use it for storing luggage, golf clubs or bins onboard.

Another surprise is the split head. With access from the main hall, the toilet room is to port with a shower room to starboard, allowing for each to be used independently and simultaneously. This is a smart idea on a yacht with room for only “one” head. Fear not, the toilet room also has a sink for proper hygiene.

Moving on up

Access to the bow is preferred on the starboard side as the deck is a little wider than port (to allow for more interior living space below). Measuring in at 38 inches from the recessed deck to the railing top at its deepest, transiting is safe and sure-footed fore and aft. Another surprise is not only the split forward sunpad and lounger, but also the built-in grabrails along the pad sides — a thoughtful safety feature more boatbuilders need to incorporate. A center pad that covers the master hatches includes drink holders.

Whether out for a day cruise or planning an extended excursion, the Jeanneau NC 37 has many features you need and some nice options you will desire. Plus it has a few new concepts and surprises that may seal the deal.