As the power catamaran market continues its rapid ascent, the new Jeanneau TH38 represents a landmark moment for the world-renowned shipyard. This model — the result of a collaboration between the legendary Marc Lombard Yacht Design and the visionary Camillo Garroni — signals Jeanneau’s triumphant entry into the segment.
In this review, we move beyond the results of our boat test to explore the yacht’s exterior and interior design, evaluating how it delivers its promise of superior stability and unmatched living space.
Jeanneau TH38: Maximizing Volume with a Cutting-Edge Deck Configuration
If the Jeanneau TH38 has a crowning achievement, it is undeniably her mastery of the outdoors. Camillo Garroni has crafted a social sanctuary through a modular layout that ensures guests never feel crowded. With over 15 square meters of deck space and a capacity for 14 passengers, she is the ultimate stage for offshore celebrations. The cockpit is a masterclass in versatility: convertible seating shifts effortlessly from a formal alfresco dining setup to an expansive sunpad or a relaxed cocktail lounge.
Overhead, the sleek hardtop provides a climate-sheltered retreat without sacrificing panoramic 360-degree views. Not to be outdone, the bow is utilized to its full potential as a ‘bow rider’ style lounge—perfect for sun-drenched cruising or, with the addition of carbon-pole awnings, a shaded haven for sunset cocktails at anchor.
Interiors: Much More Than a Dayboat
It would be a major oversight to dismiss the Jeanneau TH38 as just a day boat. Thanks to its clever design, this power catamaran features two large, identical cabins that are surprisingly spacious, making it perfectly capable of handling long-range cruising.
What really sets this layout apart is its total symmetry. On the TH38, you won’t find a cramped guest cabin playing second fiddle to a master suite. Instead, both living spaces offer the exact same high-end finishes, private bathrooms with separate walk-in showers, and—most importantly—the same level of privacy.
Finding this kind of parity in a 38-foot catamaran was previously unheard of. It provides the comfort and performance typically reserved for much larger yachts, truly opening up new possibilities for its owners.
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
Underway, the Jeanneau TH38 immediately showcased the inherent stability of its twin-hull configuration, significantly dampening the choppy conditions present during our test. The transition to a plane is impressively linear; the vessel lifts effortlessly, gliding over the swell with the refined comfort typical of a premium powercat. To push the limits, I directed the bow into three-foot-plus head seas—a notorious challenge for catamaran bridge-deck structures.
The TH38 passed this stress test brilliantly. Whether cruising at a steady 25 knots or with the throttles pinned, the Marc Lombard-designed hull remained composed, safe, and remarkably quiet. While we officially surpassed the shipyard’s performance claims — consistently hitting 33.5 knots — the standout takeaway wasn’t just the speed, but the unwavering sense of security felt at the helm.
Handling the Turns
While cruising at over 25 knots, I pulled into a sharp starboard turn. The Jeanneau TH38 leans only slightly—just a few degrees—as it carves a perfect, flat arc across the water. That trajectory stays rock-solid even if you’re playing with the throttle. The sensation on board is one of total security, but also a surprising amount of fun—it honestly feels like driving a go-kart on the water.
Performance at Anchor
To see how the Jeanneau TH38 handles sitting still, we brought it to a full stop in open water, completely exposed to incoming swells. Normally, these conditions are a nightmare for monohulls, which usually require expensive gyroscopic stabilizers to keep from rolling.
Even in these choppy conditions, the catamaran remained remarkably steady. We were able to carry on a conversation in total comfort with minimal rolling. It’s clear that when you’re actually tucked into a bay at anchor, this boat will provide nothing short of absolute stability.
Boat Test Results: Jeanneau TH38 Performance and Fuel Economy
| 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 Vision: A Conversation with Camillo Garroni
While testing at Port Pierre Canto, we caught up with Camillo Garroni, the creative mind behind the Jeanneau TH38’s design. His insights reveal the heart of a boat built to be a true game-changer.
Target Audience: Who is the TH38 built 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:
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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.”
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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 | |
| Berths (Sleeps) | 4 | |
| CE Category | B9 / C14 | |
| Architects / Designers | Marc LOMBARD / GARRONI Design |
Equipment and Price
The unit we tested came fully loaded, featuring twin Mercury V10 350hp Verados paired with the Joystick Piloting System. The specs also included the Garmin Electronics Package, reversible air conditioning, and an outdoor galley equipped with an extra fridge. For a premium touch, the boat was finished with Irodeck wood accents throughout.
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.