In the Leader 10.5, Jeanneau’s design team blended above-the-water flair with compact but comfortable living spaces. Speed and efficiency come from a Michael Peters-designed Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull. Standard power is twin Yamaha 300s. A bow thruster and trim tabs help fine-tune performance.
Our tester cruised at 25 to 35 mph (3,800 to 4,500 rpm). Fuel economy proved excellent for a 10,000-plus-pound boat carrying a 3.5 kW generator and offering a 225-mile range. Noise level was low enough to converse with ease. The skipper pilots from the center of three bolstered chairs, with a dash for twin 12-inch electronic displays. The chairs mount on an athwartship galley unit with an electric grill (optional), twin sinks over a refrigerator, and a recessed grab rail across the after edge. The cockpit holds a transom seat, with a port and starboard pair of folding seats that form an L- or U-shaped lounge. A teak table lowers to form a rear sun pad. A sturdy transom door offers access to the swim platform. A large cockpit hatch provides access to tanks, plumbing, wiring and the generator. The best sun pad is at the bow — it’s wide enough for two, with lifting backrests for reading and watching sunsets. At the stem head, a windlass above the rode/chain locker controls the anchor.
The cabin is brightly lit, thanks to a bow skylight, another skylight just forward of the windscreen, portlights on the sides of the cockpit galley, and windows built into the topsides. The companionway to port opens into a large salon with a two-burner galley opposite an enclosed head with separate shower. Forward lies a lounge with a pedestal table that converts to a V-berth. The mid-cabin offers another double berth with enough headroom to sit up. Both spaces close with curtains for privacy. Storage includes drawers, shelves and hanging lockers, plus there’s access to plumbing, wiring and the optional AC system.
Cool-looking boat? You bet. But it’s also designed and built to help its people smile all day and get home safely, and it will last a long time with proper care.
High Points
- Classy looks and a stepped hull augment the spirited performance and comfort.
- Roomy cabin offers galley, dinette, enclosed head with shower, and two comfortable double berths.
- Cockpit holds day galley’s grill, fridge and comfortable seating, with a table and a huge swim platform.
- The bow sun pad’s up/down seat backs are comfortable for reading or watching sunsets.
- Good access to wiring, plumbing and mechanicals allows for easy maintenance.
Price: $181,630 (with test power)
How We Tested
Engines: Twin 350 hp Yamaha V-8 four-strokes
Drive/Props: Outboard/15.5″ x 19″ Yamaha SWS XL 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.73:1
Fuel Load: 100 gal.
Water Load: 8 gal.
Crew Weight: 700 lb.
Jeanneau – Annapolis, Maryland; 410-280-9400; jeanneau.com
