Report from Motor Boat Monthly

Specification:
Length 6.30m (21ft 8ins)
Beam 2.50m (8ft 2ins)
Headroom 2.08m (6ft 10ins)
Weight 1060Kg
Engine 70 - 115hp outboard
Country of manufacture: France
Maximum Speed - 27.2kts at 5300rpm
Cruising Speed - 20kts at 4000rpm
Acceleration - 0-15kts in 6.0secs

More details on full specification can be found at Fox Yacht Sales

Although we are used to in-house French rivals Beneteau and Jeanneau sharing various design elements, even we were surprised how similar this boat is to its Merry Fisher counterpart. The hull lines appear identical, the layouts are a spot-the-differance competition. Only some slight refinements to the wheelhouse shape and fittings separate the two.

DESIGN & BULD
The balance between interior and exterior space is tipped slightly in favour of the accommodation, which makes room for a smart fold-in-half wooden dinette table and mini galley as well as the berths. The galley is a largely moulded affair, but is nevertheless neat and well thought out, with plenty of handy 'bins' and shelves for stowing things safely.
Also fully moulded are the voids beneath the inviting forward seating, which, with the help of the table, makes up to a sizable double berth. The pump-out toilet is tucked away underneath too.

The main advantage of the 650 over its opposite number is that it somehow manages two 9in side decks, while the Merry Fisher's decks are asymmetric, measuring 9in and 6.5in. A lazaret provides useful outside storage, but there's also a decent chain locker forward.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING
The practical, fun style of boating that outboard-powered fishers offer is personified by the 650. Fitted with a 90hp four-stroke, acceleration is strong and the top speed of 27.5kts is more than most will need. Handerling is both reliable and enthusiastic. At low speeds the lighter planing hul is not as settled as the shaftdrive boats but still retains plenty of stability and direction.
If you insist on a shaftdrive layout, Beneteau also offer a 620 model in this format.
The large expanse of tinted windows and hatches that make the wheelhouse so light and airy do rattle and squeak a bit when you are cutting across a chop at 20 knots. Thankfully the hull itself remains fairly solid, slamming only when taking waves on its chine.
The moulded helm console is one of the more basic, but it is logically laid out and leaves plenty of space for electronics. A wiper is fitted as standard and both side screens slide open.
This is one of the few boats to provide a "bits" tray, tucked beside the helm seat, which will be very useful for handheld equipment and other odds and ends.

SPECIFICATION & VALUE
It's a mystery how Beneteau have managed to build a near-identical boat to the Jeanneau, but then undercut it by almost £600. Admittedly, there isn't quite so much wood around the helm, and some of the catches and fittings look fractionally cheaper but the bottom line is it is a bargin.
The boat comes fitted with a proper marine toilet, a smart wood table, a freshwater sink and gas burner as stanndard.
The overhead hatch, sliding doors and tinted windows are also included in the base price. Fully kitted out with a trailer, 90hp package comes to just £24,195.

FISHABILITY
Given its dual role as a pocket cruiser, the Beneteau actually works suprisingly well as a platform to fish from. The aft bench folds away to free up the cockpit while a pair of rod holders and built-in tackel box should keep all your kit safely stowed.
All it lacks is an empty well to store your catch in.

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.