On Board Review

Jeanneau DB/37 Review (2023 Edition)

The Jeanneau DB/37 is the entry-level model in Jeanneau's quirky dayboat range. How does it stack up?

There is no shortage of big plush dayboats on the market, and the DB/37 is Jeanneau is the French giant wanting a slice of that pie. It may seem odd to describe a boat with two double cabins and a bathroom as a day boat, but that is generally what these types of boats are used for.

The DB/37, available with outboard and inboard engine options, was designed in partnership with long-time Jeanneau collaborators Camillo Garroni and Michael Peters. It's all about the living space on the main deck with drop-down terraces, a large central wet bar, and a seating area that can be converted into a huge sun pad. It's a clever boat, but how does it fare in one of the most competitive sectors in the industry?  

Jeanneau DB/37 Key Facts

Jeanneau DB/37 illustration
  • LOA 11.83m
  • Model Year 2023
  • Cabins 2
  • Max Speed 30 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Coupe
  • Use Type Weekending

Design & Build

Just after the launch of the DB line with the DB/43, the DB/37 premiered at the 2023 Düsseldorf Boat Show. The aim was to carry forward the defining character introduced by the larger model while capturing that same spirit in a more compact footprint. Designed by Camillo Garroni and with a hull by Michael Peters, the DB/37 has a crisp, sculpted look and comes in white or blue. 

The full-beam layout maximises usable interior space, while the electrically operated side terraces create extra room at anchor, folding out to make it easier to swim, tie up a tender, or enjoy a lazy afternoon off the stern. The large aft swim platform links everything together, forming one cohesive waterside space. Jeanneau has kept the focus on outdoor living, and you see that throughout, like the central cockpit with its flexible dining area, to the forward sun pads and seating up at the bow.

Jeanneau-DB/37-running
The DB/37 is the entry-level model in Jeanneau's Day Boat range

The helm is arranged with triple bolster seats and puts the skipper at the centreline, offering good visibility and comfort whether standing or seated. Engine options include outboards or the inboard Volvo D4 320s shown here, with joystick control, optional bow thruster, and Zipwake trim tabs. 

On deck, extras like the XXL sun bed, bow seating, and telescopic cockpit table with infill cushion change how the space works when entertaining. There are quite a number of options to consider.

Jeanneau-DB/37-lifestyle-at-anchor
It's a boat designed for fun on anchor
Jeanneau-DB/37-overhead-balconies
The terraces are a focal point of the cockpit space
Jeanneau-DB/37-moored-lifestyle

Interior Accommodation

You can host guests overnight in comfort. There’s no galley down here, but you do get the basics just in front of the owner's cabin - a fridge, microwave, and some extra storage- so you’re not completely reliant on the wet bar up on deck. Just don’t expect to cook a full meal down here. There's also a shared head with good headroom and a separate shower cubicle.

Jeanneau-DB/37-lobby-utility-area
The lobby area on the lower deck
Jeanneau-DB/37-shared-day-head
The bathroom has a separate shower cubicle

Owner's Cabin

Headroom is good at over 6ft, though it does taper slightly to accommodate the foredeck seating above. There’s a double bed, light woodwork throughout, and overall, it feels bright and airy, even if the styling is a bit sparse. Hull windows and a hatch overhead should help bring in more natural light.

Storage is modest but useful, with a small hanging locker and a bit of space behind the door. This isn’t a boat designed for long-term living aboard; it’s more of a plush day boat or weekender, and for that, the cabin works well.

Jeanneau-DB/37-owner-cabin
The owner's cabin, forward
Jeanneau-DB/37-owners-cabin-steps
The bed is mounted high, with steps either side
Jeanneau-DB/37-owner-cabin-view-from-berth
The view aft from the owner's berth

Guest Cabin

The amidships cabin sits quite low, which helps boost the headroom, but you do quickly feel the intrusion from the structure above. Once you're properly into the space, you're either crouching or crawling into bed. That said, the bed itself is a decent size, though the person closest to the mirror is going to have to clamber over their cabin mate for any late-night dash to the toilet. Not ideal, but that’s how the layout’s been set.

There’s no full-height hanging storage, just low-level cupboards, which reinforces the idea that this isn’t a long-stay, live-aboard setup. It’s definitely not built for four people spending two weeks on board. But for a weekend trip or an overnighter, this space works just fine.

Jeanneau-DB/37-twin-cabin
The twin cabin, amidships

Helm Station

The helm is quite an interesting one. You get three helm seats, all mounted fairly high, but with bolsters, so you can either sit or use them as leaning posts, depending on how you like to drive. The central driving position puts the skipper right in the middle of the boat, with a clear view forward and a navigator on either side, which feels very balanced and in control.

With the single Raymarine MFD option, it leaves a lot of unused space on the dash, so definitely worth considering the second screen upgrade to make the most of it. The surrounding surface is finished in black gloss plastic. It’s better than white in terms of glare, but it is very prone to picking up scratches. Below that, there’s a neatly arranged set of buttons, small, but they’re physical switches, so you’re not hunting through menus on screens to get things done.

There are twin throttles and an optional stern drive joystick, which works just like an IPS system - push to move sideways, twist to spin, and push forward or back to move ahead or astern. The tour boat also has the optional bow thruster and the Zipwake trim system, so plenty of control when manoeuvring. A couple of cupholders tucked in here too.

Jeanneau-DB/37-helm-lifestyle
There's comfortable seating at the helm for three people

The hatch overhead is on the small side, and it doesn't seem the most elegant solution. Perhaps something a bit more substantial, like a sunroof, would be better. Still, the windscreen is a good size, and when you’re standing at the helm, it should offer a decent amount of shelter with the breeze funneling over the bow.

It’s a good driving position, and you’d expect top speed to be somewhere around 30 knots, with a cruising speed in the 22–25 knot range, giving you approximately 200nm of cruising. 

On Deck

It’s immediately clear what this boat is all about- sociable outdoor living- just from looking at the aft deck. It's spacious, with a large bathing platform and fold-down balconies that open out the cockpit. These are familiar features these days, and while they’re not the biggest and they don’t massively extend the usable deck space, they work brilliantly as access points to the water. Ideal for tying off a tender or some toys or just using as a spot to jump in.

There are hinges built in too, as the whole section lifts to provide engine access. With stern drives, the engines sit right at the back of the hull.

Jeanneau-DB/37-aft-deck
The DB/37 certainly has a unique style...

There’s a canopy overhead that provides some shade over the dining table, which can fold in half to free up a bit more space when needed. Just ahead, the seating unit has a two-way backrest. It can be set up to face the table, but flip it round, and it’s positioned forward, looking into the boat.

The seat runs on deck tracks, so you can slide it forward or back, depending on how you want the space to work. As a dining area, it's spacious, social, and flexible. The table sits on adjustable pedestals, so it can drop down to create a large sun pad, and the backrest folds flat too, extending the lounging space.  

There are some nice details. Pop-up lights that tuck away when not in use and rise up when needed. You’ve also got deep cupholders and well-placed handholds to help you move around safely while underway.

Jeanneau-DB/37-cockpit
The central seating is very flexible

The wet bar, which also doubles as the main galley, as there isn’t one below deck, is the central fixture amidships. It’s built around the hard top structure, and it looks rather smart, especially with the polished stainless steel detailing. On top, there’s a grill and a gas hob, giving a bit of flexibility depending on how you want to cook. Beneath, there’s a nice Isotherm fridge and a bit of extra storage. 

Jeanneau-DB/37-wetbar
The wet bar on deck is well kitted out

Foredeck

There’s even more sunbathing space on the foredeck, plus a small padded bench where someone can sit and face ahead while underway. The anchor locker is beneath this seat.

On either side, you’ll spot the angular wings with a slight Pershing-like look to them. Maybe not quite that aggressive, but they definitely give the boat a distinctive profile out on the water.

Jeanneau-DB/37-foredeck
The sunbathing space, forward

Value for Money

As of March 2025, the on the water price for the DB/37 is around £500,000 ex VAT

The boat comes with a solid standard spec, but the optional extras give owners a chance to sharpen its capabilities and tailor it to how they plan to use the boat. For improved comfort and onboard handling, there's a bow thruster, electric trim tabs, and the option to fit a Seakeeper SK3 gyroscopic stabiliser. A generator and full air conditioning can also be added, including dedicated vents at the helm.

The Premium Audio Package upgrades the standard Fusion setup with additional speakers and improved sound quality throughout the cockpit. The Comfort Pack adds practical touches, including a direct freshwater dock inlet, leather-covered cockpit handrails, venetian blinds in the aft cabin, and retractable lighting over the cockpit galley. For navigation, the Electronic Pack includes a Raymarine Axiom 12" screen with transducer, Wi-Fi connectivity, global cartography, and Volvo engine data display. The Upgraded Electronic Pack adds a second Axiom 12" screen.

Our Verdict

In isolation, the DB/37 feels like a decent package, but it's the competition it faces in this market that's going to cause it problems. It's competent, but it doesn't feel as though it moves the game on all that much, and in a sector where quayside appeal plays a big role, this smaller model just looks a little clunky. Naturally, being a Beneteau Group product, it has value on its size, but despite that, there are better options out there if you're after this style of boat. 

Reasons to Buy

  • Fold-out balconies
  • Central cockpit with flexible seating
  • Good sized cabins for a dayboat

Things to Consider

  • Dash looks bare with only one MFD fitted
  • Gloss black helm scratches easily

Looking to own a Jeanneau DB/37? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Jeanneau DB/37 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Jeanneau DB/37, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!

Rivals to Consider

The Sessa Marine C38 punches above its weight with a range of 600 nautical miles – impressive for a boat of this size. It’s ideal for anyone planning longer trips. Big windows and a panoramic roof flood the interior with light and open up great views all around. The Jeanneau DB/37 doesn’t have the same long-distance legs, but it’s more versatile overall. It’s well suited to day trips and has enough comfort and space for the odd overnight stay too.

Both the Fiart Seawalker 35 and Astondoa 377 Coupé have shallow drafts, just like the DB/37, so they can nip into bays and shallows where bigger boats can’t go. The Seawalker 35 stands out for its modular cockpit – owners can tweak the layout to suit how they like to use the boat. The DB/37, though, edges it on accommodation, with a layout that works whether you're out for the day or staying the night.

If it’s speed you’re after, the Axopar 37 Spyder delivers. It can hit 50 knots and has a hull designed to reduce drag and boost efficiency, so it’s quick and sharp through the water. The DB/37 isn’t in the same league for pace, but it balances decent performance with good onboard comfort – a solid all-rounder.

Then there’s the Sundeck Yachts 400. Cruises comfortably at 35 knots and features tech that cuts emissions, so it’s quick and a bit more eco-minded too. The DB/37 might not be quite as performance-focused, but it’s got broader appeal, with flexible accommodation and a layout that works well for a mix of uses.

Considering a new boat? Explore Jeanneau's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Builder Jeanneau
  • Range DB
  • Model DB/37
  • Length Overall 11.83m
  • Beam 3.57m
  • Draft 1.17m
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 2
  • Berths 4
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 960 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 250 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-320
New Model Specs & Options

Jeanneau DB/37 Layout

  • Main Deck Jeanneau DB/37

    The balconies make a big difference to the amount of living space on deck 

  • Optional convertible aft sunpad

    Main Deck Jeanneau DB/37

    The dinette converts into a sun pad 

  • Lower Deck Jeanneau DB/37

    The two double cabins share a bathroom 

View All Layout Options