Poker (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Jeanneau Poker coincided with a pivotal era for Jeanneau, a period that saw the shipyard, under the ownership of Henri Jeanneau, rapidly embrace fiberglass construction and innovative production techniques. Following the immense success of the Sangria in 1970, which cemented Jeanneau's reputation in sailboat manufacturing, the company continued to expand its sailing yacht offerings. The Poker, designed by Michel Joubert, reflected Jeanneau's broader philosophy of producing "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort, a hallmark of their designs during the 1970s. The vessel's hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, a common and durable material choice for the era, and features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, indicative of a design aimed at both performance and control. A notable variation, the "Flush Poker," offered a lower profile coach roof, providing a distinct aesthetic and potentially reduced windage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Poker's design ratios offer insight into its anticipated performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.32, the Poker is likely to exhibit average to slightly subdued performance in lighter air conditions, requiring a decent breeze to truly come alive. However, its Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.436 (43.6%) suggests a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up well to a stronger wind without excessive heeling. This higher ballast ratio contributes to a more comfortable motion in a seaway and offers confidence to the crew. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 233.77 places the Poker in a moderate weight class, suggesting it is a capable performance-oriented cruiser rather than an ultra-light racer or a heavy displacement bluewater boat. This combination of design elements implies a balanced and predictable handling experience, making it suitable for both spirited sailing and relaxed cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just over 27 feet, the Jeanneau Poker was designed to offer practical accommodations for its size. The interior typically features a layout that includes two cabins and provides sleeping arrangements for up to five or six individuals, which might include a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette in the salon, and quarter berths aft. Reviews suggest that while the forward cabin may be somewhat small for two taller individuals, the overall design aims to maximize the available space for a comfortable cruising experience. With a reported water capacity of 24 gallons and a galley area, the Poker provides basic amenities necessary for weekend trips and short coastal cruises. Given Jeanneau's manufacturing ethos of the time, the interior would likely feature a combination of fiberglass liners with wood trim, offering a functional and durable finish common in production boats of the 1970s.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and renters of the Jeanneau Poker generally express positive sentiments, highlighting the boat's suitability for weekend trips and its enjoyable sailing characteristics. Comments from those who have sailed the Poker often praise its reliability and the overall good condition of well-maintained examples. While specific widespread issues or common problems are not frequently cited for the Poker in available reviews, the general sentiment points towards a boat that fulfills its purpose as a capable and enduring small cruiser.