catamaran nautitech prix

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Nautitech 44 Open review: space and performance?

• July 26, 2022

Offering space and a comfortable interior while keeping a cat light enough to perform is a tough brief. Does the Nautitech 44 Open deliver, asks François Tregouet?

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

It’s been more than six years since the Nautitech yard in Rochefort launched an entirely new design, but this Nautitech 44 Open marks the company’s return to the forefront of the multihull scene.

It shares the Open layout of Nautitech’s past models, but embodies the brand’s new strategy to address owner-operators rather than the charter market. We were able to judge the concept during an early sea trial on the Bay of Biscay.

The Nautitech 44 Open was developed in just 14 months during the middle of the pandemic and owes a great deal to the dozen owners and dealers consulted to define their ‘ideal’ catamaran. The feedback from this working party convinced the yard to focus on cruising owners and to go for a more performance-oriented design than the market average.

Marc Lombard’s design team has succeeded in expressing this externally by using fine bows, a narrow waterline and controlled volumes. The line of hull windows is more tapered than in the past, and the nacelle is less pronounced and voluminous than typical production cruising cats.

Nautitech’s Open concept, which was initiated nearly 10 years ago on the Nautitech 40 Open, allows the length to be contained by merging the interior and exterior into a single volume. So the true saloon is located outside, protected by a long, rigid bimini and coachroof windows that extend beyond the sliding bay window. Not splitting the saloon/cockpit function saves space – and weight, which is crucial on a multihull, especially at this size.

Good performance, a covered saloon. Photo: MULTImedia

Transformative

The chart table and L-shaped bench seat on the port side, and the galley to starboard, are thus able to benefit from the entire interior space. Facing forward, the chart table is a proper indoor navstation, while the bench seat can be transformed into a watch-keeper’s berth. Strategically positioned between control screens and cockpit winches, it will be ideal for night passages.

The galley benefits from a large 144lt fridge and optional 75lt freezer, anticipating the demands of owners wishing to sail with complete self-sufficiency wherever possible. Designer Christophe Chedal-Anglay, known for his work on the Gunboat 68, has incorporated a clever bar unit in the centre of this living space, which works very well to distribute guests, and naturally becomes a focal point for discussions.

Aft helms remain key elements of the Open concept. Photo: MULTImedia

In the three-cabin version we sailed, reflecting the emphasis on owner-sailors rather than the charter market, the port hull is dedicated to the owner’s cabin with aft double berth, separate heads and large washbasin and shower room forward.

On the starboard side double cabins forward and aft are separated by heads and washroom spaces – the yard preferring to offer more volume to a heads and shower/washbasin area on one side instead of duplicating identical bathrooms.

Photo: MULTImedia

A ‘SmartRoom’ concept allows for a forward cabin to be fitted out to suit a choice of uses: office, dressing room, technical room, workshop or stowage.

On deck, Nautitech remains faithful to its double aft helm stations which are protected from the sun by two small biminis. They remain exposed to the apparent wind and spray, but the view of the sails is excellent and the view forward is better than you might think. The blind spots forward are very small – apart from when the removable cockpit enclosures are in place, which will likely only be in port or at anchor – and a step to the side immediately remedies this.

A central bar area divides saloon and desk/chart table, and gives the interior a social heart. Photo: Nautitech

When manoeuvring in marinas, a camera mounted under the radar antenna and pointing towards the bows, gives the helmsman an accurate and useful picture of the distances available.

Nautitech continues to improve the comfort, design and ergonomics around the aft helm set up. The winches are within easy reach, and well separated from the lounging area, and the moulded dash binnacle elegantly accommodates all the necessary elements (engine controls, plotter, repeaters, etc.).

Access to the deck to go forward, to take care of the anchor or lower the gennaker, is a formality thanks to the two teak steps and the handrails integrated into the coachroof and around the deck.

The main saloon is outside aft, but there’s also a dinette inside. Photo: MULTImedia

Handy performance

The sporty first impression that the fine bow sections give is confirmed once at sea, where they are also noticeably dry. Nautitech has managed to keep the Open 44 to the designed light displacement of 10.9 tonnes. However, the standard configuration with a self-tacking jib giving 110m² sail area proved to be a minimum in the 10 to 12 knots of cold wind we encountered.

Narrower hulls than many of today’s cruising cats, but still plenty of comfort. Photo: MULTImedia

I’d have liked to have tried the overlapping genoa, which increases the sail area to 133m². Once the Code 0 was unfurled, however, the boat came to life. We reached 8.4 knots at 55° to the apparent wind in only 12.8 knots of breeze. Of course, if you bear away a little, the pace becomes even faster, and we regularly exceeded 10 knots at 110° to the wind.

The extensive design resources used for the first time, with three digital models tested in virtual reality, have clearly had an effect. The helm is direct and offers just the right amount of feedback to steer accurately but without too much effort. The new hexagonal shape of the Goïot steering wheels quickly overcame our conservatism, as their shape allows an easy understanding of their degree of rotation. Switching from one side to the other without rushing to get the best angle of vision on the telltales is straightforward, as the boat is so stable.

There was no slamming when going through waves thanks to good speed under sail and a comfortable bridgedeck clearance. And when returning to port, powered by the two optional 50hp engines (30hp as standard), the Nautitech made 7 knots at 2,000rpm. French tradition dictated that we would be home in time for lunch!

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The non-slip surface lacks a bit of texture to offer good grip in wet weather, but this is one of the only minor niggles we found with this well-founded Nautitech. The ‘Open’ concept involves a smaller coachroof but, conversely, a very large exterior saloon. And in this context we can say that the 44 Open keeps its promise to improve the comfort-performance compromise, a factor cherished by the brand. The abolition of the inside-outside boundary serves to limit displacement and help deliver attractive performance. That lack of boundary is underlined by the continuity of the lighting between the two areas, while inside, the quality of the finish has improved and the layout is intelligent. With its smart positioning between industrial yards which are very influenced by the charter market, and specialists with more radical (and expensive) choices, Nautitech has created a ‘sweet spot’ with this new model, which will appeal to many multihull enthusiasts.

A catamaran for sailing and living fully

The 40 Open has been designed for lovers of sailing and good life. This luxury catamaran combines sailing sensations and absolute comfort on board, so that you never have to choose between the two. Whether you are an experienced skipper or a beginner cruiser, the 40 Open will take you and your family on a journey of discovery at sea. Beautiful moments of sharing on the horizon.  

A neat design bathed in light   Like the 44 Open, this catamaran has an open living space with the deck, the cockpit and the saloon all being on the same level. A cozy and beautiful atmosphere full of conviviality. This is where the concept of the "Open" lies. Beautiful volumes, natural light and comfort are the main characteristics of this outstanding catamaran which can accommodate up to 8 people. The 40 Open is the perfect illustration of the French expertise in catamarans.

The details that make the difference

• Natural light in every room
• An elegant interior decor

The double helmstation, NAUTITECH's DNA

Double steering station, the choice of performance :

• - ideal position to keep an eye on the sea and sails
• - more sensations at the helm 
• - best position to dock along a quay or pontoon

A word from the architect

"In a nutshell: the Open 40 is the catamaran of choice for a round-the-world trip thanks to its great maneuverability and size. It is a boat designed for all those who love to sail while enjoying life on board, a balance made possible by the aft helm station".

Marc Lombard, 

Architect of the 40 Open

Welcome on board

Discover the Nautitech 40 Open with some data

Technical data

3 cabin version

You can choose the three-cabin version with its huge owner’s cabin on the port side. It comes with a separate shower, a big bathroom and loads of storage space. 

4 cabin version

Or the four-cabin version, with two shared bathrooms

Premium partner for high quality

Happiness only comes with satisfaction, and satisfaction is only possible if the quality is right. That is why we only work with reputable partners. All of them market leaders in their fields. That way we leave nothing to chance when it comes to equipment and accessories for our catamarans, sailing yachts and motor yachts. You’ll find a selection of our many partners here.

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Go sailing around the world, explore the oceans or live extraordinary moments on board a 40 Open?  

Discover the stories of Gérald & Marie Claude aboard Harmony Two, of Pascal & Madelon aboard Zebulon and Silvina & Jacques aboard El Gaucho. They share their most memorable experiences with us! 

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Sailboat Review: Nautitech 44 Open

• By Mark Pillsbury
• August 10, 2022

There’s more than one way to design a cat , so the team at Nautitech asked owners and dealers what they would like to see in a midsize cruising multihull from the yard in Rochefort, France. The result is the 44 Open, a fine sailing catamaran that’s fit out for owners on the go.

“It’s a catamaran designed by ­sailors for sailors,” Nautitech ­general manager Gildas Le Masson said during the boat’s introduction at the Miami International Boat Show in February. 

This is the first new Nautitech model since the company reintroduced the brand three years ago, and it reflects a decision to focus on the needs of private owners—­often couples, families or other shorthanded crews. Previously, ­perhaps 60 ­percent of Nautitechs ended up in charter; going forward, a company representative estimates, those numbers could shrink to just 10 ­percent of annual sales.

The 44 Open joins a four-­model range that includes the 40 Open, 46 Open and 46 Fly. Nautitech ­also builds a 47-foot power cat. Open ­refers to the feeling of being in the outdoors: Cockpits have ­generously sized dining tables; large windows encircle the saloon; and steering is ­done from helms outboard and aft on the transoms. The 46 Fly, by ­comparison, is more similar to production cats that populate charter fleets, with a helm station and entertainment ­area atop the Bimini. Le Masson said that there is not a plan to offer a flybridge option for the 44 Open.

The location of the helms is one feature I really like. At either wheel, you get a clear view of the sails, and by moving around a bit, you get good all-round visibility underway. What’s more, you get the sense of sailing that sometimes goes missing on production cats: the wind in your face and the sound of the water as the boat slices through it.

We got a good dose of both on an afternoon test sail. Motoring out of Miami’s Government Cut, the twin 50 hp Volvo Penta diesel engines and saildrives (30 hp Volvo Pentas are standard) pushed us along at 7.6 knots at cruising speed (2,100 rpm). The speedo jumped past 9 in get-home-quick mode (2,700 rpm).

The real fun came, though, when we raised the square-top main, rolled out the furled, self-tending jib, and turned off the noise. In 12 knots of breeze, the Nautitech tacked back and forth hard on the wind, ­making 6.5 knots according to the GPS. Cracked off to a beam reach (a point of sail that’s much more favorable to a catamaran), we saw the speed jump to the high-7- to low-8-knot range, and then into the high 8s when we deployed the code zero that’s flown on an aluminum bowsprit.

During my trick at the wheel, I even saw a couple of 10-plus-knot readings when the boat took off on a puff and caught a wave just right. Naval architect Marc Lombard designed the 44 Open, and he demonstrated once again that he knows how to draw slippery hulls. 

Color-coded traveler lines—red for port, green for starboard—took the guesswork out of adjusting the main, and electric winches made trimming the headsails nearly ­effortless. There was a small crowd of us aboard for the sea trial, and I thought that the layout topsides worked well. ­Having the wheels to either side of the cockpit let the skipper socialize without others encroaching on the area that’s ­actually needed to sail the boat. 

The cockpit itself had long seats to either side, shaded by the Bimini. Two tables were to starboard, and their tops could unfold to create one dining ­table that ran the length of the seat. Forward of them, with the large sliding door open, it was hard to tell the dividing line between the saloon and outside. Inside, an L-shaped galley was to starboard, with a stove and cooktop outboard, and two large sinks ­facing aft so that dishes could be passed forward and go right into them. There was loads of counter space for preparing meals, and fiddles were there to keep things from sliding off in a seaway. 

Forward in the saloon, three fridge/freezer drawers were in the starboard corner; to port was a forward-facing nav desk that would be perfect for standing a protected watch on a dark, squally night. Between the fridge and desk, ­builder and designer Christophe Chedal Anglay added a stand-up bar that wrapped around the mast’s compression post and extend aft into the saloon. Dockside, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, but out sailing, standing with my arm on it, the bar began to grow on me. I could see it being a natural gathering place when friends came to visit, sort of like the island is in a kitchen back home.

Hull, deck, cabin top and ­Bimini are all vacuum-­infused, using Divinycell for coring. Furniture and bulkheads are also cored to cut down on weight. As with most cats, there are options when it comes to living accommodations. This boat had the owners’ stateroom to port with a queen berth aft, a head compartment amidships and a shower area forward. To port were two guest staterooms with a shared head and shower between them. A four-cabin, two-head layout is another option, and Nautitech offers a “smart room” that transforms one of the forward cabins into a utility-type space. It definitely would be something I’d ­consider if I were an owner with extended-cruising plans.

Overall, I liked the looks of the Nautitech—its reversed bow, the boom mounted low above the coachroof, and the sweeping curve of the deck line were all eye-catching. But to be honest, it was the location of the helms that got me first and foremost. “Let’s go sailing,” they said.

Mark Pillsbury is a CW editor-at-large

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Nautitech 40 Open

Description

Test one out yourself – charter a Nautitech 40 Open – browse our available yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. We previously owned one of these boats, and we are trying to make this the most comprehensive owner’s review on the Internet.

The Franco-German Axis Nautitech is now owned by Germany’s Capital Management Partners who also own Bavaria, but their boats continue to be built in Rochefort, France. These catamarans are constructed with a resin-infused technique that results in a light, strong finish. The decks include a closed-cell foam core. The joinery is high quality on these cruising cats – especially considering their price point.

This review is from personal experience- we’ll try and keep it objective! You can also read our Owner’s review that we compiled for a prospective buyer that will give you another angle as we were answering specific questions. We wrote this up following the boat delivery from La Rochelle to Barcelona.

1 Minute Summary

– For her length, the Nautitech 40 Open is one of the lightest catamarans in her class (Cruising Catamarans) – As long as you don’t overload her, she gets going quickly and is fast – The reefing system is traditional – it is done from the mast. – There is lots of living space up top thanks to the Open concept and twin aft helms – The saloon is smaller than many of her competitors. However, the aft cockpit area is big. – There is less space down below. That is your trade off for slender hulls and faster performance – The boom is low. She is a seaworthy boat in a blow thank to a low centre of effort on the mainsail. – It is also very easy to get to the boom and mainsail. – Nautitech build their boats using foam composite rather than the balsa wood used by many of the competition. – The after sales service can be slow and frustrating. This isn’t a problem that is peculiar to this brand, but it would be an easy one to fix for happier customers. Come on Nautitech!

• Marc Lombard’s Open design gives you a big living space for a forty foot catamaran, the most in her class with the exception of maybe the Bali 4.1. Once you slide those doors open, she has plenty of space under way and at anchor.
• She’s light for a production cruising cat and accelerates quickly compared to other brands. The Nautitech 40 Open is a good compromise between speed and comfort. She’s nippy!
• She points well upwind for a fixed keel cat. You won’t match a dagger-board cat upwind, but the performance upwind isn’t bad, she’ll certainly get you off a lee shore. I can only really think of Seawind as a match for Lombard’s hull design. She’s comfortable at 50-55° TWA with not much leeway. In lighter winds, 60° TWA probably give you the best VMG especially with a Code 0.
• For a 12m boat, she is very seaworthy in heavy conditions. In a real blow, the 3rd reef takes you down to a small centralised mainsail (with no jib) and she handles waves well. With the 2nd reef in and 60% solent you are good up to 35 knots apparent.
• The boom tucks in low over the coachroof which gives her a low centre of effort and means it is easy to access the mainsail and reefing lines. That is one of the reasons why she feels so seaworthy in a blow.
• That helm position is easy for docking if you reverse her in. The person at the helm can throw the lines if he or she wants to and you can keep an eye on everyone if you are under way (important with kids). You are in constant contact with the cockpit from here. I tend to sit facing aft on the steps by the helm and back in.
• At the same time, Nautitech have done a great job of making you feel safe aft under way with those aft helms. There’s a bench that runs along the aft beam and the helm seats are substantial- when you are tucked into one, it feels very secure and there are decent clip on points under the helm seats.
• The flip-side to those aft helms is visibility to the opposite bow. If you can afford it, go for the option of throttles on both helms so that you can easily switch sides. I generally just nip up to the deck every now and then.
• The aft helms can get wet in a blow or in bad weather. If you are offshore, this just means heading inside to helm from the nav station (great visibility here), but you might have to get your wet weather gear on if there is rain coming into the marina. For sailing feel, however, you can’t beat them.
• All the reefing is done at the mast. OK, it’s not far to hop up there, but I would have preferred a similar set up to the bigger 44 where all the lines run aft to the helm. Although the longer I have the boat, the more I like the simplicity of the system, there’s less friction on the reefing lines, less to go wrong. It’s interesting to note that the Marsaudon 57 has the same set-up (bigger sail though!)
• With narrower hulls designed to slip through the water faster, the cabins are not as big as a Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot. That’s your compromise. Personally speaking, I find the cabins very comfortable- they’re big enough for me. I went for speed over fatter hulls, Lombard is a master shaper.
• With so much space given over to the aft cockpit, the saloon is smaller than many other 40 footers. That works well in warmer climes, but if it is colder I would recommend the clear enclosure. Once these are down, it’s cosy.
• I sometimes find it difficult to gauge the position of the mainsheet traveller on the bimini. There is a window in the roof, but t can be difficult to judge without popping up a step from the helm. I have just marked off the centre… not really a big deal.
• The Nautitech after sales service isn’t what I would call efficient. They take a pretty hands off approach – everything is done through the dealers, so it is important to choose your dealer well. The better their relationship, the better the response. I had a faulty heating system which took me a year to fix. This included the Coronavirus lock down period, but still, I expected a faster resolution. Nautitech are not alone in this regard though, I just wish they’d up their game on this front, it would be an easy fix. Keep your your existing customers happy and they might buy another Nautitech in the future.

Charter a Nautitech 40 Open

Are you looking for a Nautitech Catamaran to charter? Browse our extensive selection of Nautitech yachts for rent below ⇓

Find Nautitech Catamarans for charter including the Open 40, Open 44 and Open 46.

This is a cruising cat, but with an eye on performance compared to other boats like the Lagoon 380 and the “Open” concept has proved hugely popular.

She’s Light Nautitech have kept an eye on the weight of the boat (she’s only 8.5 tonnes light) and as long as you don’t go crazy on the gear, she accelerates quickly.

19 Knot Surf Our top speed on our boat so far is 19 knots (OK we were surfing, but even so). In decent conditions, you should hit the early teens. In light winds, we’ll go 6 kts on 10kts of wind just with the mainsail and self tacking solent.

Order the Bowsprit The Nautitech 40 Open comes in all sorts of configurations- it’s worth ordering the bowsprit as this opens up all sorts of options for head sails to complement the efficient square-top mainsail.

We run the 70 sq.m gennaker off there and there is also an option for a 55 sq.m code 0 if you want to point higher. We have heard from other owners that the Code 0 comes out of the bag frequently. We also have a parasailor on our wish list for when we make it to the Trade Winds.

There are also two winches and clutches on the aft beam to help with the traveler and raising the tender.

The main halyard also comes aft to the starboard side and you can order an electric winch as an option to help you raise the mainsail. Or you can use the winch at the mast, a handy back up.

You Reef from the Mast All the reefing lines and the topping lift are managed from the mast which means getting out on deck to shorten sail. I am thinking of reorganising the running rigging on our boat and lead all of the lines back into the cockpit like the bigger boat, the 44.

Or that’s what I thought when I first bought her. I have to admit, the longer I have the boat, the more I am warming to the simplicity of this system. There’s less friction, shorter lines and it’s easier to get tension on the halyard once the reef is strapped in. You need to be organised though to minimise the time you spend at the mast.

There’s a handy winch on the mast for your reefing lines and gennaker halyard and another clutch for the main halyard so that you can manage this from the mast if you like (can be handy if you are sailing single handed). I have added some frictionless rings below the mast winch for the reefing lines to improve the angle that they come onto the winch as I was have problems stripping lines on the clutches.

One thing I have noticed is that there are plenty of places to clip on, and a nice sturdy rail on the coachroof aft. There’s a deep well after that to grab onto as you move forward towards the mast- she feels safe in that respect.

The boom is low and very easy to access from the bimini top. There are some open steps by the mast to climb up.

Helm with the Wind in Your Hair Not everyone is a fan of the Nautitech Open helm position- she sports twin aft helms (read our Excess 11 review for another boat with a similar configuration) and there is an option for helm biminis for improved protection. Personally we love this configuration- it’s similar to a Catana (with more substantial helm seats) and gives you a real sailing feel when you are under way. Because the fibreglass sides are high by the helms, you feel secure tucked in here. There’s a point to clip onto under the seat if it gets rough.

Easy to Trim your Sails It’s easy to keep an eye on the tell-tales on the head sail- just as you would on a Hobie 16. If the weather turns nasty, you either helm with the autopilot in the saloon or tuck in under the bimini close to the helm. Make sure you order the electric winch at the Starboard Helm. Raising the mainsail with that is easy, although I always raise the sail manually to be begin with until the first couple of battens are clear of the lazy jacks.

There is an option for having throttles on both helms. The standard configuration just has them on the starboard side (this is what we went for: the budget ran out.)

She Accelerates Quickly Because she’s relatively light, she gets going quickly and Lombard has shaped those hulls so that they slip through the water nicely below the waterline. Don’t load her up too much though. Narrower hulls means less living space down below, so she’s not as spacious as a Lagoon in the cabins (there’s your compromise). In the cockpit, it’s a different story with that Open concept and the twin helms aft.

Docking the boat is a breeze as well, although, to repeat myself, try and go for the option of having those throttles on both helms if you can afford it. Because you are so close to the transom, one person can theoretically helm and throw the ropes. It’s easier with 2 of course.

She Goes Through the Wind Well She tacks easily and as you come off the wind, she’s fast ! There’s a Youtube clip showing a 40 doing 20 knots doing the rounds (we saw over 19 knots surfing on our delivery trip).

And when you hit those numbers in that helm position, you’ll have a smile plastered all over your face.

A Nippy Boat On average, you’ll see 7-9 knots. The nice thing about her is that she gets moving nice and quickly in light winds and this is where that gennaker option comes in handy. If the wind hits 7 knots, you should be sailing. In a freshening breeze, you should see low and even mid teens on a reach.

Sailing Close to the Wind Upwind, she points well for a fixed keel catamaran- a Seawind is probably the only boat that can match her. She’ll point happily at 50 to true but you are probably better off pointing at 55 (more speed, less leeway). The sweet spot seems to be around 40 to 45 degrees AWA.

In lighter winds the performance drops off, unless you have a Code 0 in your sail locker of course. If your budget ran out on the gennaker, just stick the leeward engine on at low revs to point higher and you will get where you need to go. That would be about 30 degrees apparent, 45 true.

At the end of the day, if you are going to be close hauled all day, every day on a multihull you are best off with dagger-boards, but the 40 Open is no slouch close to the wind, especially if there is a decent breeze. In lighter air, the performance does drop off when compared to a dagger-board cat like an Outremer but that is the case for any fixed keel catamaran.

The Nautitech 40 Open comes with 30 HP engines as standard, but I would recommend the upgrade to the 50s (used to be 40s). One engine will push you along at around 6 knots at 2200 RPM in calm conditions. With both engines going, she’ll move comfortably at 7 depending on the sea state.

If the waves are building, it’s often advisable to power up both engines to help you punch through the waves for a more comfortable ride if you are heading upwind.

Living Space

A Big Interconnected Space The design of the Open 40 is all about giving you more space in the cockpit and less in the saloon, so this boat is particularly suited to warmer climes like the Med. Below decks, the configuration is either three cabins (Owner’s) or four Cabins (charter version).

Slender Hulls with a Chime The hulls aren’t as spacious as a Lagoon (there’s your speed/space trade off), but they are very comfortable and there´s still far more space than you would get on a monohull, although Lombard has sculpted chimes into the hulls (they flare at the top) like the Catana 53 which gives a good performance/comfort balance.

All the cabins have huge windows through which you can watch the world go by.

Option for Night Watch Bed There is an option for a telescopic table in the saloon (port side) which we have gone for. This gives you a night watch berth if you need it.

Why No Double Sink? The galley is to starboard and is nicely designed with everything to hand. We would have liked to have seen a double sink, or a sink and a half. There’s room. The other thing that we find annoying is that the galley tap is very short which means you get a lot of splash back against the doors. We are going to fit a tap with a longer arm.

When you are cooking at the burners, you are facing aft connected to that large outdoor cockpit area. The doors can be thrown wide open to connect the two spaces into one joined up area: hence the name, the Open. The position of the cupboard behind the burners is not great. You have to watch yourself here is you are cooking and leaning over the hob to get stuff out of the cupboard.

There is an option to go for an additional fridge in the aft cockpit and a freezer in the starboard hull, both of which we would recommend.

Construction

The big difference between Nautitech and some of the competition is the use of foam composite , versus balsa core. The hull, deck and roof are built with a fibreglass and polyester sandwich infusion. This allows for significant weight savings.

The process used is: VacuTec a vacuum infusion technology. This helps to keep the boat light, reducing the weight by 20% and emissions from the work processes by up to 80%. You get lighter and stronger hulls, and protection against osmosis by isophthalic acid resin in external systems.

Nav Pack Options

Nav-Pack Cruise 2 x B&G Triton Displays (1 x per helm station) with Speed-, Depth-, Wind-Transducer 2 x B&G Zeus 9” chartplotter (stb & port helm stations) Chartplotter functionality on B&G Zeus 9″ at nav station B&G Autopilot, B&G Autopilot control unit (stbd helm station) B&G V90 VHF incl. Antenna (nav station) B&G AIS Transmitter/Receiver B&G H50 wireless VHF unit (stb helm station)

Nav-Pack Advanced includes Nav-Pack Cruise plus additional 1 x extra B&G Autopilot control unit (port helm station) NMEA Connector for PC at nav station B&G Forward scan

Other Options B&G 4G Radar antenna

Nautitech 40 Open Brochure

View the Nautitech 40 Open Brochure

Nautitech 40 Open Polar Diagram

Issues to Monitor on New Boats

All new boats have teething problems- that is not a problem that is unique to Nautitech. We logged the following issues on our own Nautitech 40 Open, or through the Nautitech Owner’s Facebook Group, so hopefully this will help you to isolate any problems at the handover stage and minimise the work later. Hopefully you won’t have to deal with any of these problems (but you would probably be the first boat owner that happened to 😉 ) The bottom line is, these are niggles, not serious problems. Some of them have been corrected on later models (eg sun damage on the grey roof. They switched to white)

• Batteries. Our boat was fitted with Genois batteries: 5x LPC12-75 for the service batteries and 2x LPC12-100 for the starter batteries. Within 18 months, they were dead 4 hours after fully charged, and that was with light use, due to Covid (mostly connected to shore power). Horizon Yachts have had similar issues with the batteries supplied by Nautitech, and we are still battling to claim the warranty. My advice would be to insist on another brand of battery. You can actually fit 6 service batteries in the trays in the port hulls. The standard upgrade take you to 5.
• Noisy steering – the steering became very noisy on our boat on our delivery passage sailing across the Bay of Biscay. I mean really noisy, like a cat screeching every minute. It was difficult to isolate, but it turns out that the rods that connect the helms under the aft cockpit run through plastic tubes. These weren´t secured properly, and the rods were playing the tubes like a violin. Played by a terrible violinist I might add. An easy fix, once we had isolated the problem, but check the workmanship around the steering.
• Stripped reefing lines. The teeth on the jammer at the front of the boom which secure the reefing lines were very sharp on our boat. If lines are flailing about in heavy weather, this can strip the reefing lines. Make sure you lead the lines through the block you should have been given before wrapping them around the winch. If you don’t do that, the angle will be such that you may strip the lines on the edge of the casing – also very sharp. Check closely around the front of the boom and file stuff down if you need to. We now run our reefing lines through frictionless rings below the mast winch has solved the problem.
• B&G Autopilot disengaging. This seems to only happen in “Nav” mode when you are navigating to a waypoint. We never resolved that one. Faulty wiring somewhere? Software?
• If you ordered the heating system, check the air inlet and exhaust. There should be a bend in this to make sure that seawater does not get into the diesel burner. Ours wasn’t installed properly and failed in big seas crossing the Bay of Biscay. Nautitech fixed this on the guarantee, fair play.
• Sliding Door. Check this closely. We had a problem with the door jumping out of its tracks mid passage in waves – pretty dangerous! On closer inspection, Nautitech had only used one screw instead of two on the plastic wedge which the door comes to a rest on in the open position. Check the door doesn’t slide a little when it is locked- often this is just a case of small adjustments.
• Manual bilges – check the pump handles (at the back of the cockpit benches) work and are properly sealed. Fill up the bilge manually with a bucket of water and pump it out yourself to test the bilges.
• You can test the auto bilges at the same time. We had alarms going off with water running back and forth on our passage as the levels weren’t set correctly. Again, an easy fix, but do it on the handover.
• Owners have reported issues with the bilges running continuously. You should check the fresh water pump (Marco) first to make sure there are no leaks coming from there. Then check the hoses. If there is a loop at the outlet the pump won’t clear all the water  and some is left in the hose. Also if the non return value on the pump has failed it will run back out of the pump and the pump will start up again. Bottom line is, test all the bilge pumps extensively during the handover. When you take the boat speed paddle wheel out to clean, you will get a bit of sea-water in the port bilge. Pump it out manually to make sure the bilge is dry.
• Sun damage on the coachroof (grey strip) on older models. Many owner’s have reported UV damage on the grey strip running around the coachroof. Our boat was no exception: after only 18 months the finish is faded and mottled with the sun. Nautitech are sending out a wrapping to sort this issue. You can also polish them back, but I think the problem will reoccur. Newer boats come with a white coachroof, solving the problem.

In Conclusion

Any boat is a compromise, and we think the Nautitech 40 Open is a great sailing boat at a reasonable price, but they could do with improving their after sales service. Lombard has done a great job of designing a boat with so much living space (the Open concept) that is this quick. The hulls are narrower than other boats in her class, but there is plenty of room upstairs thanks to that big joined up space.

View the Nautitech 40 Open Brochure .

What are good options to go for? We’d recommend upgraded engines (now 50HP) if you can manage it in your budget, plus folding props (giving you an extra knot), electric winch on starboard helm, bowsprit with gennaker, radar, the fridge in the cockpit, freezer in starboard hull, additional service batteries (insist on another brand rather than “Genois”), solar, inverter, Fusion audio system and the salon dining table (lowerable).

What are the “nice to have” options” If you can afford it, go for the throttles on both helms, the anchor windlass control at the helm, freezer in starboard hull, heating system. The Explorer version is the pack to go for if you can afford it. The full aft cockpit enclosure is great too, they have extended it right back to the bench on the transom in the newer boats. The teak looks nice but adds weight. Same with the outside teak table.

What’s the Main Difference Between the Nautitech 40 Open and the 44 Open. Well, the length obviously, but these 2 designs are very similar. In the larger model, all of the lines come aft to the helms which is a plus. The aft cockpits are a similar length (the 44 is beamier), but the saloon in the 44 feels much bigger – it’s probably around twice the size. You can configure the 44 with an overlapping genoa instead of the self-tacking solent. You cannot do this on the smaller boat.

How High Does a Nautitech 40 Open Point into the Wind? You are not going to point as high as a daggerboard cat in light winds, but for a fixed keel cat, the Open 40 points very well into the wind, especially with the weight off and with clean hulls. In a decent breeze (13kts and over), she will point as close to 30 degrees apparent but your speed will drop and you will be losing about 10 degrees on leeway. To maximise your VMG, drop off another 5 or 10 degrees (so 40-45 degrees AWA or around 55-60 TWA and your speed will come up and the leeway will drop off a bit. Sheet in tight and put some twist in the main with the mast track car to windward.

What is the Top Speed you Have Hit on the Open 40? We hit 19.2 knots off the coast of Portugal (surfing). You should hit low teens on a beam reach in the right conditions with the gennaker up.

What size tender can you fit on the Nautitech 40 Open? We have a 3.10 Gala with an 8HP Yamaha Engine (in hindsight I should have gone 9.9 HP). This is about as big as you want to go, although I know another owner has fitted a Brig 330 which is 320 long, but it was tight.

How much does a Nautitech 40 Open cost? What is the price of this catamaran? At the time of writing, the base price was just over €310,000, slightly more for the owner´s version. But then you have to add on all of the options (eg Comfort or Explorer version). Once you add extras like a water maker, heating, engine upgrade, navigation system and so on you can easily add on a extra €100k – 150k or more.

Technical Specification

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Introducing the brand new Nautitech 48 Open catamaran. Available with 5 different layouts this innovative performance cruiser is equipped with twin aft helm stations for excellent maneuvers and visibility. Designed from the ground up by a team of ocean racers, naval architects and multihull specialists the new  Nautitech 48 possesses the same DNA as all Nautitech cruising catamarans. Strong, light, exquisitely finished, a luxurious interior and a high performance under sail.

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The unique concept of combining both the covered cockpit with the enclosed salon creates a combined space only found in yachts much larger. This is just one of the reasons the Nautitech 48  is a top choice for ocean cruisers, live boards but also performance charter companies, who want to offer customers something a bit more special. In a market of bulky catamarans, the new 48 stands out as a streamlined and purposeful looking boat that puts sailing pleasures back into your cruising. The Nautitech 48 Open is available in 5 different layout configurations.

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Both the new Nautitech 44 Open as well as her larger sister,  Nautitech 48 Open catamarans are a huge step above the older Nautitech models in terms of finish and the level of luxury. Nautitech builds them for people who love traveling the seas. It doesn’t matter whether you voyage for a few days or are on an extended journey. Enjoy secluded anchorages, or sail at speed from port to port. With the Nautitech 48 catamaran you can experience all this without sacrificing comfort or luxury.

The Nautitech 48  is manufactured in Rochefort on the Atlantic Ocean. She is the embodiment of over thirty years of experience in the construction of cruising catamarans by the French builder.

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The Nautitech 48  catamaran was drafted by Marc Lombard, one of the most successful yacht designers in France. Vessels designed by Marc Lombard guarantee perfect sailing performance and seagoing hulls. The elegant and functional design below deck comes from the pen of Stéphane Roséo and his team at Studio Roséo Design.

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Experienced cruisers know this fact: 90% of the time you will be cruising utilizing your autopilot. Consequently the few times you want to hand-steer and take control of the helm – you desire the best feedback possible. Controlling a catamaran with your fingertips alone, feeling every gust of wind will make you a better and safer sailor. You will always have the course, the horizon and the sail in view without losing visual contact with the crew. Consequently this is one of the many great advantages of the Nautitech 48 Open.

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