Jeanneau Love Love Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Love Love is characterized by a relatively high ballast ratio, with approximately 420 kg of lead or cast iron in its fin keel against a total displacement of roughly 1,100 kg. This provides a level of stiffness and stability rarely found in contemporary 22-footers, which often prioritized light-air speed over sea-kindliness. On the water, the Harlé-designed hull tracks well and maintains its composure in a chop, a trait frequently noted in historical reviews by the French maritime publication Bateaux.com.

Under sail, the boat feels responsive and communicative. While it is not a dedicated racer, its hull shape—featuring a fine entry and moderate beam—allows it to perform respectably on all points of sail. Owners often remark that the boat feels "bigger" than its dimensions suggest, particularly when the wind freshens. The fractional rig is simple to tune, making it an excellent platform for learning the nuances of sail trim without the intimidation of larger, more complex yachts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its diminutive size, the interior of the Love Love was a masterclass in 1970s spatial efficiency. The layout typically features four berths: a double "V" berth forward and two longitudinal settee berths in the main cabin. Because the boat was designed before the era of high-volume hulls, standing headroom is not possible; however, the sitting headroom is generous for its class, and the large windows (for the period) prevent the cabin from feeling claustrophobic.

Storage is cleverly integrated under the berths and in small lockers. A compact galley area, often consisting of a single-burner stove and a small sink, allowed for basic meal preparation during weekend cruises. While there were no major structural hull variations like the multi-cabin layouts found in Jeanneau’s larger yachts, the Love Love did see minor interior evolutions over its nine-year production run, primarily involving the transition from heavier wood trim to more molded fiberglass liners to ease maintenance.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Love Love holds a significant place in French sailing culture, often cited as the boat that launched the cruising careers of many European sailors. It is frequently featured in retrospective articles by Voiles et Voiliers as a benchmark for the "minicroiseur" (mini-cruiser) category. Its cultural footprint is most visible in its native France, where it is regarded with the same nostalgic affection as the Volkswagen Beetle is to the automotive world—a reliable, simple vehicle that democratized travel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Jeanneau Love Love should approach the purchase with an awareness of the boat's age, as most units are now over 40 years old.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Love Love uses a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Soft spots, particularly around the mast step and chainplates, are common indicators of water ingress and core rot.
• Keel Bolt Corrosion: The keel is a primary structural component. Buyers should inspect the internal keel bolts for significant rusting or signs of "weeping" at the hull-keel joint, which may necessitate dropping the keel for re-sealing.
• Window Seals: The original window seals are prone to UV degradation, leading to leaks that can damage the interior woodwork. Replacing these is a common but necessary DIY project.
• Rudder Play: The rudder bushings can wear over time, leading to a "knocking" sensation in the tiller. While not a structural failure, it affects the helm's precision and requires the replacement of the nylon or bronze bushings.

Community & Resources

The Love Love benefits from a dedicated following in Europe. The Association des Propriétaires de Love Love (Love Love Owners Association) serves as a repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and restoration advice. While primarily operating in French, the community is a vital resource for sourcing specific replacement parts or advice on modernizing the rig.

The Verdict

The Jeanneau Love Love remains a viable entry-level cruiser for those who value classic lines and seaworthy design over modern volume. It is a "pure" sailing vessel that rewards good seamanship without requiring a massive maintenance budget.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and sea-kindliness for a 22-foot boat.
• Designed by Philippe Harlé, ensuring balanced performance.
• Strong, thick fiberglass layup in the hull.
• Highly affordable entry point into the world of cruising.

Cons:

• Lack of standing headroom may be a dealbreaker for longer trips.
• Common 1970s issues like deck delamination require careful inspection.
• Limited internal volume compared to modern "wide-beam" 20-footers.