Jeanneau NC 129 is the Builders Flagship
Readers Note: Internationally this boat is called the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly, but in North America it is marketed as an NC 129 Fly. Otherwise, it’s pretty much the same boat.
On a sunny day at the 63rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), Jeanneau’s Merry Fisher 1295 Fly was extremely popular among visitors. In fact, it even earned a nomination included in the Best of Show awards, which was later broadcast in a one-hour programme on Fox Sports.
During FLIBS, the 41ft 2in yacht was constantly packed with new groups of people. The excitement was palpable when a family of four hopped onto the yacht.
The two young children dashed straight into the bright, open saloon and towards the sofa, while the parents looked relaxed, envisioning themselves sipping cocktails in the galley. Add in the comfortable, cosy cabins downstairs and it looked like they were at home. I smiled as I waited for my turn to inspect the new leader of the Merry Fisher range.
MAJESTIC MERRY FISHER
The overall length of the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly is more than 7ft longer than the 1095 and to reflect this, there are a host of new features and areas that clearly separate it from the former series flagship.
Firstly, it has three engines, not two, while the flybridge has a full seating area for up to five guests. The foredeck is a properly developed social area with integrated sun loungers.
Inside is a full-beam aft galley, more comparable to those seen on larger flybridge motor yachts. There’s almost 47 per cent more fuel, giving another indication of the step up in scale.
Equipped with triple 300hp Yamaha outboard engines, the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly looks powerful, sleek and modern. On the starboard side of the aft deck, the stainless-steel ladder with teak treads hung off the fold-down side, gleaming under the sun.
To get aboard, the starboard transom platform and gate can be used, while the portside opening gate is another option. The cockpit has an L-shaped sofa and flexible table, and blends seamlessly with the galley, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The choice of material for the table includes wood or fibreglass.
One feature that makes this range flagship stand out is the electronically controlled starboard terrace, which acts as a platform extending outwards towards the ocean. It provides more space for entertaining family, friends and guests, can also serve as a dedicated spot for suntanning or reading, and is the best place for jumping into the water.
Accessed by stairs from the cockpit, the flybridge provides a comfortable environment for unwinding while enjoying the sea view and is dominated by a J-shaped sofa to port and a smallish table.
There’s plenty of space to store cold beverages, with a refrigerator near the table and cup holders next to the seats.
The forward part of the three-sided sofa has a flexible backrest, so can be converted into companion seating while underway or whenever a forward view is wanted. On the starboard side, the helm features a minimal, no-nonsense control panel and is fitted with a Garmin display. Forward is a full-width sunpad, sheltered by the windscreen.
The cleverly designed foredeck is also ideal for sunbathing and reading, offering an integrated, three person sun lounger. The soft, supportive material of the sunpads makes it a perfect excuse for couch potatoes to continue their sedentary activity … outdoors! Whether it’s taking a nap under the sun or sitting there watching family members or friends swim, paddleboard or kayak, this is an ideal spot.
EXTENDED INTERIOR
The neutral, cream colour tone of the interior looks sophisticated and turns the attention of whoever is in the saloon to the ocean view.
The aft galley is equipped with kitchen equipment such as stove and sink. The countertop is extremely glossy and chic, while there are also electrical sockets for charging.
Even when you’re preparing food or drinks in this area, there’s still also plenty of space to entertain. Forward in the main lounge, the light-coloured wood and the fabrics of the C-shaped sofa to port accentuate the airy feeling of the space.
The natural light from the large windows enlivens the saloon, where people hang out, enjoy their food and engage in conversation.
To starboard, the large door next to the helm seat makes a difference when docking shorthanded, allowing easy access to the side deck. Moreover, the dual GPS screens, joystick and autopilot technology ensure the skipper has everything he or she needs.
The model features Groupe Beneteau’s Seanapps technology, which has been included on all new Jeanneau yachts since September 2021.
The system allows the owner to monitor data about the yacht through a smartphone app. They include safety information such as the GPS position, battery level, tank levels, bilge levels and engine data; trip information such as distance covered, speeds and depth; as well as temperature and humidity inside.
Jeanneau’s team did a great job maximising the use of the space while leaving enough room to create a clear corridor that leads to the stairs to the lower deck.
The centreline stairs descend to a lobby that leads forward to the master stateroom with an en-suite bathroom, while to port is the bathroom shared by day guests and both guest cabins, which sit side by side midships. The wooden floor creates a natural ambience, while the soft, warm glow from LED lights along the edges of cabinets gives the interior space a modern twist.
The master stateroom has a large island berth and enjoys a lot of natural light from two side windows and a wide forward window, which all help to illuminate a beautiful, serene space. The reflection from the mirror above the headboard makes the space look larger. Facing the bed is a TV on the starboard side, while the en-suite is on port side and has a separate enclosed shower.
The guest cabins each have a large window and a mirror to help create a feeling of more space. The familiar glow from the LED lights again creates a relaxing, ambient environment. With three comfortable cabins, the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly is well equipped for three generations of a family or up to three couples to enjoy time away.
Options like the Seakeeper 3 (SK3) gyroscopic stabiliser and the hydraulic retractable gangway are available to improve the quality of the boating experience. There are also options to install tropical-strength air-conditioning (36,000BTU), yet another reason why the new series flagship could prove as popular in Asia as other Merry Fisher models.