Jetten is focused on keeping prices low without scrimping on quality, but is this philosophy realistic?
The Jetten 37AC isn’t a familiar brand to us here in the UK and we want to know exactly what this mid-sized model has to offer.
As you’d expect with Dutch fabrication, there is no faulting the finish of the steelwork despite the economical price tag.
The 37’s underwater sections sport a particularly full run of keel, which helps directional stability, while the ‘fishtail’ rudder is a rather odd concave shape that claims to give extra efficiency in tight turns.
On the exterior, the wide, easy to negotiate side decks each have an opening section of guardrail to facilitate all the toing and froing involved in inland cruising but they are a bit fiddly to open and shut.
You might have to shell out for some social seating on the aft deck but the helm does come with a place to perch. Usually this is a seat locker with a flip-over backrest but the test boat was fitted with a luxury helm chair to the tune of £1600. Perhaps this money would be better spent on upgrading the canopy instead, at least that way you can sit in the dry.
Inside there are several different options for the forward area depending on whether you want a roomier saloon or a forecabin with a shower en suite. The master cabin offers plenty of room round the island double, flanked either side by a good run of stowage, and the en-suite facilities are split between a shower stall and a separate WC. The main saloon is comfortable enough for four adults and the galley is pleasantly appointed, although some of the finishes are basic and you will need to option an oven for long-haul cruises.
We tested the Jetten on the Thames, which was still in flood after the early spring rains and can vouch for the 75hp Yanmar engine. Fitted as standard, it has all the power you need to keep up a steady 6 to 7 knots without having to tax the four-cylinder unit above 2000rpm – giving a frugal consumption figure around the 7mpg mark. It was also interesting to find that the Jetten 37 was able to turn in under its own length using just its rudder, without the usual extra blip on the throttle to power the stern round.
The standard spec includes a bow thruster, holding tank and heating – a refreshing change from some steelboats, where the only thing that comes as standard is a very long options list.
The review of the Jetten 37AC first appeared in June 2009
Pros
- Big cabins and a tidy finish add up to a fab cruising interior
Cons
- No seating on the aft deck and a flimsy canopy
Price as reviewed:
£218,365.00
Verdict
The Jetten continues a wonderful trend with steel boatbuilders, one that delivers a competitive base price and a standard specification you can actually trust. What sets the Jetten apart, though, is that you can still enjoy plenty of flexibility and choice on layout - something many owners will relish.
Details
Displacement: 11.5 tonnes
Cabins: FORECABIN BERTH 6ft 6in x 5ft 0in (1.98 x 1.52m)
AFT CABIN BERTH 6ft 3in x 5ft 2in (1.90 x 1.57m)
Fuel Capacity: 106gal (480lt)
Beam: 12ft 6in (3.8m)
Water Capacity: 86gal (390lt)
Air Draught: 8ft 0in (2.4m)
RCD Category: C
Length Overall: 36ft 5in (11.1m)
Engines: Single Yanmar 4JH4/TE diesel
Boats for Sale: Search for a Jetten 37AC for sale
Reprints: Buy the full review
Contact: Val Wyatt Marine Ltd
