The Jeanneau Velasco 37F proves to be a seriously practical and well-rounded flybridge cruiser
With pod-drive systems here, full-beam master cabins there and more glass on board than a window-fitters Transit van, modern boats are becoming more and more complex.
But the Jeanneau Velasco 37F cuts a simple, straight-talking dash against the more outlandish designs we see coming out of some yards these days.
It has a reliable pair of Volvo Penta D4 300hp diesels – the only engine option – attached to the traditionalist’s choice of twin shaft drives.
It has two cabins, a master in the bow and a twin guest amidships, opposite a shared bathroom that caters for both cabins, although it is ensuite to the master. You see, this is just like the good old days!
Our video review of the Jeanneau Velasco 37F from the London Boat Show
There is a practically laid out dinette opposite a galley with all the kit you could wish for on a boat of this size and, at the lower helm, two people can sit on the double bench plus there is a handy side door out to the starboard deck.
Flybridge layout
A stainless steel and teak ladder leads up to a flybridge with a single helm seat, small dinette amidships and sunpad aft.
Sadly there is no option for a wet-bar but the seating is clever in that it cantilevers and slides to make sunpads or seating depending on what you’re up to.
Again, it’s simple stuff but it all just works and does a brilliant job of making the most of what is only a 37ft-long boat.
The driving experience is equally unfussy mainly down to the well-proven twin shaft drivetrain and a solid, soft-riding hull underneath it all.
Top speed was a lazy 26 knots, which will disappoint a few, but in all honesty the 37F feels so comfortable at 22 knots that you are likely to be able to keep that speed up even when it gets lumpy, as it did on our test.
The steering is positive without being exciting but it’s very safe, predictable and does all it needs to do for a family-focussed cruising boat.
And it is seriously practical; you get a proper lazarette in the cockpit (have that, pod drives), a large, dry storage void in the saloon and the side decks are brilliantly safe and easy to navigate.
The Velasco 37F, then, is not the most exciting boat in the world, nor is it packed to the gunwales with cutting edge tech and sliding/folding this and that. The Sealine F380 will run rings around it on a calm day, too.
But if you are after an honest, solid, safe and practical family cruiser that you can depend on it absolutely hits the nail on the head.
There aren’t many more rounded family cruisers than this one and all for an on-the-water price under £300,000 inc UK VAT.
Pros
- Safe and practical decks
- Loads of storage
- Two good cabins
- Solid seakeeping
- Well priced
Cons
- May be a bit slow for some
- Not the most exciting thing to look at
- Finish is unfussy if lacking in flourish
Price as reviewed:
£280,000.00 On the water
Verdict
It isn't going to set the world alight but the Velasco 37F majors on doing the basics very well and it succeeds.
Details
Length: 37ft 5in (11.4m)
Beam: 12ft 7in (3.84m)
Fuel capacity: 176 imp gal (800 litres)
Water capacity: 73 imp gal (330 litres)
Draught: 2ft 8in (0.83m)
Displacement: 8.1 tonnes
RCD Category: B for 10 people
Test engines: Twin Volvo Penta D4 300
Cruising speed: 22 knots
Top speed: 26 knots
