The power catamaran market is constantly expanding, and with the new Jeanneau TH38, the world-renowned shipyard marks a milestone in the innovation of this type of vessel. Born from the collaboration between the prestigious Marc Lombard Yacht Design studio, which authored its hull lines, and designed with the unparalleled skill of Camillo Garroni, this model marks the French shipyard’s triumphant entry into this market segment.
In this article, we will analyze in detail not only the results of our boat test, but also the exterior and interior of this magnificent yacht, which promises exceptional stability and unprecedented space.
Jeanneau TH38: An Immense and Innovative Deck Plan
If there is one aspect where the Jeanneau TH38 shines undisputed, it is undoubtedly the management of outdoor spaces. Designed by Camillo Garroni with generous, modular, and transformable layouts, this catamaran creates a welcoming environment where family and friends can gather without ever feeling “cramped.”
With over 160 square feet (15 square meters) of deck space and a capacity of up to 14 people (CE: B9 – C14), this catamaran is configured as an ideal platform for parties on the open sea or long days of sun and surf in good company. The cockpit is a true triumph of versatility: the convertible benches can be easily moved to create a large open-air dining area, a generous sunpad, or an informal lounge area for cocktails. Every configuration is designed to prioritize outdoor movement and social interaction.
The hardtop also creates an outdoor living area perfectly sheltered from the sun (or bad weather) without compromising the excellent 360-degree visibility all around the boat. The bow has been fully utilized to create an additional open-air lounge that, in perfect “bow rider” style, can be shaded with awnings and carbon poles or transformed into the most popular (and fun) area to enjoy the cruise or, quite simply, to admire the sunset while at anchor.
Interiors: Much More Than a Dayboat
It would be a serious mistake to consider the Jeanneau TH38 just a dayboat. The structure of this catamaran, in fact, allows for two large twin cabins that are independent and remarkably spacious, making it possible to use this vessel for medium- and long-range cruising as well.
This structural symmetry is a particularly valuable feature: on the Jeanneau TH38, there is no such thing as a main “owner’s cabin” and a tiny, compromised “guest cabin.” Both spaces enjoy the same attention to detail, private heads equipped with separate shower stalls, and, most importantly, the same level of privacy. These qualities were previously unthinkable for a catamaran of only 38 feet which, evidently, offers the comfort and performance of a much larger traditional boat, thus expanding the horizons for the owners who choose it.
The Jeanneau TH38 Boat Test
We’ll tell you right now: we liked the Jeanneau TH38 a lot—actually, we loved it.
We tested this catamaran equipped with a pair of Mercury V10 Verado 350s featuring the Joystick system. The first surprise came while still in the harbor: this cat maneuvers with remarkable ease and confidence, a feature that effectively eliminates all of an owner’s docking concerns.
Underway
Once underway, the boat’s great stability came as no surprise. Being equipped with two hulls, it significantly dampens the wave action, which was quite present on the day of our test.
The transition to a plane is smooth and progressive; the Jeanneau TH38 lifts out of the water with great ease and begins to cruise over the waves with the kind of comfort only a catamaran can provide. The first test I performed was, of course, heading the bow directly into waves that, in our case, were well over three feet high.
This is one of the toughest tests for a cat due to the structure connecting the two hulls—a test that the Jeanneau TH38 passed brilliantly, both while cruising at 25 knots and when pushing the throttles all the way down. In both situations, the handling over the waves proved to be safe and comfortable; Marc Lombard clearly did a fantastic job designing this hull.
By pushing it to the limit, we easily reached and exceeded 30 knots, hitting 33.5 knots several times. This top speed is higher than what the shipyard officially claims, though much more than the absolute performance, what impressed me most was the constant, absolute sense of security and the high level of comfort the Jeanneau TH38 consistently provided.
In the Turns
Cruising at over 25 knots, I initiated a tight turn to starboard. The Jeanneau TH38 leans only slightly—no more than a few degrees—while carving a perfect circular trajectory flat on the water, which remains unchanged even if you accelerate or decelerate. The feeling on board is one of great safety and, unexpectedly, great fun—it feels like driving a go-kart!
How does the Jeanneau TH38 behave at anchor?
To simulate the Jeanneau TH38’s behavior at anchor, we simply stopped in the middle of the sea while waves reached us undisturbed without any shelter. This is a condition that is normally prohibitive for monohulls, which are often forced to install gyroscopic stabilizers. Well, even in this difficult situation, our cat allowed us to chat pleasantly in great comfort, with very little rolling.
It is clear that at anchor in a bay, it will undoubtedly provide days defined by absolute stability.
Boat Test Results: Performance and Fuel Consumption of the Jeanneau TH38
| RPM | Speed (Knots) | Fuel Consumption (L/h) | Fuel Consumption (L/NM) | Total Consumption (US gal/hr) | Fuel Consumption (gal/NM) | Theoretical Range (NM) |
| 600 | 2.5 | 7.2 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 0.76 | 328 |
| 1000 | 4.4 | 12.2 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 0.73 | 339 |
| 1500 | 6.3 | 20.2 | 3.2 | 5.3 | 0.85 | 297 |
| 2000 | 7.9 | 34.6 | 4.4 | 9.1 | 1.16 | 216 |
| 2500 | 9.3 | 48.2 | 5.2 | 12.7 | 1.38 | 183 |
| 3000 | 11.9 | 67.6 | 5.7 | 17.9 | 1.51 | 167 |
| 3500 | 16.8 | 83.6 | 5.0 | 22.1 | 1.31 | 190 |
| 4000 | 21.7 | 112 | 5.2 | 29.6 | 1.36 | 183 |
| 4500 | 24.7 | 162 | 6.6 | 43.0 | 1.74 | 144 |
| 5000 | 29.0 | 216 | 7.4 | 57.1 | 1.97 | 128 |
| 5500 | 30.2 | 246 | 8.1 | 65.0 | 2.15 | 117 |
| 6000 | 31.3 | 242 | 7.7 | 63.9 | 2.04 | 123 |
Test Conditions: Choppy sea; 15-knot wind from the SW; 6 people on board; fuel 80%; water 75%.
The Designer’s Perspective: An Interview with Camillo Garroni
During the tests at Port Pierre Canto, we had the opportunity to speak with Camillo Garroni, the creative soul behind the lines of the Jeanneau TH38. His statements reveal the essence of a boat born to change the rules of the game.
Who was the TH38 created for?
According to Camillo Garroni, there isn’t just one ideal owner: “We designed this boat for families of four who want to experience the sea differently, but also for young people looking for stability and large spaces for socializing. The Jeanneau TH38 is a versatile platform, perfect for both private cruising and becoming the heart of a party on the water, thanks to a deck surface area that is unmatched in its category.”
“Flat” Navigation: The Flying Carpet Effect
One of the most surprising aspects that emerged during the test is the hull’s ability to remain safe and “dry” even in rough seas. Garroni emphasizes how the collaboration with the Lombard studio for the naval architecture produced an extraordinary result:
“The most impressive thing is the trim: the boat never bows up; it always stays flat. While underway, and especially during turns, you get the sensation of being on a flying carpet. It’s a level of safety and comfort that only a catamaran of this design can offer.”
Brilliant Solutions: The “Bow-rider” Cockpit and Modular Dinette
The exterior design bears Garroni’s unmistakable signature, as he chose to push boundaries with advanced ergonomic solutions:
The bow-rider style bow: “A true relaxation zone dedicated to sunbathing or enjoying a drink in the shade, designed for those who want to experience the sea from a privileged perspective.”
The convertible U-shaped dinette: A true masterstroke. “We created two sofa halves that can join in the center to form a large dining area or separate to the sides to leave a clear walkway toward the swim platform and the sea,” – Garroni explains. – “This modularity allows the cockpit to be transformed in seconds from a dining room into a double solarium.”
Jeanneau TH38 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
| Length overall (with anchor and engines) | 11.81 m | 38’9″ |
| Hull length | 11.40 m | 37’5″ |
| Maximum beam (Width) | 4.47 m | 14’8″ |
| Draft (trim down) | 0.97 m | 3’2″ |
| Draft (trim up) | 0.61 m | 1’12” |
| Displacement | 7,419 kg | 16,356 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 2 x 462 L | 2 x 122 US gal |
| Water capacity | 2 x 95 L (option: +2 x 95 L) | 2 x 25 US gal (option: +2 x 25 US gal) |
| Separate cabins | 2 | Â |
| Berths (Sleeps) | 4 | Â |
| CE Category | B9 / C14 | Â |
| Architects / Designers | Marc LOMBARD / GARRONI Design | Â |
Equipment and Price
The model tested included twin Mercury V10 Verado 350s, the Joystick System, the GARMIN Electronic Pack, reversible air conditioning, an outdoor galley with an additional refrigerator, and Irodeck wood finishes.
Price as tested: €701,712 including 20% VAT
Base price: starting from €564,120 including 20% VAT and equipped with twin 300HP Mercury engines
What is the maximum speed of the Jeanneau TH38?
The maximum speed recorded during the boat test by our journalist Luca D'Ambrosio was 33.5 knots, which is higher than the 31.3 knots officially claimed by the shipyard.
How much fuel does the Jeanneau TH38 burn?
At just under 17 knots, the Jeanneau TH38’s fuel consumption is 5 liters per mile. At 25 knots, fuel consumption rises to 6.6 liters per mile. This is impressive performance considering the size of this motor catamaran.
Is it easy to handle and moor?
Yes, thanks to the Joystick System, it’s very easy to maneuver and dock, and even turning around in tight spaces is never a problem.
How much does the Jeanneau TH38 cost?
The starting price of the Jeanneau TH 38, including 20% VAT, is €564,120. The price of the well-equipped version we tested is €701,712.
Is it a safe catamaran?
The Jeanneau TH38 is a very safe catamaran, both in terms of its onboard layout and its handling; the hull lines designed by Marc Lombard are truly well-executed.
Who is the Jeanneau TH38 best suited for?
The Janneau TH38 is certainly well-suited for a family of four wishing to enjoy medium-range cruising while taking advantage of the ample space this boat offers. This catamaran is also ideal for charter use or for those who want to make frequent day trips while accommodating a large number of people on board, as its certification allows it to carry up to 14 guests.
What does the acronym TH stand for?
The acronym TH, which characterizes the entire range of these boats, stands for TWIN HULL, meaning catamaran.
Sources and Contributions to This Article
Technical Boat Test Report: Performance and fuel consumption measurements conducted by journalist Luca D’Ambrosio.
Exclusive Interview with Camillo Garroni: Project designer, conducted on April 15, 2026, at Port Pierre Canto.
Technical Data: Provided by Marc Lombard Yacht Design.
Descriptions and Technical Specifications of the Spaces: Provided directly by Jeanneau.
Price List: Official Jeanneau TH38 document.
