Excess 11 vs. Nautitech 40 Open
CATAMARAN COMPARISON
In this article, we compare the Excess 11 and the new updated version of the Nautitech 40 Open Catamaran.
A comparison between two double-helm performance cruiser catamarans
40 foot catamarans are the ideal boats to introduce cat sailing. These multihulls are big enough to offer good-standing headroom and three or four comfortable cabins. In this article, we compare the Nautitech 40 Open (generation 3) and the Excess 11. Two similar concepts are based on the idea of a double-helm steering position, and that is where the similarities start and end…as you will read.
The popularity of catamarans can be explained by their stability, manoeuvrability and comfortable and spacious living areas. They are great for chartering and to live-aboard. In case you are unfamiliar with the two brands or the catamaran models in question, here’s a brief introduction.
The Nautitech 40 Open has been designed about seven years ago and has been improved over the years to the mature product, it is now – the Generation 3 version launched in April 2023.
At the time the N40 was designed, you had either fast cats without a superstructure or cruising cats with a voluminous nacelle. Naval architect Lombard came up with a new approach to cat sailing; the Nautitech 40 Open: a fast cruiser with an enlarged cockpit and reduced superstructure and a coach roof covering both.
Until today, only one competitor has followed his bold design idea. Lightweight is important, but stiffness and durability are too, that’s why the shipyard has replaced many wooden structural parts with stiff and light composite stringers and bulkheads.
New for 2023 is that the shipyard will continue to focus on quality improvement – in terms of building and also aesthetics. That is why the launched the updated version 3 of the Nautitech 40 Open in April 2023.
Nautitech Cataramans Shipyard
Thanks to their reputation for designing catamarans that are robust and seaworthy, Nautitech Catamarans is recognised as a brand capable of putting sailing back into the heart of the living at sea experience, without compromising on comfort.
The Nautiech Catamarans are since 2018 separated from its former ties with Bavaria Yachtbau and share only the same investment group.
It is in Rochefort-sur-Mer, the very cradle of shipbuilding and naval architecture and birthplace of Pierre Loti, that Nautitech Catamarans has anchored its activity of construction of luxury catamarans. Anyone familiar with the world of multihulls can quickly appreciate the innovative nature of Nautitech Catamarans, the first manufacturer to understand and define the very spirit of a catamaran. Nautitech was also the first to propose the concept of open living onboard, which combines the saloon and cockpit into one spacious, functional living area. Understanding how important sensations at the helm are to their customers, Nautitech Catamarans places equal emphasis on sailing ability and comfort.
Nautitech DNA – The Concept:
COMFORT – DOUBLE HELM- PERFORMANCE – RELIABILITY – SAFETY
The naval architect behind the design of Nautitech Catamarans, Marc Lombard, is himself a proud owner of a Nautitech 40 Open and an avid spokesman for the open concept design and sturdy design and construction of the Nautitech Catamarans. You will find that his designs and models come across many other reputable shipyards in the multihull segment such as: the ORC Maursadon, C-Cat, Neel Trimarans, Privilege Catamarans, etc.
The Nautitech Catamarans are well known for their rigidity and lightweight hull that leads to direct responsiveness at the helm. This is due to the superior construction technique and clever design of Marc Lombard. The reinforcement zones, whether in unidirectional, bidirectional, or quadriaxial fabrics, are carefully determined to ensure better rigidity of the Nautitech catamarans. The quality of manufacture is guaranteed by a construction (high quality) of the hulls, deck, and roof, sandwich infused, and bonded.
The two helm stations are part of the fundamentals of NAUTITECH’s DNA. Indeed, it is the ideal position to helm at sea but also to manoeuvre at the port.
To date, Nautitech Catamarans has 200 employees, build ca 50-60 catamarans per year, and deliver three different models; Nautitech 40 Open, Nautitech 44 Open, and the new Nautitech 48 Open.
In January 2020, the Excess 11 was launched as part of a series that includes models ranging from 37 to 50 feet (model numbers 11, 12, 14 and 15). With its skilled workforce in catamaran manufacturing, the Beneteau Group’s Bordeaux yard (Construction Navale Bordeaux) and Les Sables d’Olonnes shipyards could possibly produce such a large roll-out.
This model uses original tooling instead of borrowing hull parts from Lagoon’s sister line, making it lighter and more weight-conscious while still benefiting from Lagoon’s 35+ years of catamaran expertise. VPLP and interior experts Nauta Design apply their credentials to the design, while car design guru Patrick le Quément adds flair to the model.
Construction Navale Bordeaux: Lagoon Catamarans/ Excess Catamarans Shipyard
Created in 1987, Construction Navale Bordeaux is one of the companies of Groupe Beneteau and is based in Bordeaux. The shipyard produces both the Lagoon Catamarans and the Excess Catamarans. To this day, the shipyard produces a minium of 40 units per model each year and has is currently (2023) offering the Excess 11, Excess 12, Excess 14, and the Excess 15.
Groupe Beneteau was purchased by a Chezc investment group PPF in 2021 and along with that also the major charter companies and the booking platforms that are all associated and closely linked to the production planning to meet the demand of the yacht charter ownership market.
The Excess Catamarans Concept
The concept of creating a catamaran that is more open and lively is admirable, without the fear of having an overpowered monster on your hands. It makes sense to the company and probably some potential buyers to modestly evolve the Lagoon brand, since cruising catamarans are built more for comfort than speed. Built with the same basic construction as Lagoon, but with a more open deck layout, the appeal is evident. Nautitech has been making this style of boat for some time, and with lighter hulls, while Outremer has been perfecting their performance versions. Lagoon’s old philosophy of “building from the inside out” has been tweaked into a more rounded concept with Excess.
Also similar to the sister brand is the use of balsa coring in the GRP hull above the waterline. Construction is via vacuum infusion for the hull and deck with injection moulding used on the roof to minimise weight. The design minimises the structure forward, so large trampolines are used. Below, the nacelle is shaped to deflect waves, which is good given the modest bridge deck clearance, especially at the aft section. Rudder shafts are close to the wheels — connected with Dyneema line — a simple solution that offers more feel and less complication. Blunt bows maximise the waterline and the tall hulls give generous inside volume with a glass escape hatch in each.
Technical specifications
Key differences
In the table below, you can see the key specifications.
Excess 11 Specifications
HULL LENGHT
11.33m | 37’2’
BEAM
6.59m | 21’7’’
DISPLACEMENT
9 t
DRAFT
1.15m | 3’9’
STANDARD POWER
2 x 29 HP
SAIL AREA
Main 55m² & Jib 22 m² (Upwind Sail Area: 77 m², with the option to upgrade "pulse line": 82 m²)
Nautitech 40 Open Specifications
HULL LENGHT
11.98 m / 39'3”
BEAM
6.91 m / 22'7"
DISPLACEMENT
8.5 t
DRAFT
1.35 m / 4'4"
STANDARD POWER
2 x 30 hp
SAIL AREA
Main 63 m² & Jib 28 m² (Upwind Sail Area: 91 m², with the option to upgrade "square-top": 93 m²)
Exterior
Two catamaran with similar features and distinct characteristics
Excess 11 Exterior
MAXIMIZING TOPSIDE SPACE
The Excess 11 feature outboard helms and flat decks to maximize topside space. A twin helm provides clear forward visibility, and untinted windows allow a view of the whole boat. Additionally, these untinted windows aid in night vision. Rather basic canvas chairs are used for the helm seating, and each has a bimini. The Carbonautica composite wheel responded well to the turns of the two space rudders, as the Dyneema links needed to reach the rudders were short.
Besides the nicely angled Raymarine instrumentation for the steerer, Yanmar engine controls just below are easily read without stooping on the starboard helm. An extra set can be added to the port helm, which is helpful. There’s an optional sunroof that can be closed via a hand crank, the standard from the yard is a fibreglass top. The downside with the soft top is a lack of solid walking space to the boom end and possibility of leakage during heavy rainfall.
FUNCTIONAL CATAMARAN
Like all Lagoons, the Excess 11 is a functional boat. As a result, most gear is well positioned throughout the hull. The running rigging, for example, comes back to the helms and jammers with Harken winches on each side. Short-handed sailing is easy, and mainsheet control is easy with a twin block on the transom. Moulded steps on each hull give good water access for swimming and entering the transoms. Inside the cockpit is ample open space for entertainment and there’s a corner dinette table with surrounding benches and transom bench/storage. Underfoot is more locker space and the liferaft is slung at the outside of the transom.
The deck hatches have a low-profile and there are hand rails on both sides and a single outboard shroud to make walking forward easier. At the bow, the anchor is on the crossbeam, making it more accessible than the convention of having it in a hull indention. The Excess 11 layout keeps it clear of the hull when the boat swings; the downside is weight higher up.
The vertical windlass and chain sit on the longitudinal centre beam, so guests should watch their toes on deployment. A rather flimsy second roller was also fitted on the review boat. Besides the bow lockers is a retractable step for access up to the blunt coach roof for sail handling.
Nautitech 40 Open Exterior
DOUBLE AFT STEERING STATION
Nautitech was long the only producer of cruising cats with steering positions in the back of the hulls. The nearer you are to the water the more you experience the sailing characteristics.
Where you see a trend towards bigger superstructures starting more in the front of the boat, Nautitech stays true to its design philosophy with a relatively short saloon placed a long distance from the bows. The reason behind this is to keep the bows as light as possible, which results in narrower hulls on the waterline, less water resistance and better sailing characteristics in choppy seas. The big main sail and the self-tacking jib asks for a furling code zero to do justice to the design.
PERFORMANCE – SAFETY – COMFORT
All of the Nautitech40, 44, and the soon-to-come 48 OPEN are easy on the helm – you feel the wind pressure in your fingers. The double helms at the aft and the true Open concept of the Nautitech 40 Open with the large fixed bimini top covering the whole after cockpit area and large untinted windows of the superstructure/saloon allows you to have the best overview and eye contact with your crew from both helms. The two helm stations are part of the fundamentals of NAUTITECH’s DNA. Indeed, it is the ideal position to helm at sea but also to manoeuvre at the port.
The advantages of this configuration are multiple:
- Easily dock manoeuvres with a perfect view of the hull side and the possibility of mooring the rear without moving from the helm.
- View of the water and sails whether windward or leeward.
- Optimum steering sensation thanks to a steering system using short-circuit steering cable.
- The maximum lowering of the boom, unlike the fly helm station or semi-fly, increases the effectiveness of the mainsail that comes flush with the roof and allows easy access to the mainsail for furling.
- Security and optimized communication with the crew.
- Having the cockpit and helms on the same level makes the boat more sociable under sail, and safer to move around.
Some of the new features of the Nautitech 40 Open (Generation 3) features:
Noticeable improvements have been made on the sailing performance from the earlier versions built between 2014-2018 versus the updated Nautitech 40 Open Generation 2 launched in late 2018, by optimising the rigging:
The Generation 2 N40s has a lower boom and a longer mast-increasing sail area by 4 sqm. Alongside improvements made on the reefing line system, it is again placing itself in the upper bracket of sailing-capable cruising catamarans in the market.
Updated the exterior design in line with the 44 Open: White coachroof, Black stairs support, Hull decoration: single gold line, New black davits, Black steering wheel, Black roof handrail, and Flush opening portholes
Some new options that include: a black mast, Black ceiling line, Spots for lighting, and the New shape of the windows of the saloon and the windows facing the aft-cockpit.
Interior
Sporty Double Helm vs True Open Concept
Excess 11 Interior
VOLUMINOUS SALOON AND HULLS
Compared with one of the similar-sized and older Lagoons, the 380, the Excess 11 really has vast space in the saloon, even with the large galley included on the starboard side. Those vertical bulkheads are where the volume comes from of course, so you may dodge around with windage at anchor but inside is an airy atmosphere no matter the weather, especially when the two large front windows are opened. There’s even a corner navigation station adjoining the main couch that surrounds the dinette table.
The Excess 11 is available with three or four cabins. Both versions have two heads—one in the master suite in the port hull (if that configuration is selected) and a second shared by the two guest cabins to starboard. This second large head and shower replaces what could have been two minuscule wet heads. In a 37ft boat, this is a completely reasonable tradeoff.
The four-cabin version has a bathroom in each hull, located between the cabins. Stepping down into the hulls is an airy and light-filled experience, thanks to opening skylights and those large elongated portlights. In the port hull, the two double cabins have similar volume, including useful wardrobe space, and a large bathroom between aids privacy.
The master cabin is large and private, and the bed has cutaway corners. This owner’s version has a spacious layout with an athwartships bed filling the stern hull, vanity desk nearby, and a large bathroom in the bow. Overall, the owner’s space is incredible for a 37-foot boat
The saloon and galley are compact, but want for nothing, with plenty of refrigeration, and counter top and seating space. Storage space is adequate. The interior is light on drawer pulls and other cabinetry hardware, but it works. The effect is a smoother look that integrates well with the boat’s overall aesthetic.
Hull design is similar to Lagoon but this is the first of the Excess brand to be separately made. Key features are the twin mini keels, rudders behind sail drives, and flaired hulls to maximise volume in living spaces above the waterline.
Nautitech 40 Open Interior
THE OPEN CONCEPT
The cockpit and the saloon merge both into one large living space
The spacious cockpit and luxurious saloon become one living space. Time to talk, time to rest, time for friends, time for yourself – the Naututech 40 Open ensures you have a safe and comfortable time aboard, whether you are at the helm or just as a guest abroad.
Life aboard a Nautitech 40 Open is defined by comfort and plenty of space for spending relaxed hours at sea. The cockpit and the saloon merge into one large living space where you can meet and relax. Everything is on one level without steps.
Over time the shipyard has improved the interior gradually and created a light and airy atmosphere. The interior has clean lines, and all solutions have been well-engineered and thought through.
The cockpit, longer than the saloon (Open concept) has two long sofas opposite to each other, the wide entrance to the compact and cosy saloon gives access to a 4 seat dinette on port and a galley at starboard with one part facing forward and the cooking and sink area facing to the large cockpit.
The furniture is finished in light wood or dark wood (options), with dark floors. Although not so wide as her competitors the cabins are comfortable in every sense because of the design with clean lines. To gain space for the cabins Marc Lombard has chosen for one head/shower per hull.
Some of the new features of the Nautitech 40 Open (Generation 3) features:
In late 2020 the shipyard did upgrade the standard of the N40 Open with a double sink and the introduction of a new and updated upholstery catalogue with Serge Ferrari, Eden material and Sunbrella combinations.
An updated interior design:, One-floor level, New shape of the bench, Black skirting board of the furniture, Larger chart table to re-group all nav equipment, White roof pillars, New black leatherette finishing with Nautitech logo, New black leatherette finishing with bottle storage, Fridge CRUISE 130 Inox clean, New worktop with fiddles, Push-lock furniture opening, Furniture with black grooves, and an Upgrade of the indirect lighting option.
Key highlights
We’ll summarize with some key highlights
Excess 11 Key highlights
- Compact living made to perfection
- Double Helm
- Optional Pulse Line - more sail area
- Trendy design
- Lagoon heritage
Nautitech 40 Open (version 3) Key highlights
- Double steering station, the choice of performance
- Outstanding natural lighting in the saloon & hulls with double hull windows
- Great combination of safety, comfort, performance, reliability
- Strong quality in construction and material choice
- High level interior finishing and trendy materials
Exess 11 Pros- & Cons
- Double Helm for greater sailing experience - the preferred option for ALL PERFORMANCE CATAMARANS!
- Trendy marketing product
- Voluminous Hulls
- Large Owners-suite and bed for a 37ft
- Practical and Functional catamaran
- Compact Living and Optimized use of space
- Lagoon heritage but with a downside of NOT constructing the boat with grade material and construction technique used by other performance orientated shipyards.
- Material and Quality: Finishing is of mediocre quality, same as found on a Lagoon Catamaran. The finishing is poor and material has no longevity. The ALPI furniture sharp edges are too sensitive to nicks and won’t age well.
- Material and Quality: The ergonomics of seating and thickness and form of upholstery is not adequate for longterm comfort.
- Storage: Cabinets and storage too few and too small, with unnecessarily and annoyingly small knobs.
- Although trendy, she doesn't live up to her owner's expectations (referral: boat owner's reviews online)
Nautitech 40 Open Pros- & Cons
- Nautitech Open DNA: Inside-outside ease of movement. Its both safer, more sociable, and more comfortable.
- Interior Design language from high-end brands such as Gunboat: new styling and layout in the galley, bathrooms, master cabin, saloon and cockpit
- Higher level of finish and materials than the rest of the competition (series production catamarans)
- Well mannered and balanced catamaran: repositioning of the mast on the main bulkhead and centering the weight - makes it easy to handle and improves performance
- Double Steering position low near the sterns, for good visibility, access, and feeling off sailing.
- Fine-entry bows and anti-spray chine allows for a smooth passage through water
- Construction Technique and Design: Shipyard's vast experience clearly noticeable. It the most well-built series production catamaran on the market
- No daggerboards
- Only two heads and showers
- Big cockpit - comparable smaller saloon
- Front cabins less wide as with cruiser competitors
- Less load capacity: since its a light-weight catamaran, loading to much on it will hinder its natural sailing performance
