JEANNEAU NC 1295 FLY

Jeanneau's new NC 1295 Fly represents a fresh reimagining of the flybridge cruiser.

- Jim Hendricks

Some of my earliest boating experiences took place aboard flybridge cruisers, on which the only spot to pilot the boat was a cramped topside station, cabin accommodations were limited, and the only power available consisted of inboards and sterndrives.

Oh my, how things have changed.

The new Jeanneau NC 1295 Fly that I tested bears an only faint resemblance to those traditional flybridge cruisers. Amenities both above- and below decks are innovative and posh. This 41-foot-2-inch length-overall pocket cruiser also handles and performs much differently, thanks in large measure to using triple outboards.

This flagship of the Jeanneau NC series is in nearly all respects a thoroughly 21st-century take on the flybridge concept. A walkthrough is like touring a custom home with so many places to explore and marvel at. For example, the salon has a 360-degree panoramic view thanks to large glass windows all the way around. There's also a dining table and seating nook, along with a galley adjacent to a bar that serves the cockpit area too. A flip-up flatscreen TV is great touch.

In the forward starboard corner is an exquisite lower helm station for piloting in comfort. A pair of 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays provide critical navigation information for a safe passage. A Helm Master EX joystick control and thruster aid low-speed maneuvering in tight quarters. It all makes for splendid year-round boating opportunities. And once you arrive, the helm chair swivels to face the salon area and socialize.