Halfway between a fishing boat and a pleasure craft, the fishing-cruiser is winning over more and more boating enthusiasts along our coasts. Combining practicality, safety, and comfort, this type of boat offers an accessible approach to nautical leisure. Let’s explore together this versatile vessel that allows you to discover our coastlines while enjoying the pleasure of fishing.
What is a fishing-cruiser?
Also known as a “pilothouse boat”, the fishing-cruiser was born from the desire to create a boat that is both functional for fishing and comfortable for family outings. Its origins date back to the 1970s, when boatbuilders began developing medium-sized vessels suited to boaters who wanted to combine leisure and coastal fishing. The stars of the era were Bénéteau, Ocqueteau, Arcoa, and Ange de Mer.
The main feature of a fishing-cruiser is its enclosed pilothouse (hence its alternative name), which provides protection from the elements while ensuring comfortable navigation. This covered helm station is the heart of the boat and usually houses the steering wheel, navigation instruments, and sometimes a dining area or berth.
Typical features of a fishing-cruiser:
- Length between 5 and 9 meters
- Enclosed pilothouse with 360° visibility
- Spacious and open aft cockpit for fishing
- Inboard or outboard engine, depending on the model
- Semi-planing hull offering a good compromise between stability and performance
- Often modular interior layouts
- Sufficient range for day trips or short weekends
This type of motorboat stands out from classic cruisers due to its versatility and fishing orientation, while offering more comfort and protection than a simple open boat.
The advantages of a fishing-cruiser
The growing success of the fishing-cruiser can be explained by the many advantages it offers to boaters:
Safety and comfort
The enclosed pilothouse protects passengers from spray, wind, and bad weather, making navigation enjoyable even in mixed conditions. This secure configuration is particularly appreciated by families and occasional sailors.
Versatility of use
A true Swiss Army knife of the seas, the fishing-cruiser allows you to:
- Practice different types of fishing thanks to its clear cockpit
- Enjoy day trips in comfortable conditions
- Explore coastal coves and anchorages
- Learn to sail with peace of mind
- Spend a night on board for models equipped with berths
Ease of handling
Its maneuverability and stability make it an ideal boat for beginners. The controls are generally simple and intuitive, allowing for quick familiarization.
Reasonable maintenance cost
Compared to larger boats, the fishing-cruiser has more affordable maintenance and winterizing costs, a major argument for budget-conscious boaters.
Transportability
Some smaller models can be trailered, offering the possibility to explore different bodies of water without annual mooring fees.
The most popular used models
The market offers a wide selection of used fishing-cruisers at various prices. Today, the leaders are Bénéteau and Quicksilver. Here are the models that have earned the trust of boaters over the years:
| Model | Builder | Length | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antares 800 | Bénéteau | 8m | Reliability, livability |
| Merry Fisher 650 | Jeanneau | 6.50m | Versatility, comfort |
| Cap Camarat 6.5 WA | Jeanneau | 6.23m | Sportiness, finishes |
| Guymarine 740 | Guymarine | 7.50m | Robustness, sea handling |
| Rodman 620/700 | Rodman | 6.20 to 7.00m | Build quality |
Models from the 2000s to 2015 often offer the best value for money on the used market. Before any purchase, an inspection is recommended to check:
- The condition of the hull and deck
- The engine and its operating hours
- The onboard electronics
- The interior layout
- The watertightness of the pilothouse
The new boat market: trends and innovations
The new fishing-cruiser market is thriving, driven by enthusiasm for nautical leisure and the search for versatile boats. Manufacturers are focusing on constant innovation to attract demanding customers.
Leading manufacturers
Several boatyards stand out for the quality of their fishing-cruisers:
- Bénéteau with its Antares range (8 to 11m)
- Jeanneau and its Merry Fisher, benchmarks in the segment
- Quicksilver for accessible models
- Rhéa Marine for classically styled units
- Ocqueteau and its Ostréa, known for their robustness
- White Shark for sportier models
Current trends
New fishing-cruiser models incorporate notable developments:
- More modern design with dynamic lines
- More economical and less polluting engines
- Modular layouts to adapt to different uses
- Integration of connected technologies (multifunction screens, GPS, fishfinder)
- Improved on-board comfort (shower, toilet, equipped kitchen)
- Optimization of spaces to maximize livability
How much does a fishing-cruiser cost?
The new boat market offers fishing-cruisers starting from €25,000 for the smallest entry-level models, up to over €150,000 for high-end units over 8 meters. The average price of a new 6 to 7-meter pilothouse, properly equipped, ranges between €50,000 and €80,000.
The fishing-cruiser is an excellent gateway into the world of boating for those who want to explore our coasts differently. Its versatility makes it a wise choice for boaters looking for an all-round boat, capable of combining the pleasure of fishing with coastal cruising.
Whether you choose a proven used model or a new unit with the latest innovations, the fishing-cruiser will offer you unforgettable moments at sea. Accessible, safe, and convivial, this type of boat perfectly embodies the spirit of boating: freedom, discovery, and shared pleasure.