7 minutes read
20 Oct, 2026
Boating
Four Jeanneau motorboats on this autumn's award shortlists and what each one is really good at
Four Jeanneau powerboats feature on major European award shortlists this autumn. The Merry Fisher 1095 Fly Series 2 is a Best for Family finalist, the TH33 is shortlisted for Best for Fun, and the Sea Loft 480 appears in Best Electric at the 2026 Best of Boats Awards. The Cap Camarat 6.0 CC is nominated for European Powerboat of the Year in the category for boats up to 10 metres. Best of Boats winners are due on 26 November 2026 in Berlin, while the European Powerboat of the Year winners will be announced at boot Düsseldorf on 23 January 2027. Nominations indicate recognition by specialist judges, not that every model will suit every buyer. The question is how each boat matches your plans, passengers and budget.The four shortlisted boats at a glance
| Model | Shortlisted for | Length | Power | Overnight use | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merry Fisher 1095 Fly | Best of Boats, Best for Family | 10.45 m | Twin outboards, 2 × 250 or 2 × 300 hp | Three cabins, eight berths | Family weekends and cruising |
| TH33 | Best of Boats, Best for Fun | 10.17 m | Twin outboards, up to 2 × 300 hp | Optional Cabin Pack, two berths | Spacious, sociable days afloat |
| Sea Loft 480 | Best of Boats, Best Electric | 14.10 m | Twin diesel standard; optional electric pods | Three or four cabins | Relaxed living and low-speed cruising |
| Cap Camarat 6.0 CC | European Powerboat of the Year | 5.94 m hull specification | 115 hp standard; 150 hp option | No dedicated berths | Trailerable days on the water |
What do these awards actually tell you?
Awards show how independent marine journalists assess boats within defined categories. The Best of Boats Award uses an international jury and recognises distinct purposes, including family cruising, leisure and electric boating. European Powerboat of the Year judges compare boats with competitors in size-based groups. A compact open dayboat therefore does not compete directly with a much larger residential-style cruiser. The shortlist indicates attention, not a substitute for inspection. Our guide to the different types of motorboats can help identify which category matches your plans before comparing individual models.Merry Fisher 1095 Fly Series 2: the family cruiser
The Merry Fisher 1095 Fly is the practical overnight choice among these four. It measures 10.45 m overall with a beam of 3.37 m, and offers three cabins and eight berths. Burton Waters specifies twin 250 hp or twin 300 hp outboards, an indicative cruising speed of 25.3 knots, a maximum of 36.2 knots and a cruising range stated as 175 miles. These are indicative figures under specified test conditions, including a clean hull and moderate loading, rather than guaranteed passage performance. Sea state, fuel reserves and your cruising speed will affect real-world range. The appeal is the space it provides within a manageable length. Jeanneau describes a flybridge with two facing benches and a forward seating area that converts into sun loungers. A 1.75 m fold-out terrace creates access to the water when safely deployed at anchor. The portside boarding door is convenient against a pontoon, and a separate cabin with twin beds provides flexibility for children or guests. The Best of Boats judges placed it among the family cruising finalists, while its accommodation makes longer weekends practical without relying on shoreside facilities. It is not the simplest model to run. Two engines bring additional servicing requirements, and the raised flybridge affects air draught and route planning. Our Yamaha outboard range and servicing and repairs team can help buyers assess maintenance and propulsion options.TH33: the stable day boat
The TH33 is a twin-hulled power catamaran, shortlisted in Best for Fun. Jeanneau lists a 10.17 m overall length, 5,627 kg displacement, 0.62 m hull draft and CE design categories B for eight people and C for fourteen. Its deck provides approximately 37 square metres of living space, and the Best of Boats assessment describes speeds around 36 knots with twin 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards. Performance depends on conditions, loading and equipment. Its wide platform and modular seating are designed for entertaining. The central galley includes a sink and refrigerator, with an optional electric grill, while the helm has two 12-inch Garmin displays. Twin hulls offer a different feeling underway and at rest from a conventional deep-V monohull, although every craft still responds to wind and waves. A shallow hull draft can be useful for exploring appropriate estuaries and anchorages, including around the Suffolk coast near Burton Waters' Ipswich and Woodbridge locations. Check charts and tides before entering shallow water. Overnight use is more limited. Burton Waters lists one cabin and two berths, with comfortable sleeping accommodation dependent on the optional Cabin Pack. A hardtop is also optional. Jeanneau quotes an air draught of 3.65 m, which must be checked against the exact boat's specification and local bridge clearances. Our guide to the best British boating locations provides ideas for suitable cruising grounds.Sea Loft 480: the floating villa
The Sea Loft 480 is different from the other three, focusing on space, stability and slow-paced life afloat. Jeanneau promotes it as a floating villa for private leisure as well as professional hospitality settings. The current model page lists an overall length of 14.10 m, a standard draft of 0.98 m and configurations with three or four cabins. It is shortlisted for Best Electric, reflecting the availability of electric propulsion rather than an exclusively electric standard specification. Jeanneau's technical information also lists twin 45 hp diesel engines as standard and optional electric pods. Its appeal is space, fold-out terraces and a quieter experience when operating electrically. With a design centred on leisurely cruising and time at anchor, it is particularly suited to people who value being aboard rather than reaching destinations quickly. Layout, stability and access to outdoor spaces distinguish it from a conventional sports cruiser. Jeanneau has cited an optimum cruising speed of about seven knots, but range depends greatly on which propulsion arrangement is chosen. Prospective owners should confirm the selected batteries, charging supply, diesel equipment and realistic endurance with the dealer. Shore power availability and berthing dimensions will also matter. It is best compared with other low-speed lifestyle boats rather than treated as a faster family cruiser.Cap Camarat 6.0 CC: the easy first boat
At 5.94 m overall in Jeanneau's model specification, the Cap Camarat 6.0 CC is the most compact option. Its 115 hp standard outboard can be upgraded to 150 hp. Jeanneau states CE categories C-7 and D-7, and markets it as a trailerable centre-console boat. Features include aft swim platforms, fixed cockpit seating with storage, a head compartment in the forward console and additional storage accessible from the bow. The latter is not a dedicated sleeping cabin. The main attraction is straightforward day boating. Depending on your vehicle, licence and trailer weight, storing the boat away from a marina could reduce berthing expenses. It is suitable for swimming stops, short coastal trips and watersports within appropriate conditions. New buyers can explore our first-time boat buyers guide and beginner's quick guide to boating. Training at the RYA training centre also helps build confidence. It has no dedicated berths and offers less shelter than an enclosed cruiser. Choose it for enjoyable days afloat, not as a substitute for a cabin boat on overnight family trips.Which one should you choose?
Start with your most frequent journeys, passenger numbers and the total cost of ownership rather than the award category alone.- Choose the Merry Fisher 1095 Fly for family weekends, proper cabins and longer coastal trips.
- Choose the TH33 for social day boating, expansive deck space and suitable shallow-water destinations.
- Choose the Cap Camarat 6.0 CC for a compact dayboat that may be easier to tow and store.
- Consider the Sea Loft 480 for quiet, spacious living aboard, especially with the right charging facilities.