Jeanneau DB 37 (12 m): the outboard weekender to watch TEST

French experience, outboard engines and American-style hull, Italian style. A boat with an international scope that propels Jeanneau’s DB walkaround family into the high-end. Let’s talk about the new 37, outboard version. Weekender style with a deck that is extremely livable from stern to bow and very protected, particularly with regard to the dashboard, and a particularly voluminous interior as the hull already shows when looking at it from the outside. Behind the design is the usual Camillo Garroni, who has been collaborating with Jeanneau for a very long time, to which is added the complementary work of Michael Peters for the living work. Layout-wise, we start with the two aft spiaggettes surrounding the engines.

Jeanneau DB 37 Outboard – Test

Compared to inboards the space here is much less, but I will tell you during the test what is gained in my opinion, having also tried the inboard version of the DB 37. The deck then offers a double-seated cockpit behind the galley area. The configuration is the classic day boat configuration with a convivial area that can be converted into a sun deck and a galley/wet bar with storage, refrigerator, and the various optional extras that an owner can request based on his or her needs.

The hard-top rests on the band leader, and I really appreciate this solution because it allows for maximum use of the bathroom without giving up practically anything. Forward of the windshield starts a sundeck with great privacy and a walkway all around the bow as well. After all, we are aboard a walkaround.

Walkaround interior and cabins

What about below deck? It is not a cruiser, but we are not on a bare-bones dayboat either, quite the contrary. The shipyard even opted not to have a salon below deck, but two real cabins forward and aft, with separate entrances and a bathroom with a separate shower stall. In particular, the front cabin is tall and bright, while the rear cabin uses the entire beam of the boat (3.57 m). In short, there is volume inside, as well as storage space, important for spending even a few days on board.

How it navigates

Testing a hull that you have already tried, but with different engines is always an interesting experiment. I am not talking about power, but really about propulsive type. Between within and an outboard there are many differences, it is well known by now. Simplistically, it is usually U.S. boaters who prefer engines installed on the transom, but even here in Europe the trend is far from minor. If I had to compare the two units I tried, I would probably lean toward the outboards this time. The first time I dealt with a pair of 320-horsepower Volvo D4s, while in the second case I dealt with two 450-horsepower Yamaha XTO V8s, the Japanese manufacturer’s top-of-the-line units. With this propulsive thrust the boat is responsive under acceleration, very well maneuverable outside, but also at berth thanks to the Yamaha Helm Master.

On maneuverability, the Volvo Penta’s were also no less, and in general in both cases the hull passes smoothly over the waves without any strange noises, but since I do not disdain a bit of extra panache when at sea, the outboards convinced me more. On the downside, there is definitely that they are a bit noisy, especially at high speeds. Yamaha’s two 450-horsepower V8s are noted for their top speed of 41.2 knots at 6,000 rpm, but also for the sound they produce. Nothing unsustainable, but something to consider. Finally, in my sailing experience, I appreciated more having direct control over the trim and trim correctors, rather than using the automatic trim system that Yamaha offers. The hull does its job, and it takes only a little, even for those with less experience to gain confidence and handle this aspect of the boat independently as well.

Jeanneau DB 37 – Impressions of the hull

The idea that it conveys, however, is to be aboard a solid, Mediterranean, gritty vehicle to which is also added good visibility in front when sailing. During the test I maneuvered by tightening the tack angle a lot and the hull did not blink, as well as when I crossed my waves. The cruising speed indicated by the shipyard is around 25 knots with engines at 4,000 rpm and 115 liters per hour of consumption taken from two tanks of 480 liters each. Maximum comfort, however, was in my opinion just above, at 28-29 rpm with the engines around 4,500 rpm. Here, of course, fuel consumption was higher, but in return, the feeling of comfort with the helm and the boat well launched in the hands was optimal.