Jouët 1080 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Jouët 1080 entered production in 1983 and continued to be built until 1987, spanning a period when Jouët operated under the Yachting France umbrella. Philippe Briand, the yacht's designer, is celebrated for creating boats that balance performance with comfortable living spaces, a philosophy clearly evident in the 1080. During this era, Jouët had fully embraced fiberglass construction, moving beyond its traditional wooden designs to leverage the efficiencies and durability of the new material. This transition allowed for robust construction while maintaining the brand's identity of producing capable sailing yachts. The Jouët 1080 was offered in at least two keel configurations: a standard deep draft ("Grand tirant d'eau") and a shoal draft ("Petit tirant d'eau") version, providing flexibility for different cruising grounds and access to shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jouët 1080's design numbers point to a yacht capable of spirited performance with a stable and comfortable motion. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 24.52, the 1080 is well-powered and demonstrates strong light-air performance. This relatively high ratio indicates that the boat can carry its sail plan effectively, making it responsive even in lighter breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 41.5% is quite high, contributing significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heeling. This high ballast ratio suggests a boat that inspires confidence in choppier conditions, providing a stable platform for cruising. Furthermore, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 116.7 categorizes the Jouët 1080 as a relatively light and performance-oriented cruiser for her length overall of 37.33 feet and a waterline length of 35.5 feet. This combination of attributes makes her a capable performer, able to achieve good speeds while maintaining a comfortable motion. She is described as a "very high performer" that is "very stable / stiff".

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Jouët 1080 are not extensively publicized, the design aimed for a significantly spacious hull layout. The vessel typically features a closed aft cockpit, a common arrangement for cruisers of its era. Below deck, the Jouët 1080 generally offers a layout comprising three cabins and up to six berths, along with a single head compartment. Some configurations may offer up to eight berths. The emphasis would have been on practical and comfortable living spaces suitable for extended cruising. With a generous water capacity of 45 gallons and a fuel capacity of 26 gallons for its Volvo Penta MD17 diesel engine, the 1080 is equipped for self-sufficiency on longer voyages. The construction, primarily fiberglass, ensured a relatively low-maintenance hull.

Owner's Perspectives

While specific owner reviews detailing common issues or unique strengths are not widely available in public domains, the Jouët 1080's heritage as a product of a builder known for "robust construction, timeless designs, and seaworthy nature" suggests that owners likely appreciate these qualities. Generally, fiberglass boats from this era, when well-maintained, are praised for their durability and longevity. Owners of Jouët boats often value their capability for comfortable cruising and dependable performance.