The birth of Cape Camarat 12.5 WA
For the past 5 years, Jeanneau's range of motor boats has been growing rapidly. As Merry de la Poëze, Motor Boating Products Director, explains, the activity has doubled, thanks in particular to the evolution of outboard motors, which allow larger units to be powered than before.
It is therefore only natural that in the Leader range, the market has evolved towards the top. While models from 6 to 7 m are still selling, the mid-range is now represented by models from 7 to 8 m. In a logic of continuity of range renewal and to follow the success of the 10.5 WA Jeanneau has therefore launched for 2020 its largest model ever powered by an outboard motor, the 12.5 WA.
"This model is in line with the very logic of the Leader range, which consists in making boats evolve in size. The 10.5 WA was a real success in all markets and showed us that there was demand for even larger models."
The DNA of Cape Camarat 10.5 WA
Designed as a dayboat, the 12.5 WA is nevertheless a real cruise ship. It takes up the spirit of 10.5, but with a much more luxurious layout and finishes, while keeping the Sarrazin design and the Michael Peters hull.
We appreciate the many details and equipment such as this dressing table hidden in the walls
The interior kitchen with its microwave
An American-style boat
To design its Leader 12.5 Walkaround, "a pure sports dayboat" Jeanneau clearly drew inspiration from American codes. Front cockpit fitted with a square facing each other, bulwark tilting in the aft cockpit, huge outside galley, large, very protective hard-top, high-end cockpit, LEDs with gogo and loudspeakers in profusion.
The Frenchman saw things big and succeeded in offering a remarkably well finished and thought-out production boat. The level of equipment is high with two fully equipped kitchens - refrigerator, grill, icemaker, sink, gas stove, hob or microwave. In the bathroom, located on the starboard side, Jeanneau has once again thought of comfort with a real separate shower.
A cruise dayboat
If the Leader 12.5 WA has been designed as a real dayboat - 11.9 m long all the same - the services it offers make it possible to envisage a family cruise. Inside, the U-shaped saloon transforms into a double cabin and allows a certain intimacy to be maintained thanks to a curtain, cleverly hidden in the structure. At the stern, the owner's cabin has a double bed and a bench seat to starboard.
A deck layout dedicated to comfort and swimming
On deck, there are the two main features of this model, namely a double cockpit and a bulwark tilting - as standard - to port. These features are already very popular on American models - such as the Boston Whaler or Sea Ray - but not widely used in France.
We appreciate the huge facing square at the front with an L-shaped bench seat at the front and three sunbathing chairs under the windscreen. The cockpit table can be lowered and covered with a cushion to transform this large deck space into a huge sunbathing area. A large bimini can totally protect the deck from the sun.
If this model is called a walkaround, the preferred option is the recessed port side deck well protected by the balcony, the starboard side deck being raised and relatively narrow.
The coupé door on the starboard side
On the rear, the L-shaped bench seat can comfortably accommodate 6 people around a table and thanks to the backrest tilting to the rear, can also become a sunbathing area. Access to the sea is easy, thanks to this tilting bulwark which transforms the cockpit into a terrace overlooking the sea and which can be equipped with a bathing ladder for swimming.
It is easy to move around the deck, especially aft, around the cockpit.
A boat to pilot
If Jeanneau has chosen comfort, he has also thought about the sporty side of his boat. The cockpit is huge with three comfortable helm seats - sitting/standing - with a sporty look and a very large dashboard that can accommodate all the desired navigation instruments.
If the model exposed to the Nautic received two 2x450 hp outboards, the Leader 12.5 WA is also available with three 3x300 hp outboard motors, a first for the French manufacturer. The site announces a top speed exceeding 50 knots.
If Jeanneau continues to move up the range with this new model, which is intended to be more luxurious, the price is also exponential. The Leader 10.5 WA (10.57 m) is displayed at 97?080 euros including VAT without motor, when the price of 12.5 WA starts at 172?800 euros including VAT without motor.
