2016 Jeanneau Merry Fisher 755 | $51,500

The 2016 Jeanneau Merry Fisher 755 is a very versatile 24-foot-ish pilothouse boat—part coastal cruiser, part fishing boat, and part family day boat. Jeanneau designed it to maximize usable space in a relatively compact package.  It's big enough for a couple to cruise and overnight comfortably, but still manageable for day boating, fishing, and getting into smaller harbors. The pilothouse makes it particularly great for Maine summers. Some recent updates include.

Key specifications

• Length: 24'3" (7.4 m)

• Beam: 9'1"

• Draft:  1'6"

• Weight: roughly 3,850–4,600 lbs depending on whether engine/options are included

• Fuel: 75 gallons

• Fresh water:t 26 gallons

• Cabin: 1

• Sleeping: up to 4

The pilothouse is the big selling point. You get a protected helm with excellent visibility and a comfortable interior, so you can actually use it in less-than-perfect weather. The design also has a good connection between the interior and cockpit.

The cockpit is quite versatile. Jeanneau specifically designed it to work for fishing as well as cruising, with configurable seating and space that can be adapted for different uses.

The single outboard configuration is another attraction. This model was offered with outboard power, with 150 hp being a common setup. Jeanneau positioned the boat as a relatively economical, easy-to-maintain alternative to a larger inboard-powered cruiser.

Inside, you have a surprisingly substantial cabin for a boat this size, with a forward sleeping area, enclosed head, galley-type amenities depending on options, and the pilothouse seating.

The Merry Fisher 755 Marlin is a somewhat different version of the 755. It has a more pronounced fishing/outdoor orientation, side doors at the wheelhouse and two exterior cockpit areas/configurations. Jeanneau described it as a crossover between a fishing boat and a family cruiser.