Report from N Seymour

Specification:
Length 6.15m
Beam 2.45m
Draft 0.40m
Headroom 1.9m
Weight 750Kg
Engine 90hp
Country of manufacture: France

More details on full specification can be found at South Woodham Marine Ltd

Ideal for fishing or cruising on both inland and coastal waterways, the 615 has the advantage of an enclosed wheelhouse giving protection against the elements.
It is easily trailed and with good accommodation for two, it is perfect for overnight or weekend stays.
The outstandingly seaworthy Ocqueteau 615 comes complete with self draining cockpit, cabin with standing headroom,3 berths, galley, toilet, curtains and wiper.

I started to look for something to replace my 13ft dingy, I wanted a boat about 6 meters with a cabin which did not need a very large motor, after visiting various boat shows and looking through the internet it came down to two boats the Ocqueteau 615 and Orkney Day Angler 20.
I decided on the Ocqueteau as there was a dealer in fecamp (where the boat was to be kept) and I could take the family out in it, as it has a large closed cabin.
I also decided on a Yamaha 80 ATEL 4 stroke motor. (Nothing against other motors just a personal preference)
The boat was finally but in the water at the end of April.

It is a very maneuverable boat and with the 80 HP motor (90 is the maximum) it will do about 30 knots.
Fuel consumption is low.
There is enough space for four people to fish although the cabin would be a little tight for four.
There is plenty of locker space to store lifejackets etc. With it 2.45 meter width it is stable and does not roll in a swell.
The boat was nicely finished.

If someone is looking for a fishing boat that they can take the family out in put this one on your list. The Ocqueteau 595 is the same specification but without a closing cabin and with no extras. When its wet and windy you just close the sliding cabin door and brew up a cup of tea on the little gas stove luxury at last.

Summary
Very nice boat and I am very satisfied with it. If I had more money I would buy an Inboard version, but it does everything I want it to and the wife likes it.

Specification:
Length 6.15m (20ft 2")
Beam 2.45m (8ft)
Draft 0.40m
Headroom 1.9m (6ft 2")
Weight 750Kg
Engine 50-90hp
Country of manufacture: France
Maximum speed 24.7 knots at 5300rpm
Cruising speed 20 knots at 4300rpm
Acceleration 0-15 knots in 7 secs

Courtesy of Motor Boat Monthly

More details on full specification can be found at South Woodham Marine Ltd

French builders Ocqueteau have a comprehensive line-up of models, most of them inboard-engined, but the baby of the range, the 615, is outboard-powered.
As much a pocket cruiser as a sportsfisher, it comes with brightly coloured trim, wheelhouse curtains and galley facilities, and offers a useful balance between interior and exterior space.

Design & Build
In the cockpit, the fixed seating across the transom provides readily accessible stowage and there is a huge, gelled-out lazaret.
Although the gunwales are finished in practical teak, the height of the coaming is comparativly low, at a jot over 2ft, however, you are never too far away from a handhold.
Nor is it difficult to move along the 8" (20cm) wide side decks. At the bow, there is plenty of room to stow ground tackle and the stem's short beak is furnished with a bow roller.

The wheelhouse is large enough for three or four crew to shelter in, thanks to the helm seat and space for a couple at the table, while a colleague makes a brew across the way at the small but usable galley.
There are decent-sized sliding side windows, although a deckhead hatch will cost you extra. The berths foward have sitting headroom and the voids within the base mouldings are simply painted out but nevertheless well finished.

Performance & Handling
The 615 is similar in style to both its Beneteau and Jeanneau rivals and its handling reflects that too. It's a lighter, fractionally smaller boat, but the slightly less potent 70hp outboard fitted to our test boat provided comparable levels of performance.
The 25-knot top speed and strong acceleration we recorded should be enough for most. The range-limiting 64lt fuel tank might not, so it's just as well there is space in the lazaret for a spare can or two.
Pushing over some feisty chop, the boat's light build can sound a bit hollow, however, the hull is stable and capable, returning a composed ride regardless of wave direction. Some of the other outboard-engine contenders struggled with a following sea, but this one coped well.
At the helm, we were impressed by the stainless steel footrest and an intelligently positioned brace bar for a crewmember, althoughthe recessed throttle control was not particularly comfortable to use.

Specification & Value
Being 200kg lighter than any other boat in the group means the Ocqueteau can be powered by just a 50hp engine, which in turn explains the lowest starting price of just £18,995.
Despite this, the 615 comes well equiped with a freshwater sink, a cooker and chemical toilet as standard, as well as am anchor, warps and fenders. It is also one of the few boats to have wheelhouse curtains and a sinette table that can also be slotted into the cockpit for alfresco meals. You will need to pay extra for a compass (£50) and a hatch in the wheelhouse roof (£312), but even with the list of options and a 90hp engine specified, it remained the cheapest boat with a comparison price of £24,137,

Fishability
This boat boasts a good-sized well for keeping your catch in and a comfortable padded seat to relax while waiting for bites. The side decks allow you to roam around the boat to position your bait and lead. Better still the table can be brought out into the cockpit for filleting fish!

Disclaimer: Everything written in these reports are based on personal experience and the individual's opinion only. I have tried my best to present the facts correctly, but I/we take no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions.