A 'monocat' solution? Check out the innovative layout on the Jeanneau Yachts 55

A monohull with the space and guest independence more typical of a multihull. Toby Hodges tours the new Jeanneau Yachts 55 at the Dusseldorf 2023 boat show
► Become a FREE SUBSCRIBER to Yachting World's KZbin page now - kzbin.info...
► For the latest reviews, new gear launches and tour news, visit our website: www.yachtingworld.com
► Like us on Facebook here - / yachtingworldmagazine
► Follow us on Twitter at: / yachtingworld
► Feel free to comment below!
► Remember to hit that LIKE button if you enjoyed it :)

[@johnny_123b]

Love the design. Wish they had such ideas for smaller boats that regular people can buy

[@ladygardener100]

For those who can't afford an apartment in Monaco

[@matthiaskettner6686]

Can’t afford either :/

[@SAthefuture]

More like, for those who can…

[@dilligafwoftam985]

Only if you can order it without the motor or mast/sails 🤓🇦🇺

[@PhyBunny]

I always like seeing the tiny cabins boat elves can climb down and sleep in.

[@USA4thewin]

he said its only 55ft boat ,,, for normal humans you need a 120ft at least

[@dancarter482]

Submarine crawlspaces ~ squalor for luxury money!

[@johnmcintosh8398]

@@dancarter482 lol said no one who has ever been on a blue water sail

[@SwingsnRoundAbouts]

Love the slave, oops I mean skipper’s cabin

[@dancarter482]

Seen and not heard - we'll call you when we need you. Until such time, know your place and be GRATEFUL!

[@SwingsnRoundAbouts]

@@dancarter482 Aye aye, Captain

[@FXPL9277]

FENOMENAL! I wanna see this lay-out applied to a 45'

[@puertola7186]

Thank you for presenting yet another interesting boat.

[@chronicalcultivation]

I'd love to see how it behaves off-shore with 30 knot winds

[@rm-61366]

No you wouldn't, it's not meant to sail. It's a floating condo meant to sit at a calm anchorage or a marina.

[@AthelstanEngland]

No one will ever see that.

[@Maloy7800]

Oh wow, Ferdinand Magellan, Jack Sparrow and Thor Heyerdahl are amongst us. Sail your couches to the beer fridge, you three.

[@chronicalcultivation]

@@Maloy7800 amusing, but I'd be Redbeard

[@ianscott3180]

We bought an ex charter First 501 in St Martin 30 years ago. she made it back to the UK, no problem. We have crossed Biscay many times and she is now based In Mahon. Three generations have enjoyed her at a price that we could afford. Yes, I would have loved a Hallberg or Oyster but needs must. Don't knock production yachts until you have crossed the pond in one.

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

That is a very nice monohul. I would sure prefer the hardtop version, just like that, which give you good open dining and living space above deck, but still fully protected from the weather, and it still got all that lovely open space aft, which is unique in this size of a monohul. You definitely should do a sailing test on this boat, not least to silence all the critiques, the sailing experts, who has never been onboard a boat, who believe all production boats are essentially incapable of sailing at all.

[@user-xv7dx6ym3n]

Great new design and execution of the build. I have since discovered that the stern storage can be used for storing a deflated dinghy as there is a compressor installed to facilitate inflation and deflation of the dinghy for long passages. For short passage, the extendable davit can be used to carry the inflated dinghy. It is a bit of a faff but very practical. Nonetheless, this is a brilliant design on deck and in the interior architecture that would appeal to those Amel 50 lovers who do not want to pay Amel prices. The hard spray shield would be very popular with this class of sailors. Sailing safely in a protective cover and inwards away from the stern. Generous cabin spaces and simply brilliant Master cabin arrangement . No chart table or work area inside but not a problem as the on deck chart table with optional chart plotter is very adequate. It is a heavy boat at 18000kg basic weight, so it would be interesting to see how fast it would sail relative to the competition. For ocean crossing, l would be looking to swap in a carbon fibre mast with loads cells plus display and fit racing sails. Then you can really get the benefit of the racing shape of the hull. I think l want one now l have thought about it. I think this boat can be sailed short handed or solo, but l would have to try it out to know for sure.

[@tomcraddock244]

Would like to see a three day sail on this one.very nice on anchor or at the dock but what about off shore.

[@timevans8223]

Very nice at anchor? Maybe in the windless Med but in the Caribbean where there is always a breeze that boat would be a nightmare. The cockpit would be unusable at night. Way to draughty to entertain. In a choppy Caribbean anchorage you wouldn't be able to climb aboard that scoop as it smashed in to the chop. This is more like a condo than a sailing boat. Just crossing that cockpit at sea in a blow would be life threatening

[@fjb7380]

I think there could be a market for this - as the cat layout has become popular but not something everyone really wants to sail…will be interesting to see it out on the water in action. Most people are not world cruisers so realistically, island hopping? The separation of space is nice. Not everyone wants to hear what’s going on when your guest is ‘sleeping’.

[@dougfitch3649]

One reason I like monohull more than Cat’s is that they don't have these awful feeling drop in cabins.

[@lifewithshontegardner8230]

I love it beautiful

[@luissergiodutra9572]

Esse veleiro é o meu número! Linda embarcação.

[@RandyWHorton]

I am sold 100% wow what dream she is for sure...

[@-TruthHurts]

if i had to choose i think i'd rather invest 1M into something more classical with a state of the art refit done...

[@MrFroglips69]

Groovy sailboat

[@JohnRohanShield]

It has amazing living spaces. But so massively wide - I am very curious about sailing performance.

[@taylorhickman84]

yeah I fail to see the benefit over a cat, maybe saving a few dollars at the marina?

[@Maloy7800]

@@taylorhickman84 Do you have either? It saves about over half the price when buying new or used. Then it saves HALF the fees at the marina (and it's not "a few dollars", it's 5-20 dollars per foot per day) and HALF the money for maintenance. Also, there are exactly TWO places in the whole Caribbean sea that can haul out cats for repairs. It's also much better upwind and much more predictable in rough seas. AND sailboats all look pretty. With all the love in the world, cats look like suitcases on rails.

[@taylorhickman84]

​@@Maloy7800 "Do you have either" no, do you?

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

@@taylorhickman84 In many marinas, especially here in Europe, catamarans essentially are not even welcome. Try to do canal sailing in any country in a multihul: You can not do it! There is many good reasons, why monohuls are still popular, mostly down to marina fees and accessibility to areas, where you want to sail. Personally I would prefer a catamaran, but that is also, because I am settled in the way, that I want to live and sail, if I could afford a boat: My dream is to anchor in great locations most of the time in the tropical region. That is, where the catamarans excel over the monohuls, giving both more comfort and space, but also a much more stable anchorage. If I wanted to sail in Europe, basically any part of Europe, but especially the northern part (I am a Dane), I definitely would not even consider a catamaran, but either buy a monohul or a trimaran with foldable outriggers, as for instance Dragonfly, which also are build here in Denmark. I can say it again: In most marinas here it is not even a question of paying double for a berth here in a catamaran: You would fully not be welcome at all!

[@zaftlife]

at that weight it's gotta be slow going, is my guess. definitely a great space to chill out on as you pass time sailing

[@swiftjetgroup5766]

The Jeanneau bosses who signed off on this will be looking for new jobs shortly...

[@joemarine2]

Be interesting to see how it sails.

[@BrotherHoodofTheDogxix]

This is great out the box thinking. I would change one of the aft cabins into technical space. Perfect for me and the wife

[@BurginAssociates]

I presume it doesn’t heel or else the sloping side decks will make a leeward helmsman’s feet wet.

[@Cinarli1979]

Çirkin Ördek! Hiç bir zaman kuğu olmayacak olanı...

[@n.o.b.1907]

Indeed it is. And it will never be!

[@1975Per]

Finally carching up to the cats, love the layout design.

[@adammallerman8153]

I'm glad you didn't suggest this thing was designed for blue water sailing. Anyone who tries to cross an ocean in this is mad. It's an island hopper at best. Everything that is wrong with modern boat design in one hull.

[@JohnSmith-sk1mn]

Sailing used to be a simple affair

[@SteveRyan-li6kx]

Ha ha love it mate all so complicated now days

[@JheregJAB]

Very interesting indeed. My thoughts are similar to those shared by others; How does it perform, being such a weirdly wide monohull configuration?

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

Take a look at essentially all the modern racing monohuls today: They are that shape exactly! Wide beam, but also shaped in such a fashion, that, when keeling, it actually do not have much draft and drag at all.

[@dilligafwoftam985]

So I assume with a 2.45m std keel and almost 5 tonne ballast it is self righting? I have an aversion to vessels that are inherently more stable when inverted.

[@alexanderlyon]

Every time I see a crew cabin on boats, I think it looks like somewhere you might put a prisoner. Beautiful boat, though.

[@DominicNSX]

Finally a protected helm! Bravo Jeanneau!

[@JoeThornFreedom]

This is by far my favourite monohull. Best part is I could sell the house and afford this boat. Worst part is how do I fund a life at sea??

[@charlesw852]

Love it.

[@shaneruby3764]

I'm intrigued by this design and layout. Will you have the opportunity to give a review of her underway? I look forward to seeing if you are able.

[@yachtingworld]

I hope so!

[@jeffcrozier3777]

Gorgeous. Would love to see a 45ft version with only two cabins and comfortable helm seats

[@zackworrell535]

just sub 50'. 47-49ish. I am looking to sell my Jeanneau 439 to get something bigger but not too big

[@davidodonovan1699]

It's a flat bottomed sail yacht. Very nice. The Irish Thunder Child 2 Power Boat, is a semi trimaran / semi monohull design. Great work regardless for the video. Well done sir.

[@TGoff-fz7yh]

Very cool! It pays to hire good designers and naval architects.

[@dougfitch3649]

I wonder if the very flat hull cross section would make it slap a lot coming off an oncoming wave. Also, I really dislike the drop in cabins a lot.

[@davidforbes6250]

I fool sucking poison is hilarious!

[@andrewverden7965]

There is a lot of innovation in the design that I like, but I question the accessibility to the rear cabins when healed over and for older guests. I liked someone else's idea of hanging the dingy off the rear bathing platform as it lowered - they could have done that... I'd prefer an L shaped kitchen and the owners cabin is extremely nice, but I prefer boats where your guests get similar level of accommodation. I like the overall use of space as it avoids a massive center box to roll around in and four boring cabins at each corner. I'd be looking for a 45 footer with luxury two cabins with en suite as an upgrade in a similar style...

[@gad5248]

It's great!.....for a Dock Queen....nothing else

[@roypublic3269]

What's with the flimsy little deck cots and the thin , cheap handrails?

[@n.o.b.1907]

Jeanneau?

[@MrJhchrist]

@@n.o.b.1907 No, I don't. Jeanneau?

[@adiltair7162]

This is amazing Yacht i love it

[@yachtingworld]

Stand by for the sailing version of what it's like at sea...

[@nigelwatkins558]

Was done in New Zealand YEARS AGO

[@itsmePassportBro]

Love it. Send me one. MELBOURNE AU

[@ianbrown1255]

Very interesting as a Jeanneau owner….boat prices seem to have gone up significantly over the past few years (Brexit, Covid and general profiteering) but this seems quite good value imo….let’s see how she sails!

[@flacjacket]

Money printer go brrrrrr

[@anikin4448]

Which one is better?? This or the beneteau oceanis 60??

[@puertola7186]

Surely it is different. But not everything different is better. I guess it is one of those cases...

[@frankjames7272]

I think the layout came from the sunloft which is really bad . This is a significant improvement.

[@puertola7186]

@@frankjames7272 When you look at the layout, you get some clues over how they managed to fit so much in a 55 feet boat. This is a floating rectangle... Most of the boat is like a rectangle and there is a very steep change in the bow. That change happens in a much shorter length even when compared to those "contemporary" designs with rectangular aft. I wonder how such a shape sails...

[@farrellko]

@@puertola7186 if it’s aimed at crossing oceans then I suspect in the trades it will be great. Wide stern for form stability and lots of storage. Just like the huge number of cats out there and what this is doing is bringing the cat living space to a mono which I like. Uphill with good sails might be ok but then who sails upwind if they can avoid it?

[@ammartinezguzman]

Condomaran, does it sails?

[@General_Crock]

GREAT VIDEO BUT WHAT'S HER PHRF RATING??😃

[@zackworrell535]

is that really applicable, its a monocat

[@robertw.1499]

Would be good to get some sort of "Quality Comparison" with other yachts of this size and class i.e. Hallberg Rassy, Amel and the like 👍

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Those being a good 50% more expensive...

[@robertw.1499]

@@bernardlanguillier7970 more expensive isn’t always better, but thanks for the sarcasm 🤮

[@sebastianb4980]

Not comparable, the high end shipyards are so much higher in build quality. It is like comparing a vw passat to a mercedes s class.

[@matteframe]

which qualities? Those are sailboats, this is a floating condo.

[@sebastianb4980]

@@matteframe Do you mean what qualities that premium shipyards have that are better than Jeanneau & co.? - I see now that you probably did not reply to me. Sorry!

[@JayBeBerg]

I wish more yachts had helm positions like this. When the weather is good the autopilot is mostly steering, and when it's bad you don't wan't to be exposed.

[@tallesttreeintheforest]

hmm.. innovative layout maybe, but it solves problems i didnt consider problems. why would you want to go out sailing with people and then keep everyone separated in private areas? i much prefer a layout where the saloon prioritized to be the main hub, rustler 57 etc.

[@fpergola]

How interesting!

[@horitulgi]

€695k for a boat that still has less space than a €400k 42ft Catamaran!! Also how this super wide monohull sails is a huge question. Wallowing is an adjective that I suspect might describe its performance, but we shall see.

[@Stylefront]

If it's inspired from the race boats it'll be slow in light winds but when it heels it may get more slippery in the water? Yeah, curious to see Toby take her out for some testing.

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

Maybe you should take a look on essentially all modern monohul racing boats today: They got exactly that shape hull. No doubt in my mind, that it will sail well.

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

What catamaran can you buy, at 42 feet for 400k Euro brand new? Neel 43 is almost the cheapest boat in class, and it still cost 450k Euro as base price. I like that boat, but in Europe, especially it the norhtern parts, it is not usable at all: Catamaran and trimarans, which can not fold the outriggers in, are essentially not welcome here in most marinas, not even at double price. The marinas are not build to such wide boats, for instance here in Denmark. Not to mention, you can not go canal sailing at all in Europe in a multihul, so it all depends, where you want to sail as well, which explains, why monohuls are still very popular, even though the perceived price difference may not be that big anymore. I would love to sail the tropics and be anchor most of the time, so my preferred type of boat therefore is a catamaran or trimaran.

[@peterwilliams1004]

Moody DS?

[@davegrenier1160]

I like it. But see they still haven't figured out that the TV should face the permanent (built-in) seating so the viewers don't have to contort themselves (and get cricks in their necks) to watch a movie. The monitor could retract into a storage area built into the island that separates the galley from the rest of the cabin. The storage would be accessed only from the galley side, and because the TV would be retractable, it wouldn't get in the way during dining. In this position the TV would face the seating along the port side of the cabin.

[@johng1857]

Interesting to see this new layout. My concern is lack of ventilation in the aft cabins at anchor.

[@JoeThornFreedom]

Good observation

[@ladygardener100]

Be sure those who want to buy a boat don't have to queue!

[@jlamm2223443]

does it have a keel?

[@yoshy2628]

Standard keel draft (full loaded): 2.55 m - 8'4" Standard keel weight: 4 900 kg - 10 803 lbs Shallow keel draft (full loaded): 1,98 m - 6'5'' Shallow keel weight: 5 680 kg - 12 522 lbs

[@humanafterall2076]

It’s like J-lo has been chasing a bus, the bus stops and in a hell of a rush her arse caught up with her face.

[@n.o.b.1907]

Indeed!

[@tomwilliams8675]

Thanks Toby, beautiful boat. Interesting design.

[@rwg2626]

Not sure about guest access to cabins

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Having chartered boats quite a few times with friends, I think that this cabin layout is in fact just great!

[@qtlinh]

3 heads is too much. This means less space for storage or even a tools/spare parts room. Where would you put the washing machine? I think the amel 50 has a very good layout compared to this.

[@davidwarnes5158]

Long walk to boil the kettle from the guest cabins , winch system is cluttered , winches to close , not enough , and undersized , just like Hanse.

[@GuyCruls]

what's with hand rails being solid in one bits and woven steel wire elsewhere? what is it with yacht manufacturers to fit vessels with woven steel handrails anyway? AND making them so low? style at the expense of function is what's it's called. yeah, the function is security. make the handrails flimsly and low = unsafe.

[@zaftlife]

interesting design indeed! too bad the skipper's berth doesn't connect to the master's as that would make a great kids berth. otherwise seems like wasted space on this layout

[@unhiro7]

Those are the most brilliant cabins I've seen.

[@jeanfrancoisdetaille]

I want one

[@williambunting803]

The carpets are snap studded so are removable. To have that much space and a that cost I would be wanting a bath (tube). I managed to design one into 39 ft Bristol Channel Cutter interior design so should be a snack in a 55”. Some nice features there from the Galeon 50 (which is one of the most innovative power boats). The Galeon fold down deck extensions haven’t turned up yet on a sailing Yacht, but this is the kind of thinking that will lead to that. One thing to begin to look for as boats become ever more complex are component sets with guaranteed performance. A bit like the difference Japanese cars made to the Auto industry. You don’t think of parts failing on Japanese cars, we need that certainty for boats. For example jabs o Pumps have clip in and clip out connections (still more to go), but a failed Jabsco Pump is a 5 minute fix, better too if they never failed.

[@svshootingstar]

After the Lagoon mess, just say "NO" to anything from Groupe Beneteau and move on.

[@l8knight845]

I agree! Any company that messes up that bad with .0001 percent of their boats doesn't deserve a look!

[@puertola7186]

Absolutely.... Not to forget the falling keels...

[@hevaspa]

Janenau 55?

[@philippesails4973]

Looks more like a mono-caravan celebratiing plastic than a mono-catamaran to me. Imagine you have to make a video on this piece of 🤔… boat and have to remain neutral!

[@danielbateman6518]

It's an interesting boat. Looks like they have almost tried to keep everything going on with the 60 and just make it fit.

[@MISTERLeSkid]

The more I see these, the more I don't understand Jeaneau's rationale. The interior is basically one big personal cabin with a small saloon / galley. Your guests are relegated to two sleeping-lockers with no access to the interior. Even if I wanted to sail this with just the wife, I'd still miss the spacious, open and GORGEOUS interior and more spacious galley of a typical contemporary layout EG an Oyster 565. And the aft cabin on those is much nicer in my opinion.

[@thesevideos4382]

I really like this layout, but I am concerned about where to store the tender.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

This may be the best layout ever for long term cruising in warm weather. The helm position should feel very safe even in big seas, the watch position under the hard top is perfect, the time at anchor should be wonderful too.

[@johng1857]

The lack of ventilation in those aft cabins would suck in warm latitudes.

[@jonathanairey9123]

@@johng1857 At that price/length the private buyer will be fitting reverse cycle aircon

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Monocat? Just looks like a somewhat beamy mono production boat to me.

[@SJLamb-te3dt]

Neat but bizarre layout.

[@clifbradley]

A protective helm...about time. Also, the skipper cabin is a solid no. They offer different layouts, but the beds need work.

[@wickedcabinboy]

So, not a racing yacht. Still, pretty nice toy.

[@paulogrinke7020]

Loved it. Very unique.

[@user-oe2ti1fb8r]

Engine size?

[@philv3941]

Who cares, it's a sailboat

[@user-oe2ti1fb8r]

@@philv3941 you're right the manufacturers shouldn't bother to publish this information. In fact, just say what engine? It's a sailing boat

[@ladygardener100]

Ghastly plastic

[@jitrows8384]

Beautiful Jenneau. A sailing yacht with many options.

[@animapulcra9205]

5 min. The two mid section cabins is not thought through. 0.9 m step up and down when ship rolls in a seaway is a BIG no-no for charter companies. Having drunk guests falling backwards risking severe injuries is unacceptable. If cabin ingress and egress face stern or bow the climb might be acceptable but like this the risks having repeated accidents increases unnecessary. There are honest charterers on YT that has informed on this dangerous shortcoming.

[@jonathanairey9123]

I cant see this as targetted at the mainstream charter market. At that price/length, the charterers are fully in the 4cab cat market

[@animapulcra9205]

@@jonathanairey9123 This new design class is aimed at charterers. Berthing is at premium and marina prices are insane for catamarans due to their obsessive size/customer. The monohull presented is not designed by charterers and my critique is aimed at manufacturer who thought out the dangerous stair solution for the two side cabins. Study the case better than our always lying journalist TH. Prices in Croatia for 1 customer on a monocat floats around 175€/day. Twice that on a catamaran. In Caribbean prices is lower due to longer seasons but proportions between monocats and catamarans persist.

[@bobbates7343]

I see there is no back rest on the seat on either side for the person that is sitting watch . Not comfortable at all . Get rid of all the wasted space with those huge big flat padded area's and put proper seats in .

[@Andy_M986]

Love the rear cabins set up, would prefer a rear master,for a better sleep during transition, just looks odd having it the way it is,but each to their own.

[@bobjohns8914]

61 gallon fuel tank...

[@danknox9986]

Different.

[@joebarnhart1691]

You can't even show the actual hull, or 'hull(s)? Looks like a top heavy, beamy bathtub.

[@BurginAssociates]

These along with cats will make mooring in a harbour in the eastern med a nightmare. Unless you are in by 2pm their fat arses will have taken all the dock space. It is a fundamentally selfish boat.

[@vorda400]

Beautiful boat, I like the protected cockpit, the only thing that seems too big for me is the owner's cabin, and then they put that narrow double bed in it But ok, I'm even surprised with the price, I expected a higher price considering how big the yacht is

[@phillysailormac]

Ya know the sail away price will be approx 1.7x

[@vorda400]

@@phillysailormac I think so too, this sounded too ˝cheap˝

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

Perfect for charter, useless for world cruising.

[@dougfitch3649]

I wouldn't even charter it. Hate those guest mineshafts.

[@z_actual]

I just wonder what happens when these concepts percolate down into the 40ft genre market but this is a very attractive, even brave set of innovations

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

I don't think this layout work in a shorter boat.

[@nomehdrider]

How much tankage would she have to support the three heads? Lovely boat

[@yachtingworld]

Water capacity is 760lt - 201US Gal or option of 990lt - 262 Gal.

[@Schaneification]

A Weekender for Rich people LOL

[@SailICfast]

Very interesting concept and boat. What size catamaran do you get for the same money. 45 feet?. Just sold an FP Orana 43 after living on it for 8 years, and this Jenneau will be a good alternative wanting a mono hull but with catamaran space.

[@yachtingworld]

Yes a well equipped production cat of around 45ft I'd say @SaillCfast. Or a base price 47ft maybe

[@constantinealexandrakis]

It's a 55 ft yacht that cannot accommodate a family (unless parents are OK leaving the kids separated in those aft cabins). I have mixed feelings.

[@licencetoswill]

if you saw this deisgn on paper you wouldn't think it would work, but in the flesh it's brilliant. Feels like a 60ft plus

[@Breatheyachts]

Nice

[@ikkeennietjij]

Very nice indeed. I just wonder why the bed in de main bedroom in the front is such a narrow bed in such a big space. Why?...