Espace 1000 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Jeanneau Espace 1000 was in production from 1980 to 1987. During this era, Jeanneau, under the ownership of United States-based Bangor Punta for much of the period, continued its tradition of embracing new technologies and focusing on creating "liveable boats" with clever layouts for the cruising market. The company's design philosophy, often characterized by pure, modern lines, emphasized quality, innovation, and passion. Philippe Briand, an influential figure in Jeanneau's design history since 1977, was responsible for the Espace 1000's lines 1, 9, Builder Article. His design for the Espace 1000 featured a fast hull with fine water entries and a stable, carrying stern.

A notable feature of the Espace 1000's design was its availability with two keel configurations: a lifting centerboard or a fixed fin keel. The centerboard option provided variable draft, offering greater flexibility for navigating shallow waters. For those prioritizing maneuverability, the fin keel version was often preferred.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Espace 1000 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.01, she is considered slightly underpowered, suggesting a preference for moderate to stronger winds over light-air conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 35.7% contributes to a stable and stiff motion in the water. The Displacement to Length ratio, at approximately 237.5, further reinforces its identity as a solid cruising boat rather than a lightweight racer.

Despite these characteristics, the Espace 1000 is described as lively even in light weather, promising speed and exhilarating sensations without compromising dependability or ease of handling. The hull's round-bilged shape contributes to its overall performance. While generally stable, some analyses indicate a relatively low righting capability if capsized, a characteristic shared by many monohulls.

Accommodations and Layout

The Espace 1000 was designed with cruising comfort in mind, offering good accommodation and stowage. Owners have often expressed satisfaction with the interior layout. A typical arrangement includes two berths in the forward cabin, with a bathroom and toilet situated between the forward and middle cabins. The middle cabin also provides two berths. While specific details on the general finish quality or materials beyond Jeanneau's overarching commitment to clever layouts and comfortable amenities are limited, the builder's reputation suggests a focus on creating spacious and functional interiors.

Owner's Perspectives

While online reviews for the Jeanneau Espace 1000 appear to be somewhat limited, discussions within owner forums provide some insights into the collective experience. Owners are consistently impressed by the boat's layout and overall interior space. However, a common issue noted by some owners of the centerboard version relates to the lifting mechanism, with reports of the lifting wire or chain breaking, causing the keel to malfunction. Some discussions have also touched upon the presence of blisters, though this is often downplayed as a minor concern by some owners. Despite these potential maintenance points, the Espace 1000 generally maintains a good reputation and is seen as a reliable vessel for extended sailing.