Metaf (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Metaf's production began in 1972, a time when Jeanneau, under the visionary leadership of Henri Jeanneau, was rapidly embracing fiberglass construction and expanding its range of sailboats. Having started building sailboats in 1964 and achieving a "smash hit" with the Sangria in 1970, Jeanneau was known for adopting new production techniques to achieve mass numbers and solidify its position in the industry. The Metaf, with its fiberglass hull and deck, reflects this commitment to modern materials and efficient manufacturing. While specific design philosophies for the Metaf are not widely documented, Jeanneau's broader ethos during this period emphasized quality, innovation, and creating "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort, even for smaller vessels. The boat's design incorporates a centerboard keel type, a common feature in smaller boats of its era, allowing for both shallow draft capabilities and improved upwind performance when deployed. No significant variations of the Metaf during its production run are readily available in public records.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, with a length overall of just over 13 feet, the Jeanneau Metaf is designed for agility and ease of handling, rather than offshore voyaging. Its fractional sloop rig suggests a sail plan that is manageable and provides good performance, especially upwind, allowing for responsive handling. The centerboard design enhances its versatility, enabling access to shallow waters with a minimum draft of just 0.82 feet, while a maximum draft of 3.28 feet with the board down would provide better stability and pointing ability when sailing to windward. With a reported sail area of 86 square feet and a displacement of 430 pounds, the Metaf is a light displacement boat, indicative of a vessel that would perform well in lighter breezes and offer a lively sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its very small size, the Jeanneau Metaf offers extremely limited accommodations, typical of a daysailer or a very basic weekender. The available data indicates no specific maximum headroom, which is to be expected for a boat of this length. Information on the precise interior layout is scarce, but it would typically feature a very simple, open cabin area, likely offering minimal shelter and perhaps just enough space for two people to sit or store gear. Amenities such as a dedicated head or a complex galley would not be expected on a boat of this scale. The construction from solid fiberglass hull and deck implies a robust build, characteristic of Jeanneau's early commitment to durability.