Test / Jeanneau DB/37, an open and protected cockpit to extend your time on board

© Jérôme Kelagopian

The DB/37 is a dayboat with plenty of open-air living space, but offering protection from the elements thanks to its hard-top. The hard-top can be fully enclosed with a canvas cover to extend the boating season. Although designed for day use, the DB/37 nevertheless offers ample sleeping space for four. In this 2nd part of our test, we focus on the layout of the DB/37.

A beautiful terrace on the water

Access on board the DB/37 is via an attractive bathing platform, available on the inboard version. Access to the cockpit is from either side of the aft bench seat. Already 3.60 m wide, the living space rises to 4.90 m once the aft bulwarks are deployed as a small terrace on the water. These are secured by removable stanchions.

Une grande plateforme arrière sur la version inboard du DB/37
A large rear platform on the inboard version of the DB/37
Des terrasses latérales protégées
Protected side terraces

A modular cockpit

The aft cockpit features a saloon with table seating for up to 8. The saloon is modular. The back of the aft bench seat can be folded down to create a sunbathing area. The table, once lowered, completes this space to accommodate a cushion and transform the rear living area into a large sunbed with the two bench seats. Finally, the front bench seat also has a tilting backrest, so you can choose to face the cockpit or the sea. Installed on rails, it can be moved towards the galley to retain a seating area in addition to the sunbed, if desired.

Le carré de cockpit offre plusieurs options d'aménagement
The cockpit saloon offers several layout options

A central kitchen

The galley remains the central element of the boat, as on the DB/43. It has therefore been moved up to the main deck to form an integral part of the living space. While it was possible to walk around it on the larger model, here it is positioned just behind the helm station and serves as a support for the three seats. It offers all the comforts of a modern kitchen, with fridge, hob or stove, sink and worktop. The retractable lighting fixtures are beautifully crafted.

La cuisine est l'élement clé du bateau
The galley is the key element of the boat
La cuisine offre tout l'équipement pour la préparation des repas
The kitchen is fully equipped for meal preparation

A central, protected cockpit

The central cockpit seats three. The spacious dashboard offers ample space for navigation tools. It can accommodate up to two 12" screens. It is well protected by the hard-top, and by a large glass windscreen in the hard-top extension. Lapels add to the sense of protection.

Le poste de pilotage est spacieux et bien protégé par le pare-brise du hard-top
The cockpit is spacious and well protected by the hard-top windscreen

To extend the boat's useful life, the entire cockpit can be enclosed with a canvas cover, from the cockpit to the stern. We tested this configuration during our test run, and were able to sail in the warmth of a windy early April.

Deux passagers peuvent accompagner le pilote en navigation
Two passengers can accompany the pilot during navigation

An intimate front beach

Access to the foredeck is via either of the two gangways. These are wide and secured by high bulwarks. At the bow is a sundeck with integrated backrest and armrests. A small additional seat covers the anchor locker. This space can also be protected with a bimini.

La plage avant offre un bain de soleil à poste
The foredeck offers post sunbathing

Two cabins like on a cruise ship

Below deck, DB/37 offers two cabins. The companionway leads to an airlock with access to the various cabins. The bulkheads contain a microwave and a second refrigerator, as well as plenty of storage space. The main cabin, located forward, is a good size with a central double bed and storage space. The bathroom has a toilet, washbasin and separate shower.

Le sas d'entrée aux cabines
The cabin entrance
La cabine principale à l'avant
The main cabin at the front
Les rangements sont présents partout à bord
Storage space is everywhere on board
La salle de bain avec son lavabo et ses WC
Bathroom with washbasin and WC
La cabine de douche
The shower cubicle

Finally, the aft cabin is full-width. There are two single beds, which can be converted into a double bed by adding a plank and mattress. A recess in the polyester structure provides light and headroom for standing.

La cabine arrière peut se transformer en couchage double
The rear cabin can be converted into a double bed
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