Fine tuning has brought the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 series two bang up to date
The key to the success of the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 series two is its terrific Michael Peters designed deep-vee hull.
Its ability to handle the rough stuff with comparative ease means that the version with a small cuddy cabin (called the WA, or walkaround) can genuinely be used for some reasonably intrepid cruising.
It elevates the 7.5 from what could be no more than a calm inshore waters day boat to an albeit small but competent cruiser suitable for the occasional blast around the coast to explore and overnight in different anchorages.
The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 WA has a spacious, sociable cockpit
For those who absolutely don’t need the below-decks double berth and the small heads compartment, the CC (centre console) version swaps the raised foredeck sunbed for U-shaped seating.
However, buyers will have to be extremely keen on this trade because the fine tuning of the back end of the series 2 has produced a versatile cockpit seating area that morphs into three easily swapped forms: a transverse bench seat for two or even three at a pinch; fold down seats outboard that combine with the bench to create a more sociable U-shaped seating and dining area for four; plus an infill that produces a sunbed.
The bow area of Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 WA is the perfect place to relax in the sun
And although console on the CC version provides a place for storing the champagne and canapés, the far larger overnight cuddy on the WA version can swallow so much more, even if it never sees a sleeping bag.
Performance
Our test boat was powered by the biggest engine option, a single 300hp Yamaha petrol outboard. Jeanneau’s own test figures showed a top speed of 42.3 knots, but we achieved over 45 knots flat out with four people onboard, and better fuel consumption figures.
The helm of the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 WA is clear and easy to use
So even loaded down with the cruising stores that we didn’t have, plus the impediment of some mid-season fouling, 40+ knots should be easily achievable. That means fast cruising in the high thirties if you’re so inclined.
Given how well the hull handled the power, unless you want to save a few quid, there seems little reason to opt for the smaller options.
Contact See Jeanneau website for dealers.
Pros
- Phenomenal value for money in basic form
- Terrific Michael Peters deep-vee hull
- Two forms: walkaround and centre console
- Nippy 45 knots with single 300hp
- Ingenious cockpit seating-sunbed combo
Cons
- Really nothing significant given the price
Price as reviewed:
£50,800.00 as reviewed inc UK VAT
Verdict
The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 series two is a terrific little boat that provides a roomier and far cheaper alternative to RIBs of similar length. Modest overnight accommodation makes intrepid weekend cruising a real possibility
Details
Length: 23ft 7in (7.19m)
Beam: 8ft 3in (2.52m)
Fuel capacity: 62 imp gal (280 litres)
Water capacity: 18 imp gal (80 litres)
Draught: 1ft 7in (0.49m) ex engine
RCD Category: C (for 9 people)
Displacement: 1.44 tonnes (ex engine)
Test engine: Single 300hp Yamaha outboard
Cruising speed: 25-35 knots
Top speed: 45 knots
Range: approx 165nm at 30 knots
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