It was a gorgeous day when I took the new Jeanneau 469 out for a test drive with some potential buyers after the Annapolis boat show. Unfortunately the wind only got up to around 8 knots or so, but I was still able to get a pretty good feel for how this good-looking cruiser performs, and hear what some serious boat shoppers had to say about the boat too.
Boat speed hit an impressive 5.5 knots in 8 knots of wind. Steering was light and responsive. The boat tracked beautifully, and tacking was a breeze. Comfort and visibility from the helms was excellent. Solid foot wedges in the cockpit sole for the helmsman, and the sturdy cockpit table provide excellent brace points.
Now, I didn’t get to set the chute during our test, but I was impressed with the overall layout of the cockpit. Loved the wide stern, dual helms with comfortable seats, easy access to the primary winches and the spacious seating and brace points for the crew. The cockpit also felt safe and secure thanks to a full-on retractable transom rather than the open transoms you see on lots of boats these days.
I liked the teak cockpit table that’s both attractive and solid. I also liked that the cockpit seats are long and loungable, and the seat backs that are plenty deep. There’s a nice deep locker for fenders and dock lines, and the coach roof mounted winches provide the pulling power for the mainsheet as well as all the control lines lead back from the mast.
This shot really doesn’t illustrate just how big the drop-down transom is and how easy it is to access the cockpit. It’s the best of both worlds. There’s plenty of room when it’s down and plenty of cockpit security (as well as giving the boat an attractive transom) when its locked in place.
The understated and modern interior provides everything you want from an accommodations plan: a light and airy space, stylish and comfortable furniture, and high quality joinery.
I loved the saloon table. Movable chairs on a cruising boat (that can also be easily held in place) are more luxurious than you’d think. I liked the light and durable cockpit sole too.
The galley delivers the goods: double sink, 3 burner gimbaled stove with oven, decent counter space, plenty of storage space, and a fridge with both top and side access.
The starboard settee can be set up in “nav station” mode.
Or it can be dropped down to be more like a coffee table. Add a cushion and it can be a full-sized berth.
The forward cabin is huuuuge. There’s great light and ventilation thanks to two opening hatches and thru-hull ports. Headroom is well over 6-feet. Stowage is excellent in multiple hanging lockers, cabinets, and drawers beneath the large bed.
This shot actually does a great job of showing how big the forward cabin is. This is where the owners will want to be. Check out that vanity complete with vanity seat.
This one is a bit of an optical illusion. The mirror on the en suite head door makes things look bigger than they are. But it’s still pretty big.
And speaking of heads….check out the clever wet locker.
The aft cabin is no slouch. It’s got a large bunk and decent headroom that guests will be perfectly comfortable in.
If you’re looking for a good-looking 46-foot boat with 50-footer space, check out the Jeannueau 469. You won’t be disappointed. Click here for more info.
Did you find her to be stiff or tender, granted that you only had 8 knots to work with?