Nautitech 44 Open vs. Neel 47
MULTIHULL - CATAMARAN & TRIMARAN COMPARISON
In this review article we compare the two midsize competitors in the live-aboard segment of the sailing multihull-market for cruiser performer catamarans and trimarans: The newly rewarded European Yacht of the Year, the Nautitech 44 Open, versus the popular explorer performance trimaran the Neel 47.
Fast - Reliable - Performance Cruiser Multihulls built in the heart of French multihull center
The popularity of multihulls (catamarans and trimarans) can be explained by their stability, manoeuvrability and comfortable and spacious living areas.
Most shipyards and designs cater predominantly for the charter market and others such Nautitech Catamarans and Neel Trimarans have since long focused on the live-aboard or private owners segment building fast, reliable, safe and versatile yachts for extensive cruising or circumnavigation. On the catamarans market, the big shipyards focus only on comfort at the expense of performance and navigation and suggest a more and more “static” experience.
Build by two different shipyards but with the design from the same Naval Architect, Marc Lombard Yacht Design, both the Nautitech and the Neel multihulls are a true testimony of brands that are capable of putting navigation back in the heart of the “sea experience”, without compromising on comfort, as it remains an important expectation for its core consumers.
In case you are unfamiliar with the two brands or the multihull models in question, here’s a brief introduction.
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.
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, that 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 light weight 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 maneuver 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.
Neel Trimarans Shipyard
Neel Trimarans was established in 2010 by its founder Eric Bruneel who has 40 years of experience in multihulls. The shipyard is today established in La Rochelle, France. Since its creation, Neel Trimarans has been designing and manufacturing unique and innovative models. Anticipating, innovating, and improving while preserving and perpetuating what has proved its worth is the company’s spirit, which combines cutting-edge industrial processes with irreplaceable craft and manual know-how.
Neel Trimarans’ main objective is to satisfy its customers by offering them quality, innovation and safety.
To date, Neel Trimarans has 120 employees, builds ca 60 trimarans per year, and deliver four different models; Neel 43, Neel 47, Neel 52, and Neel 65.
Neel Trimarans – The Concept:
SAFETY – INNOVATION – PERFORMANCE – OFFSHORE CRUISING
Most trimarans shipyards and builders focus primarily on the performance aspects and sailing pleasure, whereas Neel has taken considerable market leadership in delivering designs that are more focused on live-aboard comforts with large open spaces and all the modern aspects you would find in catamarans, coupled with the capacity of being a true offshore live-aboard trimaran.
In fact, Neel Trimarans’ target market is the clients that are catamaran owners or have a clear interest in only becoming multihull owners. Neel Trimarans deliberately focuses on benchmarking them to similar models in the catamaran segment, compared to the catamaran builders that focus on the segment of sailors that are monohull owners that want to find the same sailing sensation but seek more comforts offered in a catamaran.
The Neel innovation is the integration of the two outriggers with the connecting platform into a unified living space which includes the bridge, a central galley, and a magnificent panoramic lounge. The proportions of the trimaran offer a generous roof area, guaranteeing internal volume.
Neel Trimarans true DNA then is in the ability to deliver a concept that they themselves argue offers more stability at sea than a catamaran due to its three hulls and the centre of gravity of the mid-hull and less sailing angle limitations, and the innovative design of two outriggers that both create faster sailing yacht and more space for storage and live-aboard quarters.
Technical specifications
Key differences
The table below illustrates the key specifications.
Nautitech 44 Open Specifications
HULL LENGHT
13.30 m. / 43'8 ft
BEAM
7.36 m. / 24'2 ft
DISPLACEMENT
10.9 T / 24.030 Lbs
WATER
600 L / 158 gal
FUEL
500 L / 32 gal
ENGINES
2 x 30 or 2 x 50 HP Volvo
Nautitech 44 Open Saling Ratio
Main
75 m2 / 807 sq ft
Jib
30 m2 / 323 sq ft
Gennaker/ Spinnaker
?
Sailing Ratio (kg's per m2 upwind sail area)
84
Nautitech 44 Open The Concept
The 44 Open features twin helm stations, the preferred sailor position
A distinctive feature of Nautitech catamarans that offers both function and safety by being fully integrated in the overall boat design.
The Open concept, a fundamental element of Nautitech’s DNA
No Borders between Inside and Outside. Enjoy every moment spent on board in a spacious living area where the saloon and cockpit are one. A layout designed around an original bar concept that puts sharing and flow at the heart of the Nautitech experience.
My SmartRoom®
An innovative multifunctional space designed for owners who are setting sail for a long adventure and are looking for a room that is both technical and practical.
Two refined interior atmospheres
To satisfy all desires, interiors are designed in two finishes; the original warm and welcoming walnut, and the refreshing light oak option, which highlights the construction details of the entire catamaran.
Construction Technique
When talking about a boat’s performance, many elements such as the shape of the hulls, length, weight or the sail surface are to be considered.
The shape of the hulls of a Nautitech catamaran has been studied in order to offer slimmer hulls to limit the wet surface, which, coupled with a high nacelle height gives the boat incomparable comfort at sea.
The quality of manufacture is guaranteed by a construction (high quality) of hulls, deck and roof but also sandwich infused and bonded. The use of foam (micro-perforated) PVC closed cell (divinycell®) and not balsa is another strength at Nutitech because it allows an optimized weight and increased durability.
The reinforcement zones, whether in unidirectional, bidirectional or quadriaxial fabrics, are carefully determined to ensure better rigidity of the Nautitec catamarans compared to other cruising performance catamarans in this segment.
The displacement plays an essential role on the performances because a heavier boat means an increased wet surface, and decreased performance. Weight is therefore a determining factor in the development and construction of our catamarans.
Nautitech uses vacuum infusion technology to make its composite parts (hull, deck, roof) to guarantee the best strength /weight ratio thanks to a higher fibre ratio. All the bulkheads used for the structure of the Nautitech are also built using this polyester sandwich infusion process, always with the aim of controlling the weight and solidity.
Indeed, the weight gain is 20% compared to a traditional process of contact bonding and much higher structural quality.
Neel 47 Specifications
HULL LENGHT
14,20 m. / 47 ft
BEAM
8,30 m. / 27 ft
DISPLACEMENT
10.6 T
WATER
600 L / 158 gal
FUEL
300 L / 80 gal
ENGINES
1 x 60 hp diesel
Neel 47 Saling Ratio
Main
70 m2 / 753 sq ft
Jib
20 m2 / 215 sq ft
Gennaker/ Spinnaker
?
Sailing Ratio (kg's per m2 upwind sail area)
90
Neel 47 The Concept
The Neel 47 is not just a multihull, it’s a trimaran
One wide hull in the middle and two narrow hulls on the side, make for a huge deck space but is also about 14% wider.
Its centre hull has a rocker almost the length of the hull itself which in combination with the outer hulls only acting as supporting hulls when sailing, allows for the Neel trimarans to point at a closer angle sailing upwind and the manoeuvrability when doing a tack is perceived more smother than most heavier production catamarans.
The Neel Trimarans are the only trimarans that offer a safe option for those that want to cruise offshore and are looking for the same comforts as found on a catamaran.
The Cockloon concept
The cockpit and salon and the master bedroom are on one level. There is a wide opening sliding door between the cockpit and the saloon. Because of the large superstructure and the steering position half way up at starboard, the cockpit is not as deep as that of the Nautitech 44 open.
Interior layout
The master cabin is on the same level as the saloon and offers a nice view over the sea. The heads and shower are down below in the bow area, not ensuite with the owner’s cabin.
Each side hull (floats) contains a narrow double bed and single bed in the bow. You can only enter the side cabins via the cockpit.
The saloon has a sober finish and the floats are finished rudimentary. The Neel is made for speed and by minimising the interior they can keep the weight down.
Construction technique
Hull, floats, bridges and roof are made in vacuum bonded PVC/foam and glass fibre/ isophthalic polyester resin sandwich structural material.
The boards are fabricated from honeycomb PVC vacuum bonded with glass fibre/isophthalic polyester resin structural material.
Resin is infused through Fibreglass according to a sampling plan determined by finite element structural analysis gained from our experience in the construction of racing craft and offshore cruising.
Depending on their role in the structure of the trimaran, the type and number of glass fibers are either unidirectional, bidirectional, roving or twill.
Phonic and thermal insulation, along with floatation (unsinkability) are provided by the interior of PVC foam sandwich laminates.
Exterior
exterior design features and aspects
Nautitech 44 Open Exterior
The Nautitech 44 Open: the DNA of cruising performance catamaran
A word from Dirk and Viktor (Yacht-Match Group co-founders):
“The latest model in the Nautitech Catamarans range is the Nautitech 44 Open which was presented at the La Grande Motte Multihull Show in April 2022. She has since then won the European Yacht of the Year award 2023 and struck the cord with many professional reviewers and critics.
The Nautitech 44 open has been designed based on the Nautitech principles plus the input of more than 200 catamaran owners and the Nautitech sailing community. Marc Lombard is responsible for naval architecture and Christophe Chedal Anglay, famous for his work for multi-hull shipyards such as Outremer and the Gunboat 68 has created the interior layout.
It’s clearly a Nautitech by design and looks, but it’s not just another model introduced without a clear vision and intent. It took the design team almost four years in its design process to make sure they are launching a new yacht that is innovative, meets the high standards set forth in Nautitech new identity and strategy from 2019, and to launch a true live-aboard cruising catamaran capable of long-distance cruising worthy to be considered in the same category as the Outremere and Balanace catamarans.
For anyone coming from a monohull-sailing background like us, you will be pleased to hear that the reinvented helm position (the true DNA of Nautitech) has only been improved by the new bench and steering console adding to the marvellous idea and concept of the twin-aft steering positions. Indeed, it is the ideal position to helm at sea but also to manoeuvre at the port.”
A word from Marc Lombard, the naval architect of the Nautitech catamarans:
“The «Open» range was created on the basis of this idea of balance, by proposing – in particular on a 40-feet catamaran – the «square-cockpit»
living space concept without too formal a visual separation and without a double dining area, which would lead to excessive internal volume
and unnecessary load on a boat of less than 46 feet. Nautitech catamarans are for those who feel that a boat must remain a boat above all, made for living aboard and sailing anywhere on our planet.”
Sleek Hull Lines and an Inverted Bow, the all new Nautitech 44 Open
An optimized hydrodynamic bottom and thin hulls below the waterline combined with a stepped hull chines to widen the hull and provide spacious above the waterline. The hull with its inverted bow and forward rake ensures a balanced boat that will insure a safer and easier boat to helm
The draft also has its importance: the lengthening of the fin and its height has a direct impact on the rise windward in a formed sea; which can represent a few hours of gain on near tacks. The higher the draft, the greater the rudder length, and the easier the boat will be at the helm.
The double helm station, a guarantee of safety and sensations
On the deck of a Nautitech, everything is made to be simple and reliable, easily manoeuvrable by a small crew.
The double helm station is a signature feature of the Open Line and the sailor’s choice. These two ideal helming positions provided an unobstructed view of the sails trim, helming and still being part of the entertainment area. The 44 open features a shorter steering system that provides a nimble starring experience.
Lower Main Sheet track location
A revolutionary lower main sheet track system that lowers the boom for enhanced performance, and better mainsail trim. The boom is lower for easier sail bag management.
By addressing all of these key factors, Nautitech can deliver a boat which is well-mannered and offers high performance.
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The Nautitech Catamaran DNA
The 44 Open features twin helm stations, the preferred sailor design
A distinctive feature of Nautitech catamarans that offers both function and safety by being fully integrated in the overall boat design.
Enjoy every moment spent onboard in a spacious living area where the saloon and cockpit are one. A layout designed around an original bar concept that puts conviviality and flows at the heart of the Nautitech experience.
- The Open concept, a fundamental element of Nautitech’s DNA
- Light-weight; lowest weight in class
- Potent sailing capacity: best-in-class sail area/weight ratio
- Fast: narrow hulls on the waterline with inverted bows
- Safe: crash boxes in the bows, sacrificial keels, helm positions in the hulls
- Comfort: smooth ride in rough seas because of the centred weight distribution
Neel 47 Exterior
The NEEL 47 combines the benefits of cruising or blue water yacht: safety, performance and comfort living.
A word from Dirk and Viktor (Yacht-Match Group co-founders):
“With the Neel 47 trimaran, which is just over 14 meters long, the shipyard based in La Rochelle, France, headed by concept founder Eric Bruneel, closes the gap between the smaller 43 and the new 52 model. The innovative design that combines a lot of living space with high sailing performance can also be found in this new development, which was worked out in cooperation with Marc Lombard and his design group. The connection between inside and outside via a large sliding door has been consistently implemented as with the big sister and offers an exceptionally open room ambience. The goal for Neel is to create “a living boat” that is more organically responsive and provides more feedback than your typical cruising cat. What is new on the Neel 47 compared to the 43 and older version the 45, are the separately accessible cabins in the side hulls, which are thus separated from the owner’s area on the main deck”
The only trimaran on the market for offshore cruising that offers catamaran comfort
The combination of its exterior and interior ergonomics makes it a unique multihull. Its layout is thought to promote better cohabitation and to keep the privacy of each person. The Neel 47 unlike its big sister the Neel 51 (being replaced by the Neel 52) doesn’t offer quite the same volume interior-wise in the hulls, but nonetheless, the extra width off three hulls allows for comfortable ease of movement onboard deck and around the boat itself.
Both outside floats are separately accessible from the cockpit and house a spacious berth as well as a washroom complete with sink, shower and a head. The flow to and from the side decks are a bit obstructed by the sloping entrances of the side cabins. The many deck hatches are unfortunately not recessed, but sticking out of the deck.
The Neel 47 has inside-outside DNA similar to that off the Nautitech 44 Open with a lounging cockpit aft under the hard-top. There are plenty of comfy bench seats here, as well as a generous dinette table. Slide open the expansive glass door between the cockpit and saloon, and you have an enormous indoor/outdoor social space that Neel creatively refers to as the “cockloon.”
You can access the sea via the scoop in the central hull. In the stern, you’ll also find the locker for the liferaft.
Raised Helm Position
The centre of the action is the raised helm station to starboard, which is easily accessed from either the central social cockpit aft or the starboard ama deck. The helm position is elevated, and its accessibility and ergonomics allow centralized manoeuvring. All control lines are led to the steering position with the winches direct at hand.
The mainsail sheets to a large fiber bridle spanning the aft bridge deck, so there is no traveller to control. Line leads are fair and carefully thought out, making it easy for a solo helmsman or a helmsman and one crew. On the roof, there is a place for a sunbed.
Different to the design concept of nearly all cruiser-performance catamarans on the market, the raised helm position and centralisation of the helm is that Neel wanted one place to carry out all manoeuvres.
The helm station offers comfort for two people (Neel claims 3-4 people) and the helm is easily accessible directly from the cockpit and offers the same visibility as can be expected on any raised helm station on a catamaran or trimaran (except that this Neel 47 is considerably wider).
Manoeuvrable Fast Cruiser
The Nees trimarans are conceived for fast cruising. The builders themselves argue that is also a safety bonus or factor when doing extensive cruising. They are faster sailing upwind due to the rig being similar to the set-up of a monohull coupled with a centred weight, which the yacht must have to have to perform better upwind.
Another unique design feature on the trimarans, one which Neel and Marc Lombard have utilised well on the Neel 47, is the centre hull with its beam to the stern rocker. This helps the yacht becomes a bit more loose and manoeuvrable upwind and when tacking.
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The Neel Trimarans’ DNA
Comfortable ride and home for the adventure seekers
So to summarise then, the objective of the design and creation of the Neel 47 is to create “a living boat” that is more organically responsive and provides more feedback than your typical cruising catamaran.
By designing the Neel 47’s main hull with a pronounced rocker, which combined with a concentration of weight low and amidships, produces a softer and smoother motion than found aboard many conventional catamarans.
- Easy movement around the deck
- Main hull rocker for easier tacking
- Impressive sailing capacity: upwind
- All control lines are centred
- Stay-sail as an option
Interior
interior design features
Nautitech 44 Open Interior
A word from Christophe Chedal Anglay (Nautitech Interior Designer):
“I took the best of the original concept, inside outside flowing spaces,and introduced a second layer of hot spots with versatile uses. The multifunction-raised countertop is the most iconic piece of that new concept. Close to the mast and located at the center of the saloon, is
where people will join together, discuss the route, and probably “elevate their dream” with enthusiasm. Following the same concept, the innovative modular outside table opens a variety of options to either discuss with the skipper, check emails or enjoy a lunch in the shade. It is naturally also the preferred place to entertain your guests.”
where people will join together, discuss the route, and probably “elevate their dream” with enthusiasm. Following the same concept, the innovative modular outside table opens a variety of options to either discuss with the skipper, check emails or enjoy a lunch in the shade. It is naturally also the preferred place to entertain your guests.”THE OPEN CONCEPT
The Open concept is a fundamental element of Nautitech’s DNA. The spacious cockpit and luxurious saloon become one living space. The cockpit and the saloon merge both into one large living space where you can meet and relax.
Everything is on one level without steps.
My SmartRoom
An innovative multifunctional space designed for owners who are setting sail for a long adventure and are looking for a room that is both technical and practical.
Two refined interior atmospheres
To satisfy all desires, interiors are designed in two finishes; the original warm and welcoming walnut, and the refreshing light wood option, which highlights the construction details of the entire catamaran.
Sharing moments at every stage of the journey
The multifunction-raised countertop is the most iconic piece of that new 44 Open concept. Close to the mast and located at the centre of the saloon, is where people will join together, discuss the route, and probably “elevate their dream” with enthusiasm. Following the same concept, the sofa corner offers a cocooning and modular space for the children’s nap as well as for night watches.
A redesigned Kitchen Area
The best materials have been selected in order to offer a fully integrated galley, with redesigned finishes and equipment. The kitchen has an easy-to-clean acrylic resin worktop, integrating the sink and the cooking plates, with all the necessary comfort. An expanded fridge capacity featuring a double-drawer fridge.
A Forward Facing Chart table designed for navigation
The 44 Open features an enhanced facing the forward multi-function desk, used as a navigation table, night watch or to work from your boat.
A word from Toby Hodges (Test Editor – Yachting World)
“This is one of the yachts I am really looking forward to seeing…”
“..the styling and the shape really stand out actually….Nautitech has done a great job throughout the boat in terms of styling, the high level of materials chosen, and the finishing. Compared to its competitors, it has a much higher perceived quality”.
Neel 47 Interior
A word from the couple Tania and Lorenzo, owners of a Neel 47 “Talata”:
“Living below deck on a monohull might be cosy at times but that’s about it. Your experience on a Neel is much more enlightened by expansive views of your beautiful surroundings at all times of the day and in all directions.
The visibility you have thanks to that prime position on one deck also means added security on passages as you can keep watch very well even whilst preparing a meal. A galley up is a major plus and has generous counter space for food prep. It’s a comfortable and sociable position for cooking and snacking especially when underway. This is how we like to live on a boat.”
Cockloon:
Neel Trimarans have invented the famous “Cockloon”. It is the social space between the outside cockpit and the bridge deck salon. The NEEL 47 trimaran combines this space perfectly into one huge living platform without a single step. The main master suite is located right on the main deck to starboard providing unobstructed 270-degree views of the surrounding sea – right from your own bed.
Very few catamarans under 60’ can provide this sort of living accommodation. A large U-shaped galley is a chef’s delight and is situated opposite the forward-facing helm station, which can either seat three or can even be used as a watch berth.
- Large and open area of 32m² full of light and ventilation
- Modularity of opening (multi-position of the sliding door)
- Possibility to gather up to 10 people around 2 tables
- Flush deck area (no step)
Full Beam cockpit
The NEEL 47 trimaran is for relaxing and entertaining at sea. This 47’ cruising multihull has 3 social areas of which 2 have facing setees including tables.
- 2 distinct areas
- Around tables
- Private face-to-face
- Flush area of 22 m² fully protected with a roof
- Safety and fluidity of circulation with no rigging on the cockpit
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Now, of course, every boat is a compromise, and the challenge with cruising tris comes with the interior layout and accommodations when compared with cruising cats.
Catamarans are big platforms, and it’s actually quite easy to spec one out with an enormous owner’s cabin in one hull, and a pair of comfortable bedrooms in the other, not to mention a good-size living room and kitchen on the central deck between them. But what do you do with a trimaran, where the outer hulls need to remain light and relatively unencumbered for performance purposes, not packed with palatial cabins and heads?
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Summary of the key interior highlights :
- Open style layout
- Full Beam Cockpit®
- The owner’s cabin opens onto the saloon easily and harmoniously
- Galley with panoramic view
- Main hull large bathroom
Key highlights
THE TWO YACHTS COMPARED TO EACH OTHER
Nautitech 44 Open Key highlights
- Entirely new Exterior and Interior Design: superstructure, hulls, reinvented helms, saloon layout, master cabin, bathroom
- New refined finish and styling: best finishing in the series production catamaran segment (new high-end materials)
- Nautitech OPEN DNA: Seamless flow of outside -and inside lounging and social areas. Safe, comfortable, and optimal for short-handed sailing and fun sailing
- Smart Room: completely modular and unique approach to a live-aboard cruising performance catamaran
- High-End Construction and Hull Design: Impressive construction technique that translate into the sturdy, lightweight, fasts, reliable catamaran.
Neel 47 Key highlights
- Free Deck Space: ease of movement around the deck and inside the saloon
- Comfortable Ride: less pitch and roll
- Central engine and utility room
- Unobscured views from the saloon: total overview or total insight (?)
- Only trimaran in its class for offshore cruising
- Central Control System - all control lines are pulled back to the helm
- Upwind Sailing Performance: advantages when crossing or planning passages, but also more fun in lighter days.
- Full Beam Cockpit
Nautitech 44 Open Pros- & Cons
- 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 than 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
Neel 47 Pros- & Cons
- Stylish Trimaran: The trimaran has a unique silhouette
- Comfortable Ride: This trimaran design heels a bit while sailing and helps out with the pitch and roll and when tacking.
- Fast cruising in light winds and up-wind sailing. Optimal for long distance cruising or days when its calm - best of both worlds
- Large nacelle (superstructure): adds to the integral structure and design allowing for a rigid forestay and helps out with the sailing performance. The extra deck space helps out when handling sails on foredeck.
- Central Sailing Position (has Pros and Cons): Half way up steering position, central steering position, all control lines drawn back
- Many deck hatches: air flow and ventilation is important on a large yacht.
- Total overview vs total insight: Unique layout with master bedroom on saloon level. Good for night passages.
- Material and Quality: Finishing is of mediocre quality and many reported issues from owners. 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.
- Quality Control: Fixtures especially plumbing installations, mounting and finishing require more quality control to ensure durability.
- A trimaran needs a bigger more expensive berth
- Not much space in the side hulls (floats): supportive and gains when sailing, but not as spacious and bear volume as a catamaran
- One Engine: Not as easy to maneuvers as a cat with two engines inside a marina or in tight places with shallow waters and lots of anchors. Also, a catamaran has an extra engine in case one malfunctions.
- Cockpit Space: Relatively small cockpit and side decks
- Central Sailing Position: Steering position needs extra stairs and are not on same level with the rest in the cockpit, blocked view when sailing a genoa, gennaker or code-0, difficult to keep an eye on the mainsail
- No Flush Hatches: Hatches unfortunately mounted on deck and not recessed, which offers danger of tripping
- Small Hatches: changing to larger hatches would enable you to use the locker space in the amas more easily, especially for bulky items.
- Storage: Cabinets and storage too few and too small, with unnecessarily and annoyingly small knobs.
