Jeanneau NC 895 Series 2 Review: A Stout, Smart 29-Foot Cruiser

Jeanneau’s NC 895 was already a solid boat, but the redesigned NC 895 Series 2 elevates the model in nearly every respect. Rather than merely dressing up the existing hull, Jeanneau completely rethought the boat — new hull, deck, interior layout and propulsion — delivering a 29’4” cruiser that balances practicality, comfort and smart design.

The original 895 (which began life as the Merry Fisher 855 in 2012) remains in the lineup, and almost 2,000 of the earlier 855 and 895 models were built. Those boats proved the concept, but the Series 2 is a clear evolution. It opts for a sturdier, more purposeful profile: a reverse sheerline and higher topsides give it a beefier, SUV-like presence rather than a sleek, sports-boat silhouette. That solidity pays off on board, where the Series 2’s layout and finish stand out.

Boarding via the swim platform (wings beside the twin outboards) you enter a well-organized cockpit with a U-shaped seating area and a table. The table stows to free deck space and the port seat folds down to expand movement. The long stern bench and opposing aft-facing seat provide storage beneath; the stern bench is fitted on tracks so it can slide forward to allow the engines to be lifted out of the water. A large locker under the cockpit offers additional storage. A hullside door to starboard simplifies docking, landing fish or entering the water, while the starboard swim platform includes a ladder. A cockpit sunshade is available as an option.

A sliding glass door opens to the salon where the galley sits immediately to starboard, keeping the cook at the center of activity. The galley includes a two-burner induction cooktop, a small sink and a fridge; with the fold-up counter extension and the dining table used as extra prep space, you can easily put together full meals while underway or at anchor. The dinette seats four on bench seating; the forward benchback flips aft to create extra seating beside the helm and the dinette converts to a double bunk, giving the boat sleeping space for up to six in a pinch.

One standout feature is the light and visibility. Large windows and two sizable skylights fill the interior with natural light and give nearly 360-degree visibility from the helm. The port window slides open and the starboard sliding glass door provides extra ventilation. Jeanneau avoided bulky cabinets and tall refrigeration units in the main living area, keeping sightlines open and the interior feeling bright and airy.

Below decks, to starboard, there’s a comfortable head and shower combination with standing headroom, a hull window and an opening porthole. The bow cabin offers a nearly queen-sized walkaround berth, abundant daylight and generous storage. A second private cabin sits beneath the helmdeck; while the berth there doesn’t have full standing headroom, a small adjacent seat provides a place to dress or relax. This lower cabin enjoys overhead glazing that brings in light and helps the space avoid feeling cramped.

Jeanneau upgraded propulsion for the Series 2: twin 250-hp Yamaha outboards replace the previous twin 200s. According to the builder, that power package allows the boat to plane at about 20 knots, cruise efficiently at 30 knots, and reach nearly 40 knots at wide-open throttle. The twin 250s also enable Yamaha’s joystick control, and when combined with a bow thruster and excellent visibility, the package makes docking and tight maneuvers far less stressful. The starboard side door and a recessed starboard sidedeck — wider than the port side — make singlehanded docking, mooring and anchoring straightforward and safer.

Forward, a convertible triple chaise lounge extends over the anchor locker; the center section lifts to provide access to the cabin below, extra airflow and an emergency escape route. Stainless-steel rails are split at the bow to facilitate stepping onto a dock or launching into the water. A roof rack provides room for kayaks or paddleboards, rounding out the boat’s recreational capability.

The Jeanneau NC 895 Series 2 is a thoughtfully executed small cruiser: roomy where it matters, bright inside, and designed for comfortable, confident handling. Rather than trying to cram too many features into a compact hull, Jeanneau focused on proportion, access and user-friendly solutions. The result is an SUV-like cruiser that feels sturdy, well-planned and genuinely usable for a wide range of coastal cruising and dayboat activities.

Specifications

• LOA: 29’4”
• Beam: 9’10”
• Draft: 2’3”
• Displacement: 9,253 lbs.
• Fuel Capacity: 158 gals.
• Water Capacity: 42 gals.
• Power: (2) 250-hp Yamaha outboards
• Base Price: $230,750

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue.