Report from Dave Lewis - Sea Angler 

Specification:
Length 5.75m (18ft 10ins)
Beam 2.55m (8ft 4ins)
Draft 0.30m (11ins) 
Air draft 2.15m (7ft 0ins)
Weight 880Kg
Engine 50 - 90hp outboard
Country of manufacture: France
Maximum Speed - 30kts+

More details on full specification can be found at Southern Motorboats

Earlier this year I reviewed the day cruiser version of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 585 and came away impressed. Hardly surprising because when it comes to building top quality, affordable angling boats Jeanneau are right up there with the best.

My one criticism was the lack of deck space due to the compromise when installing a large and spacious wheelhouse and cabin aboard a small boat. It was something of a stumbling block for two of the three potential buyers who came along for the test trip. It was hinted at that time that there might be a fishing version which may be more suitable for the hard core sea angler. Some months later I was invited to take a look at the result, the Merry Fisher 585 Marlin.

THE HULL 
When I arrived at Poole the 5.75 metre boat was being hoisted into the marina, so her clean  lines with a broad beam and flared bow that is perfect for slicing through messy seas were visible.
The heavy reversed chines provide the lateral stability, and a small, yet functional, keel aft helps maintain directional stability. This was the same superb hull as the cruising version and, as is always the case with Jeanneau, the build quality and attention to detail was straight out of the top drawer.
Once she was in the marina I could appreciate how different the Marlin was from the earlier version. It was instantly apparent that this boat has been designed with the serious boat angler in mind. Whereas two anglers fishing would have been enough on the cruiser version, I could see that on this model fishing three or even as many as four would be a practical option.

ON BOARD TOUR
The open wheelhouse, which is light and airy, has excellent headroom and a superb forward visibility through large tinted windscreens. You only get a starboard wiper, so if you want to see out of the port side in the rain you should order a second wiper.
The helms man's position is perfect, affording good forward vision and easy access to the console. The footrest is a cheap, yet very beneficial addition and I particularly like the reversible moulded seat. The crewman has a basic folding seat installed to port. 
The forward cabin is small, but large enough to crash out in and featured plenty of storage space, along with a removable dining table that can, if you like, be installed in the cockpit - now that's what I call a bait table! 
Any potential buyer envisaging spending more than an occasional night aboard could have a porthole added for extra natural light and ventilation. This cabin is lockable making it ideal for securing items out of sight if you intend keeping the boat in a marina.

Access to the bow for anchoring is facilitated by a decent walkway located to starboard, along a second narrower one to port. At the bow is a perfect arrangement for anchoring comprising a stainless pulpit, anchor locker and decent hardware for securing the warp. I especially like the moulded seat, absolutely perfect for positioning yourself securely and comfortably when hauling the anchor in a choppy sea or, for sitting back and watching a rod tip.

As angling goes then the jewel in the crown of the Marlin is spacious, self-draining cockpit. You get masses of deck space from which to fish, with the option to install live bait tanks in either or boats the port and starboard quarters, instead of the removable seats that are fitted as standard.

A hinged panel fitted amidships in the transom can be dropped to allow the engine to be fully trimmed; another important consideration if you want to keep the boat in a marina. Inboard freeboard is perfect and the deck has a moulded, hardwearing finish. You get a couple of flush-mounted rod-rests and a boarding ladder on the transom.

VERDICT
My test took place on a blustery day when sea conditions outside of Poole harbour prevented any hope of going out towards my favorite testing grounds off Old Harry.

This did not matter because the hull is the same as the previous one I tested and performance identical, as I quickly discovered within the harbour. The vessel was powered by a 90hp Suzuki outboard engine, the maximum option for this boat, that I was told was likely to produce a top speed in excess of 30 knots. Minimum rated engine size is 50hp, which might be suitable if you don't need to travel long distances. I suspect the perfect size would be a 70hp producing a top speed of 25 knots, but more importantly, a decent and more economical cruising speed somewhere in the mid-teens.
This is a superb angling boat that is perfect for either launching or keeping on a wet mooring. She's a thoroughbred and looks set to become a classic on the competitive UK small-boat angling scene.

At the time of writing this boat, rated CE category C, retails for £11,524 with a boat and 50hp Suzuki DF 50CV four-stroke costing affordable £15,757.