Cap Camarat 6.5 WA Boat Test

17 September 2019

 

 

One of the things that makes the WA versions (walk around) in the Cap Camarat range different from the CC (centre console) models is the greater habitability of their cabins. With a design inherited from its big brother the Cap Camarat 7.5 WA, the Cap Camarat 6.5 WA from Jeanneau has plenty of advantages to offer…

 

Structure

The relatively deep V-shaped hull on the WA, featuring a single step and two strakes and designed by Patrice Sarrazin, is probably one of the best on the market. It’s exactly the same as that on the Cap Camarat 6.5 CC. With its large sundeck, its central console protected by its wide windscreen, and its slightly more protruding moulding at the front than on previous versions, this 6.5 WA has very seductive lines, especially when fitted, as here, with the optional navy blue trim….

Boarding is via a padded boarding door that doubles as a seat backrest. The central console, which is offset to starboard to allow for a wide sidedeck walkway on the port side, houses a small cabin window on the front that’s cleverly covered by the windscreen, enabling it to be kept open when on the move.

Motor

Though designed to accept motors up to 200 HP, the model tested was equipped with a 2.7 litre, 4-cylinder motor from Yamaha producing 150 HP. This is quite simply Yamaha’s best-selling unit. Mounted with a medium-sized stainless steel propeller, this electric-trim propulsion set-up is designed to generate speed whilst at the same time producing a very decent amount of torque, which makes the 6.5 WA perfectly suited to water skiing.

Test

Once seated at the controls in the comfortable helm seat (upholstered with firm foam padding offering an excellent compromise between comfort and firmness), the motor starts up with a pleasantly agreeable noise. You can really feel the 2.7 litres of the Yamaha F150. The throttle falls comfortably to hand when you’re seated behind the almost vertical steering wheel, well-protected by the windscreen. At 18 knots the front end begins to rise out of the water, and it takes just 10 seconds to get up to 30! It very rapidly gets up to almost 40 knots, with the hull remaining well-balanced throughout. It grips the water well, and you really have to deliberately mishandle the boat to get the prop in the air when turning tightly. It occasionally porpoised in the slightly choppy conditions on the day, but the very comfortable and sufficiently firm seats do a respectable job of cushioning the impacts. You certainly don’t end up soaked when travelling at speed in choppy water.

Life onboard

The U-shaped cockpit bench seating means you can seat eight people around the onboard table (the boat has an official category C capacity rating), even if it can be a little wobbly at times. The teak decking agreeably expands the space available and adds an undeniably elegant note to the boat. The wide bathing platforms available as an option are perfect when it comes to getting in the water. Two people can comfortably bask at the same time on the forward sundeck.

The quality of the upholstery at the front could be improved, but the sundeck cushions are at least fastened to the boat: a good feature on a sporty day cruiser capable of 40 knots!

The 2.2 by 2.4 metre cabin (7 ft 2 in by 7ft 10 in) is frankly spacious for its size, with sufficient room for two adults to spend the night. The chemical toilets (available as an option) can be stored under the mattresses. It’s possible to detach and remove the part of the mattress that tends to double as a kind of doormat immediately inside the cabin entrance, thus preventing it being damaged by people constantly stepping on it. Note that the cabin is equipped with a small window fitted to the front of the central console. The inclusion of a cockpit shower on deck has been made possible by the presence of a freshwater tank and a water pump.

The WA is probably the most versatile and multipurpose version of the Cap Camarat. With its highly habitable cabin, its large sundeck, its eight-person capacity and the fact that it’s a very good boat for towing water skiers (ski mast available as an option), the Cap Camarat 6.5 WA has enough to keep the whole family happy, not to mention friends, friends of friends, etc.

The pros

● Considerable level of cabin habitability,
● Highly versatile and multipurpose
● Well-balanced hull

The cons

● High cost of the options.
● Fiddly sundeck cushion fastening system.

Test conditions

● Weight for the test around 1,650 kg (3,640 lbs)
● Three passengers
● Fine weather
● Slightly choppy conditions
● 10 knot winds
● Price of the version tested (motor included) €52,507 inc tax.
● Yamaha F150 atmospheric 4-cylindre, 2.7 litre 150 HP, 4-stroke motor; 17’ stainless steel propeller.

Options

2019 Première trim (2)

Upgraded 2019 Garmin electronic pack

Electric windlass

Mooring kit

Anchoring kit

Ski mast (arched)

Teak bathing platforms

Bolster seats (large option rather than standard)

Cockpit table

Front sundeck cushions

Folding rear sundeck

Additional double berth

Chemical toilet

Teak boarded cockpit floor

Pre-mounting of Yamaha single 150-200 HP mechanical control

Fuel consumption

– 1000 RPM > 3.4 Knots > 3.0 litres (0.66 gallons) per hour

– 2000 RPM > 6.6 Knots > 7.0 litres (1.54 gallons) per hour

– 3000 RPM > 10.4 Knots > 17.4 litres (3.83 gallons) per hour

– 4000 RPM > 23.4 Knots > 25 litres (5.5 gallons) per hour

– 5000 RPM > 31 Knots > 39 litres (8.58 gallons) per hour

– 5500 RPM > 36 Knots > 52 litres (11.44 gallons) per hour

– 5800 RPM > 39 Knots (max) > 54 litres (11.88 gallons) per hour

Find the Cap Camarat 6.5 WA you’re looking for amongst our second hand boat ads. There’s bound to be one that’s just right for your needs!

Article written by François Meyer.