neel trimaran vs catamaran

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NEEL Trimarans

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What is the difference between a NEEL trimaran and a good catamaran?

Why NEEL? How is a trimaran significantly different from a catamaran? We love catamarans, but in truth, trimaran has several advantages. Speed, safety and mega internal volume are the keys to the success of NEEL Trimarans!

The width of the NEEL trimaran is an important safety factor on the high seas as it guarantees stability.  And if the catamaran is stable on the wave, in comparison with the monohull, then the trimaran is much more stable than the catamaran. On a catamaran, the maximum restoring moment occurs at a roll of 12 °. This angle can be achieved relatively easily when the catamaran is sailing in strong winds and strong waves. However, on a trimaran, the maximum restoring moment does not occur up to 32 ° roll, which is why this angle is never achieved under normal conditions of use of a multihull. For this reason and thanks to the centralized weight distribution,  the trimaran is much more stable than the catamaran.

Another advantage of NEEL trimaran is that they have the best seaworthiness.  Consider a situation where a catamaran and trimaran roll 12 °, which is a safe angle of inclination that cannot be exceeded on a catamaran. As shown in the graph, the restoring moment (GZ) is much higher on a catamaran than on a trimaran. A higher GZ value means more severe seaworthiness. At this angle of roll, the restoring moment (GZ) of the catamaran is twice that of the trimaran. Therefore, sailing in a trimaran is much smoother than sailing on a catamaran. Now imagine where, theoretically, according to all criteria, on this scale there will be a single-hull, from which you will feel as if you are in a luxurious house by the sea.

It is believed that the catamaran does not get seasick, and this is true, but the fact is that the trimaran shows the best performance here too.  The trimaran pumps much less  since its center of gravity is never downwind. Again, centered weight is the key to success and comfort.  NEEL Trimarans .

So, by the way,  not all trimarans are created equal!  NEEL trimaran is completely different from the development of existing cruise trimaran. NEEL is certainly not the first to come up with outriggers, but he has created a new aesthetic in naval architecture. The innovation is the integration of two outriggers with a connecting platform into a single living space that includes a walkway, a central galley and a splendid panoramic saloon. The trimaran ratio provides generous floor space and height while guaranteeing a very large interior volume.

In fact, all the main heavy equipment on a trimaran is installed in the main central hull, while on a catamaran it is split in half in both hulls. This superiority of trimaran is even more significant in difficult conditions, as shown in the illustration below.

As for the performance, it is obvious that  trimaran is much faster than catamarans and monohulls,  which is confirmed by the toughest ocean races. This statement also applies to cruise trimaran, as evidenced by the results of the rally for cruisers.  ARC ... Undoubtedly, NEEL trimarans are made for cruisers who value speed as well as safety.

The superiority of the trimaran is even more evident when sailing upwind. Performance is also enhanced by the trimaran's clever center of gravity, which is also designed to limit pitching. At an average cruising speed of about 10 knots,  a trimaran easily passes more than 200 nautical miles per day ... When the wind blows, the speed is 15 to 18 knots.

The center body sways for easier tacking, and the floats are elongated for stability.  The rigging is directly borrowed from the racing trimaran,  which achieves full cruising speed twice that of any other cruising yacht. Finally, the trimaran configuration also contributes to a stable speed when the engine is running. The low prismatic ratio of the center body means that there is very little resistance and the side floats only lightly contact the water surface.

To optimize the design of the NEEL trimaran, the shipyard has partnered with TENSYL with whom they previously worked on the design of a racing trimaran  TRILOGIC ... TENSYL specializes in the design of multihull racing and cruising composites. Testing identifies the most severe structural loading conditions, such as when the trimaran is catching a wave at high speed, or sailing abeam with the wind.

Analysis programs transmit relevant information, which is compared with conditional values in specifications. These  research is aimed at determining the type and amount of building materials , the most suitable for each zone, in order to eliminate excess weight, or vice versa to provide a margin for loading load-bearing elements. Even the interior coatings have been rigorously tested in ocean conditions. Rigging and sails are designed and manufactured by multihull specialists in La Rochelle.

Shipyard NEEL Trimarans

Trimaran hull design  It is vacuum infused in one mold using vinyl ester and polyester resin and expanded polystyrene. The center body has laminated annular frames for rigidity, the floors and bulkheads are also foamed and vacuum formed. All this ensures that this vessel is unsinkable.

Fin of the central body  protects the engine and steering gear, and the shallow draft allows you to get close to the shore and enjoy the most beautiful anchorages. A high average speed optimizes navigation planning based on weather conditions. Fractional sailing equipment (mainsail, solent, staysail) makes work easier, especially for small crews.

All embedded systems,  such as refrigeration, electrical and electronic equipment, power generation, storage, fittings and armaments, all done with twenty-seven years of boat building experience. Thus, trimarans  NEEL  are built using materials and technologies most suitable for their merciless exploitation in rough oceans, combining strength, rigidity and weight reduction.

New in 2018  NEEL 51  was voted the Best Multihull Yacht in Europe. Earlier model  NEEL 45 , has won numerous awards since 2013 for Best Multihull Yacht of the Year, Fastest Yacht and Most Innovative, and has won numerous races including the Atlantic Cruiser Rally.

Test drive trimaran Neel 51

News and articles

Many yachtsmen do not like to take out insurance, and for good reason! Interparus will tell you about the most common reasons for contacting an insurance company!

Cruising World announced its nominees for the 2019 Boat of the Year award last week. Traditionally, nomination yachts are tested during and after American Sailing Week in Annapolis, Maryland, which is located along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

A motor boat was put up for sale, which outwardly copies the body of the legendary Porsche Boxster.

Trimaran VS Catamaran – Which Boat Is Best?

If you’re planning to buy or charter a multihull boat, you might be wondering which one is better: trimaran or catamaran. Both have their pros and cons, and the decision ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. In this article, I’ll explain the differences between these two types of vessels to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Post updated: 10 November 2023

Table of Contents

Differences Between Trimarans and Catamarans?

If you’re in the market for a new vessel or plan a family vacation on the water, you might wonder what the differences are between a catamaran and a trimaran. 

Let’s see what they are:

A catamaran is a multihull vessel with two or twin hulls that are parallel to each other and fixed to a wide beam.

This design offers stability and speed, making it a popular choice for cruising long distances comfortably and even racing.

They also provide more interior space than trimarans, allowing for larger cabins and more storage.

When it comes to sailing performance, catamarans are known for their speed and agility.

Their twin hulls allow them to easily glide over the water, making them popular among boaters.

Cats are stable, fast, spacious, and super comfortable and are more stable at anchor than trimarans. However, catamarans tend to perform better in downwind conditions than in upwind conditions.

A trimaran is a multihull vessel that has three hulls. The two smaller outrigger hulls are attached to the center hull, which is larger and used for most of the boat’s functionality. 

This design offers even more stability than a catamaran, making it a great choice for those who want to sail in rough waters safely.

The three-hulled design makes them super stable, and as mentioned above, they can easily handle rough waters. They also have a smaller turning radius, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Another important thing to know about Trimarans is that they provide a decent degree of livability, but they fall short of catamarans in two regards. First, they heel more than cats, making it difficult to do things like cooking on board. Second, they support much less load than catamarans.

Pros and Cons of Catamarans and Trimarans

Before making a decision whether to sail a catamaran or a trimaran, there are pros and cons you must consider. Let’s see what there are:

• Stability: Catamarans have two hulls, which makes them extremely stable. This means that you are less likely to experience seasickness or feel the boat rocking in rough waters.
• Space: Catamarans have a lot of space both inside and outside the boat. This makes them great for large groups or families who want to spend time together without feeling cramped.
• Speed: While not as fast as trimarans, catamarans are still faster than monohulls . They perform better in downwind conditions than trimarans and are great for long-distance cruising in calm waters.
• Shallow Draft: Catamarans have a shallow draft, which allows them to enter shallow waters and anchor closer to shore.
• Cost: Depending on how well the Catamaran is equipped, it can be more expensive than trimarans. Not always, though.
• Harbor Cost: As catamarans have a very large beam, this means that a berth at the marina will be higher.
• Navigation: Catamarans tend to struggle sailing close to the wind .
• Speed:  Trimarans are known for being faster than cats and single-hull boats. They can easily reach high speeds and are great for racing or long-distance cruising.
• Stability:  Trimarans are more stable than catamarans due to their three hulls. 
• Space:  Trimarans are wide, but the interior is less spacious than catamarans.
• Safety:  Provide exceptional buoyancy. If a trimaran capsizes, there is almost no chance it will sink.
• Navigation: Trimarans can sail in any weather condition and perform much better upwind than cats.
• Berthing:  Trimarans are more difficult to maneuver in harbors, making finding a berth in crowded marinas more challenging.
• Maneuverability:  Trimarans require more ability from sailors to beach without difficulty than catamarans.
• Loading:  Trimarans struggle to carry as much weight as catamarans.
• Sailing: Trimarans require more effort and work on the deck.

Design and Structure

When it comes to design and structure, there are significant differences between trimarans and catamarans. Below, I’ll walk you through these two multi-hull vessels’ geometry, hydrodynamics, weight, and materials.

Geometry and Hydrodynamics

One of the most significant differences between trimarans and catamarans is their geometry. A trimaran has a central hull with two outriggers connected to a large beam, while a catamaran has two parallel hulls connected by a central platform.

This twin-hull design gives catamarans a unique sense of balance and stability. On the other hand, trimarans offer superior stability and adaptability in various water conditions thanks to their three-hulled design.

The central hull of a trimaran is typically longer and narrower than the hulls of a catamaran, which leads to better hydrodynamic performance.

Both trimarans and catamarans have different hydrodynamic resistance characteristics.

For instance, trimarans have less wetted surface area, which means they experience less drag as they move through the water. This feature makes trimarans faster than catamarans in rough weather conditions and high winds.

Performance and Speed

When it comes to performance and speed, there is a clear winner between trimarans and catamarans . Trimarans are known for their speed and are often faster than catamarans of the same size and weight. This is because of their unique design, which has speed and safety qualities that provide significant advantages over catamarans.

Trimarans have less hydrodynamic resistance than catamarans due to their narrower central hull, which allows them to slice through the water more efficiently in rough seas.

While catamarans are also fast, they often fall short of trimarans in terms of speed and performance. But that’s not always true in downwind conditions because cats are light, and their sails are positioned equivalent to the wind, making them faster than tris in downwind conditions.

Heeling and Capsizing

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to stability is heeling and capsizing. Heeling means the boat leans from one side to one side, while capsizing is when the boat flips over completely.

Both trimarans and catamarans heel, but trimarans provide greater stability and are less likely to capsize due to their three hulls. However, this doesn’t mean a trimaran can’t capsize.

In rough conditions, if a wave gets higher than half the size of the beam, the boat can flip over, but because trimarans have exceptional buoyancy, they float on the surface of the water and can serve as a rescue platform, but they won’t sink!

Comfort and Space

One important factor to consider when choosing between a cat and a tri is comfort and space. So, let’s look at these two types of boat’ accommodation: storage, cockpit, and living quarters.

Accommodation and Storage

One of the main advantages of catamarans over trimarans is the amount of space they offer. Catamarans typically have larger cabins and more storage space than trimarans. This makes them a great choice for longer trips, as you’ll have plenty of room to store all your gear and personal belongings.

Trimarans, on the other hand, have smaller cabins and less storage space. This can make the passengers feel a bit cramped, especially on longer trips. 

However, some trimarans do offer creative storage solutions, such as under-bunk storage compartments or overhead storage racks. Note that the latest models of trimarans are extremely spacious and offer as much comfort and space, if not more, than catamarans do.

Another difference between trimarans and catamarans is their weight. While trimarans can potentially be built lighter than some catamarans, catamarans are lighter on average due to having one fewer hull requiring structure and ballast.

The weight distribution of a trimaran is also different from a catamaran, with more weight concentrated in the central hull. This feature provides better stability and performance in rough seas and upwinds.

Catamarans, on the other hand, can support more load than trimarans. This feature makes them ideal for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: which has better resale value – trimarans or catamarans.

Resale values for both trimarans and catamarans can depend on factors such as the boat’s age, maintenance, and overall condition. Generally, catamarans have a larger market and may hold their value better due to higher demand, especially among cruisers and charter companies. However, a well-maintained trimaran can still attract buyers who value speed and performance.

Q: Which type of boat is more suitable for long-distance travel: trimaran or catamaran?

Both trimarans and catamarans are fantastic for long-distance travel. Still, catamarans are often preferred among sailors for extended cruising due to their larger living spaces and privacy on board. However, if speed is a critical factor for your journey, a trimaran might be a more attractive option.

Q: What factors should I consider when choosing between a trimaran and a catamaran?

When deciding between a trimaran and a catamaran, some key factors to consider include your intended use, performance expectations, available space, and budget. 

You should ask yourself:

• What are your primary sailing goals – speed, comfort, cruising, or racing?
• How much living and storage space do you need for your crew and equipment?
• What kind of stability and performance characteristics do you value most?
• Are you willing to compromise on space or speed for the sake of your preferred multihull design?

Final Words!

So, what’s the best boat? Well, both are great. The choice between a catamaran and a trimaran will depend on your needs and personal preferences. If you are looking for a peaceful trip at a slower pace with plenty of space for the whole group, a catamaran will be your best bet. On the other hand, if you want to zip through the water and get your blood pumping, a trimaran is what you need!

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Have you sailed a catamaran or a trimaran? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.

Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.

Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.

26 thoughts on “Trimaran VS Catamaran – Which Boat Is Best?”

Hey, well I’m definitely the Catamaran girl. I love my space and don’t really need the thrill of the ride as much as I value the relaxation and holiday-type feeling. What’s your personal choice? Well since I’m more the sailor’s wife than the sailor, those other problems don’t really apply to me, do they? hahahaha what’s your personal choice?

We have something in common, because I am not a fan of racing . I love comfort and space, so I would go for a Cat!

Have a great day:)

I would go for the trimaran as it’s more stable in tough conditions as I would like to explore the world, not that I want to race. Catamaran is my go to option if I just want a nice vacation boat or something I agree that that one is better if you don’t want to race. I won’t buy a boat in the near future though, I certainly have not got the money, and I live at the wrong location, not far from the sea but still, I can’t even drive (no license). Great article though and I love boats. Wondered what the difference about these 2 are and now I know.?

Hi Stephanie, Sorry for the late reply. I had a minor technical issue:) Yes, trimarans are extremely stable and are faster than catamarans. However, those beautiful boats are quite expensive and if you plan on sailing around the world, you’ll need a small crew with you to handle the boat:). I am glad this article helped you know what’s the difference between a trimaran and a catamaran. Let me know if you need more info. I am always happy to help. Thank you for the comment and I wish you a lovely day.

This is a very informative comparison of the trimaran vs. catamaran style sailboat. They look similar on the exterior to the untrained eye – but it seems like the differences are pretty dramatic. If someone was looking to charter one for a vacation – do you have a specific experience or preference for one or the other?

It will depend on your personal preferences!

What are your needs? Can you be more precise?

I personally love to sail in comfort, I also need a lot of storage, so a cat is my favorite yacht!

Have a wonderful day:)

I have sailed ON a cat but never sailed one myself. Certainly a wonderful experience unlike a single-hulled vessel that rocks and rolls with the swells. That leads me to ask: if caught in rough weather (large swells and strong winds), how reliable is the trimaran? Does either configuration have limitations in this regard?

For the same size of boat, a trimaran have higher sailing performance ,a better ability to tack and go windward. So to answer to your question, a trimaran will handle better in strong winds and will go faster! But! Bear in mind that no matter if it’s a cat, trimaran, or monohull, the safety will all depend on when the sail will be shortened and how the boat will be handled in bad weather.

I hope it helped and if you have any other question , please feel free to get in touch:)

Have a great day!

Awesome write up on the differences between the two beauties. I have learned something new here. I am more of the adventure like person and your quick analysis of the Trimaran, tells me that I probably would lead to this option when choosing between the two.I will certainly browse around your site to check out other interesting articles you have on offer.Take Care, Roopesh.

Hi Roopesh,

Thank you for the compliment and you are very welcome to stroll around my website.

Take care too and wish you an awesome day!

It’s interesting to see the different opinions shown concerning of a debate. I don’t know about these vessels but I enjoyed reading it.

To me, I’ll go for Trimaran because of the modern interiors. I mean, it’s the modern feel that I’m looking for. That’s my main, personal factor.

Still, overall, I think it’s also suffice to say that these two cannot be compared because it’s not like with like. But that’s just my opinion. Trimaran for the win anyways!

So nice to see you again on my website:)

Yes, the trimaran Neel 45 has a modern look, but not every trimaran. Also, they are much faster than catamarans, sailors usually use them more for racing and catamarans for cruising.

Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate:)

I wish you a wonderful day!

I think now the Neel have brought out the 51 the game has changed somewhat. Lots more room ,walk around bed in master room. Lare shower in main head, the inside outside Cocloon as they now call it. Heaps of space below, fantastic headroom down below in central Hull. Much more classic looking boat on the exterior. Add the speed, stability and affordability compared to similar sized Cats and there really does not appear to be any more to be said. Of course it’s just my opinion and if money was not an option i think the Gunboat 60 would be the final choice, but for around 600k the Neel 51 has definitely set the standard. Take a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-997AEXfsk

Well, that’s a beautiful trimaran you have here, effectively, this one looks much more comfortable and wider than the Neel 45! I would definitely choose the 51 over the 45! I’ve really enjoyed watching the video, and it would be interesting to write an excellent review on the 51:). I agree with you, the Gunboat is such a beautiful cat, and now it makes it even harder to choose between the two of them:) Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!

Late arrival here but after reading and watching so many negative reviews about the Neel trimarans and the Neel 45 images of one build showing their train wreck quality, there is absolutely no way you can compare a Gunboat and a Neel. You’d be better off comparing it to the Yugo automobile.

The “Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose” did a recent video review of the newer Neel 47 posted on July 18, 2019 showing very clearly that its build quality is extremely lack luster. Although it was the Neel Trimaran that gave me the sea bug, one probably couldn’t purchase a poorer quality boat at any price. It’s an awesome concept but it’s a manufacturer no individual should consider buying from. I’m hoping one of the premium Cat builders will take on the task of providing a similar concept when I’m ready with my money.

Hello Eso, The beautiful thing in life is that everyone has different taste and opinion. I am glad to have you here and thank you for sharing your experience with the readers, this will certainly be useful to many people. I wish you a fantastic day!

Yes I’ve been looking at the Neel 51, Its turning my attention some what. It would make world cruising just that little bit faster and with room and comfort. PS I like the engine room.

Hi Mercury,

Thank you for the comment! The Neel 51 is a beautiful boat. She is more spacious and comfortable than the 45 Neel, but the 65 is even better! However, the 51 is an ideal cruising trimaran to sail in comfort. She provides everything sailors have ever dreamed of such as speed, stability, space, and luxury. What more to ask for:)

Thank you again for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!

I own a Catana 47 with one owner and two guest cabins. I and my wife want four cabin boat so that We can sail with our two daughters and their family including grand children. Should I buy Catana 53, Outremer 51 or Neel 51?

Thank you for commenting!

I am not a boat seller, but I will be more than happy to answer your question. The Catana 53, Neel 51, and Outremer 51 are fantastic boats. And to be honest, I would personally buy the Neel 51 because she is extremely spacious, lightweight and more stable than any catamaran out there.If you bring children, then you would want the boat to be safe. The other boats are also great but tend to perform less well in strong winds and heavy seas than the Neel 51. So yes, the Neel 51 is unbeatable in all categories! At least to me:)

I hope it helped and, please, feel free to contact me if you need to know further information. I am always happy to assist!

Thank you again for the comment and wish you a lovely day!

It’s really a good Information. I have never been in any one of the rides but I feel personally Cat is better. Do you guys know anything similar to this other then Cat trimaran like Semi-Submersible, drone etc. as I am doing a project that will help you to ride Cat Yourself alone!. Wish me good luck and please help me achieve my goal fastly, by sharing your precious knowledge and time. thank you in advance.

Hi Mohammed,

We would like to help you, but we didn’t really understand your question, could you be more specific, please?

Thank you for the comment!

Hello Daniella, Firstly thank you very much for your kind response. I would like to have some info about the Stability equation of Catamaran and different steering Mechanisms.

You are very welcome!

Please, check out these articles, I am sure you will find all the answers to your questions: file:///C:/Users/gofri/Downloads/6962-1-10720-1-10-20130718.pdf

http://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/faqs/19-sailing-and-performance-questions/109-which-steering-system-should-i-use

I hope it helped! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information, I’ll be more than happy to assist!

Dear Daniela Thankyou very much for your Kind help. Could you please give some Information about the construction guidance of Catamaran. I want to construct my own for my experimental purposes. Thankyou Regards Moulasaheb Md

Hi Mohamed,

I would like to help you, but you are not in the right place for this. If you are looking for sailing holiday, then I’ll be more than happy to help!

If you want to construct your own boat, I highly recommend you to check other websites.

Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!

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Reasons for choosing a Neel 47

Mar 1, 2021 | Neel 47 owner

The two groups the above question comes from most often are:

• Multihull devotees already interested in the Neel 47 and looking for some reassurance
• Monohull sailors wanting to switch to a multihull but preferring a fun-to-sail trimaran rather than a production ‘condomaran’

We considered and sailed several catamaran brands along with the Neel 45 and Neel 51 before making our choice.

If you’re expecting a direct comparison to specific trimaran or catamaran models…then move along please.  However, if you’re looking for confirmation or reasons you may have overlooked, then stick around a while. We’re now revealing the reasons why WE chose a Neel Trimaran as opposed to a catamaran.

You love to sail but your boat will be your travelling home and it has to be comfortable too!

First, let’s see if you’re on our wavelength.  Let me guess…

You’re a couple; either have no kids or easy-going older kids with their own lives.

Your mix of sailing friends and non-sailor-friends are all still working the 9 to 5 and then some. They’re hoping to visit you but probably rarely will.

You’ve got a good ten more years of potential earnings in you but corporate life has disillusioned and drained, perhaps spat you out after yet another ‘restructuring’ wave. Or you spat back after being expected to work days and nights for a pat on the back that just about motivates you until the next deflating Zoom meeting.

Perhaps you’ve sadly lost someone close to you. Someone too young, with no chance to realise their own graspable dreams and well-thought out plans.

Whatever your reasons, you’re ready. Ready to enjoy your life and set-off on an adventure at sea. Ready to share your time with a loved one whom you can bear to chuckle and bicker with in tight quarters every second of the day.

You’ve going to give up land-life completely; no more spacious apartment or house. You love to sail well but your boat will be your travelling home and it has to be comfortable too!

If you can relate to this, our reasons could be valid for you too. Right. Let’s get on with it…

What’s The Appeal of a NEEL ?

OK. If you haven’t yet understood the appeal of a Neel trimaran as opposed to a catamaran, then listen up…

When you put so much effort into finding and sailing to the most beautiful anchorages and prettiest towns, you want to make the most of the amazing sights of them while you’re there.

Prime Position

That owner cabin above the waterline means the most amazing views just by lifting your relaxed head from the pillow. Waking up in a nice anchorage, having your first espresso in bed and being able to see all around you from where you lie is simply spectacular.

Because your cabin is far above the waterline, it’s also much quieter than any hull cabin. Free from glugging water sounds, the hum of engine noise from your or other boats or the crackling underwater white-noise you hear when sleeping in an ama or hull.

And then there’s ventilation . Separated from wet-areas and with a wide door opening to the main cabin, the owner cabin is always kept well-aired and dry.

On night passages, we especially love the fact that the master cabin is on the same level as the chart table. Close to any action , you can immediately respond if another pair of hands or eyes are needed – no clambering up a gangway half asleep to find out what that strange noise on deck is. (Many short-handed catamaran sailors we know sleep in the salon when not on watch – exactly for this reason!)

These benefits – for us – far outweigh any positives of a catamaran hull cabin. There’s no way we would be happy sleeping down below anymore.

Visibility is unbeatable

When you put so much effort into finding and sailing to the most beautiful anchorages and prettiest towns you want to make the most of the amazing sights of them while you’re there.

Let’s face it, you’ll be spending all your time in the main cabin and cockpit, protected from weather and going about your daily tasks or hobbies like cooking, reading, planning and socialising. 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. 

Let’s Get Technical

We love that all technical equipment is below deck and grouped in one easy-to-access, spacious compartment . Once you’ve seen that, there’s no going back to generators under the kid’s bed, batteries under saloon seating, water-makers in a locker next to your cabin, engines under your bed or in horrid-to-work-underway aft compartments, just a splash from a breaking wave.

Again, a major USP for us is that all technical installations are completely sealed off from living areas. This time it’s the noise, smells, vibrations or heat that may emanate from them that are kept at bay . 

Accessibility and visibility for inspection and maintenance are unbeatable both in the engine compartment and the technical compartment.  

Most importantly,  the central hull of a trimaran allows for the placement of tankage, engine and heavy storage down low in the center of the boat. This results in better sailing performance and motion.

Sailing Performance

Some words about performance: the 47 is for sure not a racing boat. But it’s true, it does sail well in light winds and this is an important element for us. Every boat sails well in strong winds right? In 7 knots of wind , 6-7 knots of boatspeed (TWA 50° – 60°) are common. 

Upwind  sailing is a surprise! This is where the Neel 47 leaves us thrilled and all those in our wake aghast and stunned! Even with apparent wind angles of around 40°, we averaged 8 knots in 10 knots true wind. On most of our passages along the Spanish coast and around Mallorca where we often chose to sail close-hauled, the ride was  much smoother than expected. We regularly overtake even larger monohulls too which is always fun!

Additionally, with the self-tacking jib, single-handed manoeuvres are easy . 

On all sailboats but specifically on multihulls, by reducing weight you’ll be rewarded with some extra speed as you go into ‘switchontheenginelater’ mode. Keep in mind we’re sailing fully loaded for comfortable full-time cruising, so good payload capacity is important. At 12 tons we enjoy a comfortable sailing motion as well!

Motion on a Neel Trimaran

We look at trimarans as a hybrid between a monohull and a catamaran, reuniting the favourable aspects of both concepts.

By design a trimaran offers superior stability under sail than any catamaran.  With the placement of tankage and engine low in the center of the boat you benefit from  reduced pitch and roll .

Readers often ask us about heeling and underway motion. You know those photos you see with one ama raised clear out of the water as the Neel thrillingly glides by on two hulls? Well, since the amas are only partially immersed, it doesn’t take much pressure to lift the windward hull. In fact, Tania often looks over the side to check if we’re lifted as you can barely tell from onboard, that’s how stable and even-keeled it feels!

Even on maximum heel, we often don’t feel any difference to the sensation on board and our water bottles remain standing on the tables.

At the Helm 

The NEEL 47 is a big boat but the helm is very well organised . All the lines are routed to the helm station which has a good ergonomics , every thing is at arms length. This makes sail-handling very convenient if you’re a small crew or even single-handed. Adding electrical winches as we did, helps   a lot of course.

We don’t particularly like a bimini but if you do add one you could have a full enclosure which would add more comfort in colder regions. Do keep in mind though, most of the time the autopilot will be your helms person and you can steer your boat from inside while passage-making.

Access to the helm station is very secure even in bad weather. We added one handrail we felt was necessary (see Handrail to Helm ). Some Neel 47 owners have added handrails both outside along the main cabin roof and inside the main cabin at the sideboard. We’ve found this totally unnecessary. If your mobility is not especially impaired or challenged then movement underway feels safe . As we said earlier, we think trimarans have a more pleasant motion underway, much smoother than the hobby-horse jerk of most catamarans.

At the helm, rudder feedback  is superior to that on all the cats we have sailed.

Everything comes with a compromise, never truer than when talking about boats.

A major topic when you live on a boat is space. Two of the main requirements are:

• Free deck space for crew and guests to spread out and move about.
• Practical, dry space to store the few items you have and need (even though we live minimally, as liveaboards this still adds up!).

Without exception, every boat owner that has come on TALATA has been amazed by the open living space both in the main cabin and the cockpit. It feels airy, uncluttered and unencumbered and it is. Some custom adjustments such as our foldable dining tables add to this effect and make it even easier to manoeuvre around .

Admittedly, a catamaran of the same length will probably provide more volume accessible from the main cabin. Having said that, accessing the NEEL 47 amas from deck is handy and has some benefits, especially for stowing stuff like large deck beanbags, water toys, boards, foul-weather gear, foldable bikes or e-scooters.

On a catamaran, you’d need to move these through the main cabin and down into the guest hull for protected storage. But since the gangway into hulls generally have narrow entrances with little room to navigate a corner, you’ll often see these items tethered on deck or taking up space in the catamaran cockpit.

Three is greater than two

Apart from the technical compartments we mentioned above, the central mainhull offers ample space for a large separate shower and full-length cabinet storage. Being on the waterline, these cabinets are also much cooler so a great place for a pantry and keeping all the SPF creams and cosmetics!

On TALATA, the amas serve as valuable dry storage space since – in our case – they’re not needed as crew cabins and we rarely have guests. (BTW, if we did have kids onboard full-time, we’d have chosen the Neel 51.)

We’ve designated the port ama as a guest cabin, storing wine crates under the bed to help spread weight evenly. There is room for improvement though and our friend Yves on Neel 47 No. 11 has put in a nice storage solution next to the small standard cupboard. (There’ s a panel next to the small cupboard that when removed gives access to huge empty space going under the main cabin saloon seating. We can’t modify here as we have AC chiller in that space.)

The starboard ama is our space for storing anything we want easy access to. (We moved the mattress over to port cabin which makes the guest bed feel wider and even more comfortable.) The robust crates we’ve stacked on the bed platform are easily reached or moved. 

Huge compartments in the bow of each ama provide additional and ample dry storage space. We like a tidy boat and with the NEEL, there’s no reason you’ll ever have to sail with jerry-jugs strapped to the lifelines, bikes in the cockpit and SUP boards tied up on the side deck.

So you love the idea of a NEEL but are hesitant

We know how you feel and shared the concerns after seeing, reading and hearing the negativity out there. We both have very high standards and expectations and have always invested in high quality for whatever we acquired. Initially we were settled on the Neel 51 but as soon as the 47 was announced we switched to the new model. We don’t regret it. Yet.

But we’re not uncritical so how did we get to this point? Well, after many discussions with each other and the builder, we reassured ourselves.

Main reasons were/are:

1. We have absolute confidence in the most important part – construction of the boat itself.

2. We have a realistic expectation, are very clear about what is important for us, where we are willing to compromise.

Room for Improvement

In our opinion, NEEL has incorporated many innovative and good ideas that could and should be improved in realisation. As owners living full-time we are certain that NEEL could think even smarter. After all, the NEEL 47 is being positioned as a blue-water cruising boat for a couple – so longterm sailing.

• Cabinets and storage are definitely too few and too small, with unnecessarily and annoyingly small knobs.
• The ALPI furniture sharp edges are too sensitive to nicks and won’t age well. 
• Larger hatches would enable you to use the locker space in the amas more easily, especially for bulky items.
• Fixtures especially plumbing installations, mounting and finishing require more quality control to ensure durability. *Please show some love for the detail*
• The ergonomics of seating and thickness and form of upholstery is not adequate for longterm comfort.
• We like simplicity but a single main sheet is too simple a solution. When buying a carbon mast as we did, we expected to get a more refined trimming system.

But Neel learns from the feedback they get and many improvements have been made.

If you’re buying a NEEL 47 now, your boat will be a better version than ours for sure. Already the head/toilet and stairs design in the AMAs have been changed. That is one of our big pain-points. And yes, we’ve made a few modifications that you can read about on our Boat page in the TALATA Edition section.

In Summary Our Tip

Ideally you get to try out the builders boats you are interested in – especially if you’re new to boat ownership and looking for a multihull.

Over a period of 10 years gathered a lot of experience with catamaran sailing, doing 2 to 3 week charters each on Nautitech, Lagoon, Fountain Pajot, Leopard. With 10 weeks of sailing NEELs to compare to, we knew where we were willing to compromise and what we wouldn’t accept. And no other trimaran or catamaran could tick all the boxes for us.

If you’re switching from a monohull or looking for a multihull with a performance range then, well, you can’t go wrong with the Neel 47 for the much yearned-for comfort combined with great sailing qualities .

So after a year living and sailing full-time, yes, we’d choose the NEEL 47 again. For us, the above features in one boat surpass anything any similar sized catamaran offers.

If you’d like a non-owner assessment, Sail Magazine published a NEEL 47 review in 2020 which is also a good read.

WelL done, we have the same feelings and opinions like you Why we want neel 47. Hope it will be soon in this crazy time🤞👍

Thanks Petra and Ota! Good to hear this from monohull sailors like you 🙂 Hope you don’t need to wait too long!

Great summary and reasons. these are all the exact same reason tracy and I go for the NEEL trimaran too. albeit the 51 simply because we have 5 kids that will want to visit us from time to time around the world… The boomerang generation!

Thanks. Wise decision on a 51, the kids will love it too! Lets all hope travel will be easier again soon.

These are all the great reasons we chose a NEEL 47 for. Thanks for summing them up so clearly, it’s always comforting to hear it again. Your boat looks both classy and cosy at the same time. I can definitely see how Extraordinary it may feel to wake up in the morning with such breath-taking views. Bravo!!! And thanks for all your sincere and deTailed tips and posts, it must be quite a lot if extra work! 😉 Sylvie

Hi Sylvie, Glad to hear it matches your reasons. Sometimes we get quite frustrated about little annoyances on the boat but the positives help get over it 😉 You’re in such an exciting, busy phase, we’re so looking forward to seeing your boat in some beautiful bays at last! Thanks for all your encouragement, it makes all the long hours of work worthwhile 🙂

Great summary of the Neel 47. Was very curious how it sailed in light airs. We are considering a Neel 43 to head into the Pacific and need both heavy and light upwind performance. Any thoughts welcome. We have had two smaller trimarans before cruising the east coast of Australia. Recently Spent 10 days on a 40 foot charter cat and it was just simply disappointing in the sailing department. Love the blog.

Thanks for the love Phil, so great to hear from a trimaran sailor! What beautiful sailing grounds you have there, just so far away for us! The new 43 looks great, very innovative.Can imagine that in the tradition of NEEL, the 43 will be seaworthy and no doubt sail well in light winds too. Keep in touch with your plans, we’d love to hear what you decide on. Until then, best wishes to you in Australia

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2023 Boat of the Year Best Multihull: Neel 43

• By Dave Reed
• December 16, 2022

Sailing World Magazine’s  annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our  2023 Boat of the Year nominees »

The Power of Three

• Neel 43 2023 Best Multihull
• Stated purpose: Family cruising, casual pursuit racing
• Crew: Two to four
• Praise for: Easily handling, open interior layout, overall positive sailing experience
• Est. price as sailed: $600,000

In the sea of slab-sided catamarans that make up “multihull alley” in the US Sailboat Show, there’s a homogeneity that makes it almost impossible for one cat sailing condo to stand out among the others. (Gunboat and HH Catamarans being the high-ticket exceptions.)

Unique and mixed in among them, however, is the Neel 43 trimaran. From the dock perspective, it’s a big and imposing vessel. It’s also a proven bluewater performer that’s already won its share of hardware. While previous French-built Neel performance cruising tris have been overlooked by the racing set, that’s starting to change, as are opinions of multihulls. Ask the Texans in Galveston how many performance cruising multis are now doing their annual Harvest Moon Regatta—more than ever. And the Caribbean Multihull Challenge in St. Martin? It’s growing bigger by the year, and that’s because boats like the Neel 43 can be one heck of a ride and capable of being first to finish in a coastal overnighter.

“What surprised me is how much it sailed upwind like a monohull,” Allen says. “When you start flying the weather hull—when it’s just skimming the surface—the boat takes off. We didn’t have a ton of breeze for the test sail, but it was easy to see how you could really cover some ground with the right sail combination. I could see this boat being easily raced point-to-point by two people. With four crew on a coastal race, it would be a blast—go around the island and then park the thing and have a great night.”

Neel-Trimarans, explains Alex Sastre, the North American agent, was founded 20 years ago by Eric Brunel, founder of catamaran giant Fountaine Pajot. Neel now builds nearly 200 boats per year at its facilities in La Rochelle, France, and it’ll build plenty of these entry-level cruising tris.

The boat’s overall interior concept is to have one large and connected living space, visible from hull to hull. Step through the main salon sliding door and the living quarters are all right there before you with a near panoramic view. There’s an owners cabin in one hull, a guest cabin in the other, and a sunken V-berth forward. The layout is a striking change from similar-size catamarans, where cabins are down and low in the hulls. On the Neel 43, there’s a feeling of inclusion, like a loft apartment. It’s not necessarily better or worse in terms of owner privacy, the judges say. It’s just different. What the trimaran’s large center hull provides is a giant mechanical room below. Open a hatch and climb down a short ladder to an airy and brightly illuminated space with all the boat systems accessible.

The boat is primarily intended for family cruising, Sastre says, but it’s ultimately for a sailor who appreciates performance. “When you trim in the sails, the boat lurches forward,” he says, thrusting his hips forward, “like whoosh! It takes off!

“With four on a long-­distance race, it would be a blast [to] go around the island and then park the thing on a mooring and have a great night.” —Chuck Allen

“A trimaran,” he adds, “is more stable than a catamaran and is faster than a catamaran, so sailing this boat is a lot of fun because helming it gives a feeling of great sensation. With the keel, mast and rudder on the center hull, trimming the amas is like a balancing act. It doesn’t heel too much, and it’s very stable. This is a platform for adventure.”

“It was the least multihull-like of all the multihulls we sailed,” Powlison says. “It handled like a monohull, and the third hull really makes a difference in being able turn the boat easily without stalling.”

The boat is an impressive build of vinylester and foam core, with nearly the entire hull built off with one mold. Neel touts use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, and even cork is used as coring in some interior elements. Solar panels on the roof power the fridge and electronics.

With a displacement of nearly 9 tons, there’s a lot of boat that spans 24 feet at maximum beam. Looking bow on, it’s a formidable-looking craft that glides quietly across the water when there’s all of 1,100 square feet of upwind sail area on the carbon rig. With its roller-furling gennaker deployed, the boat really lights up, as it should, Allen says.

The single helm is up high to starboard with good visibility, the judges note, with all the reef and control lines spilling into the helm area and into sheet bags.

The Dyneema cable steering, Stewart says, was very responsive: “This is Hull No. 25, which is a good indication they’ve hit it right with the type of owner drawn to this type of boat. It definitely meets its purpose and does what it is supposed to. It’s stable and powerful, and accelerated well, even with the small jib. It felt far more nimble than other big multihulls we’ve sailed in the past. The way that it tacked easily is a really appealing trait for the type of racing an owner can do, like in the Caribbean, where the races are around islands and there can be a fair bit of tacking.”

First around the island means the first ­relaxing, and that’s what the Neel 43 is designed to do.

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• NEEL 47 trimaran

The NEEL 47 trimaran is a marvel of a cruising yacht. We are not the only ones to think so. The 47 has  won the 2020 Cruising Magazines Cruising Boat of the Year as well as 2020 Multihull of the Year. This avantgarde performance cruiser is full of innovations. It is a cruising multihull that can be easily operated by an owner couple or even a single sailor due to the fact that all control lines are led back to the helm station. Discover how the NEEL 47 combines the best of a monohull and catamaran.

Pedigree Design from a Top Naval Architect

The NEEL 47 trimaran stems from the design board of famed naval architect Marc Lombard. For the last 35 years his team have created the world’s most successful multihull cruisers and ocean racers. Not surprisingly this advanced yacht combines all the benefits of a true blue-water sailboat. Safety, Speed and Comfort. They are fused into an unpretentious interior, extraordinary modern and timeless exterior design.

Intelligent Materials. Comfort, Safety and Sailing Performance

NEEL constructs the boat in a one-shot vacuum bagged infused polyester/foam process. This high-tech method eliminates the risks of osmotic blistering as found on some balsa wood core production catamarans. NEEL employs an epoxy barrier coat as well as carbon in high stress areas. The boat’s 27′ beam is only about 1’ wider than a catamaran of the same length. Consequently the NEEL 47 trimaran has exceptional stability which translates into less motion when at anchor and and higher sailing performance. In light winds under 12 knots the trimaran has more speed than a catamaran and in heavy weather a more comfortable, softer ride. Centered weights and intelligent choices of materials provide the boat with a 24 hr./ 220-mile travel radius. This speed translates both into fun at the helm as well as safety, by reducing exposure time at sea.

Passive Safety thanks to Watertight Compartments

Why do we think the Neel 47 is one of the safest cruising boats? Besides her fast sailing and exceptional upwind characteristics, she has 9 watertight compartments. This is nearly double of a catamaran or monohull! Recently a NEEL 51 struck a submerged container in mid Atlantic. Two of her compartments were flooded. The boat was able to sail back and reach the safety of port without outside assistance.

Avantgarde Features. Main Deck Master Suite & Large Inside Nav Station

NEEL Trimarans have invented the famous “Cockloon”. It is the social space between the outside cockpit and the bridgedeck salon. The NEEL 47 trimaran combines this space perfectly into one huge living platform without a single step. Enjoy your private sea-view master suite. It is located right on the main deck providing unobstructed 270-degree views – right from your own bed. Very few catamarans under 80’ can provide this sort of living accommodation. A large U-shaped galley is a chef’s delight and is situated forward in the salon. Helm your NEEL 47 from the safety and comfort of the large fwd. facing nav station. This inside watch area can seat three and can even be used as a watch berth. (no sleeping on watch !:)

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. Helming the NEEL 47 trimaran is a joy. Never did a yacht manufacturer combine effortless speeds and helming sensations with so much accommodation volume. Helm this boat from an elevated steering position and never leave your seat. All reefing lines and halyards are lead back, allowing for safe maneuvers in all conditions.

Chose from 2 Layouts that suit your Cruising Lifestyle

The NEEL 47 can easily handle kids as well as guest couples. Consequently both floats are separately accessible from the cockpit and house a spacious berth as well as a washroom complete with sink, shower and a head. All systems are housed in the Neel 47 trimaran’s deep “basement”. Yes, you heard right – this boat has a basement, complete with optional wine cellar. Chose between the 3 cabin Owner Version or the 4 cabin Family Version.

Contact Aeroyacht to reserve your exclusive private tour with the NEEL factory in La Rochelle, France. Aeroyacht will provide you with an in depth look at all phases of construction and design of this innovative trimaran. We will organize “meet and greets” with the principals of the Neel Company, sit down to define your personal Neel as well as test sail on a NEEL 47 trimaran.

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Neel 43 review: re-birth of the cruising trimaran

• David Harding
• June 23, 2023

If you’re torn between the performance of a trimaran and the accommodation of a cruising cat, the Neel 43 might offer a solution, says David Harding

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

For anyone who doesn’t follow the world of multihulls , it might be easy to imagine that catamarans are for cruising and trimarans are for racing. After all, two hulls offer vast potential for living space, both inside and out.

Many cats have expanded in all directions to take full advantage of that, becoming high, wide and, some might think, not particularly elegant. Trimarans, on the other hand, are the light, spindly ones that fly around at high speed while giving you no accommodation. Right?

So you might think. After all, that’s how things were once upon a time. My father used to describe the typical cruising cats of the day as ‘Dutch barns.’ Our own family cruiser when I was growing up was one of John Westell’s ‘swing-wing’ Ocean Bird 30ft trimarans. When we sold it, the new owner invited me to help him sail it to the Caribbean – so we did.

In those days the Ocean Bird was one of relatively few cruising tris, following those from the 1950s and 1960s by multihull pioneers such as Arthur Piver. Then there was Norman Cross who, like Piver, designed many of his tris with solid wings (decks between the floats and the main hull), allowing full-width accommodation out to the floats.

Since those early years of the production cruising trimaran, when three hulls helped to establish the names of Derek Kelsall, John Shuttleworth, Walter Green, Lock Crowther and Dick Newick among others, solid wings have largely disappeared.

Racing trimarans have beams (akas) joining their slim hulls, while some of the later-generation multi-purpose tris designed with marina berthing (or trailing) in mind have had floats that fold in – just as the Ocean Bird did in the late 1960s. A few had solid wings combined with folding floats, such as Tony Smith’s Telstar 26 from the 1970s.

Sail controls are led to a pair of winches at the helm. Photo: David Harding

Two hulls or three?

For all the twists and turns in the evolution of the trimaran, it’s the catamaran that has managed more successfully to adapt to the differing needs of cruising and racing sailors. Some cats only have beams and trampolines between the hulls. Others could easily accommodate a sauna, a gym and several four-poster beds.

At mainstream boat shows we mostly see the cruising and charter cats – all that deck and living space is a charter-operator’s dream – but there are plenty of alternatives, such as the Dazcats, Rapiers, Gunboats, Outremers and Schionnings, for example, that place the emphasis firmly on performance.

This brief dash through multihull history leaves us with one big question: what happened to the solid-wing trimaran? Didn’t Nigel Tetley actually complete his solo circumnavigation in the 1968 Golden Globe race in just such a boat? Yes he did, just as Donald Crowhust didn’t (not the boat’s fault), but some things are too readily forgotten.

So why is it that most trimarans designed in the past 30 years have limited their accommodation to the main hull? Unless marina-berthing is a constraint, why not extend it between the hulls as on a catamaran?

Offset well to starboard, the helm station leaves the enormous cockpit space clear for non-working crew. Photo: David Harding

Cross and Piver were among the designers who did exactly that, and many of their creations are still sailing. In the Canaries before setting off across the Atlantic on the Ocean Bird we became friendly with an American family on a Cross 46, and very spacious it was too. We also met Geoff Pack, long before he became editor of Yachting Monthly, on his 30ft Wharram cat. We were all heading west.

This background, together with a fair few miles sailed on a whole host of cruising and racing multihulls, meant that I was more than a little interested when Neel trimarans started to appear from a factory in La Rochelle about 14 years ago. Here was a modern-day, solid-wing trimaran with full-width accommodation that took on the big cats and, in some ways, beat them at their own game.

A hatch in the bow gives access to the anchor locker. Photo: David Harding

Of course, how you see a trimaran in relation to a cat depends on a multitude of factors, but Neel is keen to point out some of the tri’s virtues.

One is that a trimaran feels more like a monohull in many respects, most of the weight being carried by the centre hull. The Neel’s hull is rockered and, with its single low aspect-ratio (LAR) keel (as opposed to a keel or daggerboard on each hull with a cat), it’s easier to tack. The floats are only lightly immersed at rest, so as soon as the boat starts sailing in any breeze the windward hull lifts clear of the water to minimise wetted area.

A single rudder should give a more direct feel to the helm, addressing one of the monohull sailor’s common gripes about catamarans in the form of a rather muted feel. Then there’s rig tension: it’s easier to achieve in a trimaran because the forestay is anchored to the bow of the main hull.

The right moment

On the issue of stability, catamaran enthusiasts will sometimes cite research showing that, in extremis, the twin-hulled form is more likely to see you through severe conditions than a monohull or a trimaran. Neel’s argument is that a catamaran achieves its maximum righting moment at about 12° of heel, beyond which it reduces rapidly. A trimaran like the Neel, by contrast, heels more progressively and reaches its maximum righting moment at closer to 30°, giving you more warning before it becomes over-pressed.

In addition to this, the concentration of weight in the centre hull should contribute to stability as well as reduced pitching, while the greater beam and the closer relative positions of the centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy should make for a smoother motion in a beam sea.

Arguments about the relative pros and cons of trimarans and catamarans will often be batted back and forth. So many people have or have had a foot in both camps. Eric Bruneel, the man behind Neel trimarans, used to work with Fountaine Pajot (catamarans). Multihull designers are often known for both cats and tris. MI Cats, the UK dealers for Neel, are also Fountaine Pajot dealers.

Few builders, sailors or designers of multihulls would unequivocally support two hulls while dismissing three, or vice versa.

As for the 43 itself, it’s a big, wide boat, with a beam that’s about 2ft (0.6m) greater than that of a typical catamaran of the same length. Nonetheless, at 9 tonnes it’s surprisingly light. You can see why by looking below decks: it’s fitted out very simply, with just enough in the way of trim and furnishings to stop it feeling too stark.

A reef in the main and a couple of rolls in the headsail balanced the boat nicely and led to a light and responsive helm. Photo: David Harding

You feel the power-to-weight ratio when you’re sailing. I headed out with MI Cats’ demonstrator on a brisk autumn day with the breeze hovering around 20 knots much of the time, and the boat didn’t hang about.

I had recently spoken with some friends who had been skippering and managing a new Neel 51 for the owner having taken delivery from the yard. They said it was very sensitive to sail balance, so it was interesting to find that the 43 was pretty tolerant on the whole. We sailed with one slab in the main and a couple of rolls in the jib, and it was fine. Some weather helm became apparent before the jib was sheeted in as we came out of a tack. Then we accelerated rapidly and would carry on almost in a straight line if I let go of the wheel, just a reassuring touch of weather helm remaining.

True to Neel’s promise, the helm is indeed direct and responsive, and the boat tacks positively. You really can enjoy sailing this boat for sailing’s sake. That, in my experience, is more than can be said for many cruising cats.

The saloon gives a nearly 360º view of the outside world. Photo: David Harding

In the relatively flat water of the Solent the log showed us clocking up to 10 knots upwind on starboard tack at about 60° to the true wind and, most of the time, closer to 8.5 knots on port with a true wind angle (TWA) of around 45°. Some calibration of instruments was probably needed.

In any event, our tacking angle of around 100-110° by the compass tallied with the TWA readings, even if the angles were offset.

Smooth sailing

Once the tide started to ebb, running against the wind, the water chopped up a little but our motion remained remarkably smooth. The main factors to be mindful of are keeping a lookout under the headsail on starboard tack – the helm station being on the starboard side – and handling the headsail sheets on the single Antal 48 winch (electric on our test boat), That’s more of a challenge if you choose to back the headsail during a tack. The chances are you will rarely need to.

Cracking off a few degrees took us up to around 12 knots. Like many multihulls, this one will get you around pretty quickly when it comes to ‘straight-line’ sailing, even if a performance monohull might have the edge upwind. That said, taking the trouble to sheet the headsail in fairly hard to narrow the sheeting angle made a difference to our VMG.

ABOVE: A simple linear galley to starboard adjoins the owner’s cabin outboard. Gimbals are not needed for the hob or oven as they would be on a monohull. Photo: David Harding

Performance could be enhanced by some additions, such as headsail tracks. Fixed thimbles give no adjustment for twist and could lead to a slack leech when you have more than a few rolls around the headfoil. Twin mainsheets, taken to strong-points a few feet apart on the stern, give some control over mainsail twist until the wind comes aft. Strong-points along the gunwales would be useful for sail control and a variety of other purposes. All the basics are fitted; nothing more.

At the helm station you’re well away from the cockpit, so non-working crew can spread out under the hard-top around the large table. You have big lockers aft in each hull, but little in the way of small stowage and nothing under the seats in the cockpit or the saloon. That seems a waste of space.

Double cabins each side in the floats are separated from the saloon by windows with curtains or blinds, although the cabin to port is not fitted with a door. Photo: David Harding

More large stowage areas are forward in each float, reached by hatches in the deck. They’re big enough to be used as cabins, separate from the main accommodation. Each of the three bows has a collision bulkhead and this, combined with the foam-cored (and resin-infused) construction should give the Neel a good chance of staying afloat if you hit anything. The literature says these features ‘guarantee that the craft is unsinkable.’

A few details on deck are worthy of note, such as the Dyneema guardwires – far more practical than the plastic-covered stainless wire that used to be the norm. Otherwise it’s all about simple sailing and loads of space.

Inside and out

Neel use the word ‘cockloon’ to describe a cockpit and saloon that merge into each other. They’re separated by sliding doors which, when fully open, create an almost seamless inside/outside living space.

In the saloon, as elsewhere, you’re greeted by a lot of shiny moulded surfaces that simplify production and save the weight of more elaborate trim. Additional joinery units are on the extras list.

On the wind the Neel clocked up to 10 knots. Photo: David Harding

You have a table to port and a nav area forward of it with a view through about 300°, obscured to starboard only by the heads and the door to the owner’s cabin that extends into the starboard float.

A second double cabin is in the port float, this time with no door. Both wing cabins have windows to the saloon, making it light and giving that nearly-all-round view. Curtains or blinds can be used for privacy when the cabins are occupied. Cabin No.3 is in the bow, down a level from the saloon and with a slightly narrower bunk.

One space that’s particularly useful on the Neel is below the sole of the saloon. Drop down through the hatch and you find the utility area running most of the length of the main hull. Aft is the engine – a 50hp Volvo that gives nearly nine knots at full tilt and a comfortable 7-plus knots at cruising speeds. All-round access is pretty well unrestricted. Down here you also find the tankage and electrics, all neatly laid out and easy to reach.

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vIt seems strange that the solid-wing (solid-deck) trimaran has taken so long to reappear in the mainstream. The success of the Neels, from the 43 up to the truly massive 65, suggests that the world has been ready for something like this for a while. Like a cruising catamaran, the Neel offers a lot room. Just don’t fill it with too much heavy kit or you will lose the fizz-factor under sail. It would be interesting to see how the 43 performs in a seaway, and good to have a little more scope for sail-tweaking, which the yard might be persuaded to discuss if you started waving a cheque book. On the basis of what I experienced, this could be an excellent alternative to a high-volume cruising cat or a low-volume performance tri if you want some of the best features of each.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Neel 52 trimaran review

• Rupert Holmes
• December 22, 2023

Neel broke ground with its cruising trimarans a decade ago. So what’s changed with its new 50+ footer, the Neel 52?

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

We’re beating out of the approach channel to La Rochelle in 8-10 knots of true wind, with some tacks as short as 90 seconds. The yacht is tacking cleanly and accelerating willingly afterwards, underlining how manoeuvrable it can be in skilled hands. Yet this isn’t a lightweight monohull – it’s a 52ft semi flybridge multihull weighing more than 13 tonnes, the Neel 52.

The first generation of Neel trimarans, including the Neel 51 launched in 2017, set a new standard in combining handling that echoes that of a monohull with accommodation of a scale that can only be found on a multihull. The concept of the Neel 52 remains the same, using the hulls of a fast racing trimaran with narrow waterline beam, as a platform for expansive four- to six-cabin accommodation.

On paper there’s no significant difference in the key dimensions of each boat, but that conceals a number of important changes. An example for this market is a much improved owners’ cabin which now occupies part of the bridgedeck and can also include the entire starboard ama.

There’s also a big difference in how the new boat handles. Offshore racing multihulls are designed to optimise straight line speed, but that’s rarely the key priority for cruising yachts. As a result the shape of the main hulls and amas of this new Lombard design are very different to those of the Joubert-Nivel-designed Neel 51 it replaces (42 built).

In particular the forward sections have a very shallow forefoot compared to the old model, where maximum waterline length was a key priority. The change improves manoeuvrability and is an important factor behind the ease with which our boat tacked in the conditions we experienced for our test. The Neel 52 is also lighter, with improved balance thanks to a mast (and engine room) further aft and a larger jib.

Most sail handling operations, except using spinnakers and furling the headsails, can be carried out single-handedly from the helm station. Photo: Rupert Holmes

On the helm

Close-hauled in more open water, with the true breeze still predominately between 8-10 knots, we consistently made just over seven knots of boat speed at a true wind angle of 60°-65°. In these conditions there’s very little heel – just enough for the windward ama to skim above the water and markedly reduce wetted surface area.

Steering is via Dyneema cables, which gives a more direct response than many alternatives, though the boat’s heavier on the helm than a well set up monohull, with a less precise feel. Nevertheless it’s still good by the standards of many cruising catamarans.

The standard Neel 52 sail plan includes a square top mainsail, slightly overlapping headsail of around 120% and staysail. Our test boat also had a very flexible 150m2 furling gennaker that can be used for reaching in 10 knots of true wind or less and broad-reaching in winds well above 20 knots. Neel also offers a larger asymmetric spinnaker as an option, as well as a marginally taller carbon rig with higher-spec Hydranet sails.

All lines, except spinnaker sheets and furling lines, are led to three electric winches at the helm station. Separate luff and leech pennants for all three mainsail reefs help tame the sail quickly. There is, however, lots of rope in this area and insufficient rope bins to handle it.

The flexible gennaker on our test boat can be used for reaching in up to 10 knots of wind and at 140° TWA in well over 20 knots

Downwind and reaching sails sheet to the back of the amas, while genoa and staysail furling lines are led to the aft end of the starboard ama. This arrangement for the furling lines greatly reduces friction compared to the convoluted route they would have to take to lead to the helm station, but means furling these sails isn’t an easy single-person operation.

With the true wind building to 10-11 knots and puffs to 13 we consistently made speeds of around 9 knots, with occasional bursts just into double figures when reaching at 110°-120° TWA, with the gennaker and staysail set. This was easy sailing at speeds that will quickly gobble up the miles when on passage.

Visibility from the Neel 52 helm station is excellent on port tack, but there’s a big blind spot on starboard – you need to descend four steps to see under the jib or gennaker. A semi flybridge above the hard top, with space for up to eight people, includes generous sunbeds. This is right next to the helm/winch station, so communication between the two is easy and, unlike many multihulls, it doesn’t feel as though the helmsman is isolated from everyone else on board.

You have to be sure guests are sitting before tacks and gybes, when hoisting and dousing the mainsail, and when reefing on port tack. There’s a bimini for sunshade over the helm area, with a clear overhead panel for sail trim, but no provision for sun protection over the flybridge area, though the hardtop over the main aft cockpit gives plenty of shade.

A key selling point for Neel is offering a very refreshing change to the familiar layouts of cruising multihulls of similar length, and the Neel 52’s arrangement feels generally bright, welcoming and innovative.

The saloon adjoins the cockpit, however you need to stoop to see out of forward windows. Master cabin is to starboard but you need to draw blinds for privacy

Neel 52 – bridgedeck cabin

The older Neel 51 benefitted from Neel’s trademark bridgedeck level cabin, which gives a fantastic view out almost all round the boat when you wake up. This comes at the expense of some privacy, though, which is largely solved by closing the window blinds in the bulkhead that separates the cabin from the saloon. But this space was small compared to typical catamarans owners’ cabins.

Owners with guests will still need to close the blinds on the main bridgedeck cabin on the Neel 52, but this now links to the whole of the starboard ama. This is a private area with a desk/dressing table and a generous amount of stowage in hanging and shelved lockers. Ventilation is provided by several overhead hatches and there’s a long hull window above the desk which provides plenty of natural light.

The mid part of the owner’s ama has a heads with a separate shower stall, while further forward is an additional space that was left fairly open in our test boat, with the exception of a washer/dryer. This area has obvious potential for much more stowage, or even a workbench.

Large and well appointed galley.

The aft cockpit under the hardtop is relatively small, but this doesn’t feel important since this space fully opens up onto an expansive saloon, with the interior and exterior tables together forming a dining table that can be extended almost seamlessly to just over 3m in length.

Ahead of the saloon area is a large navstation with a double seat and a good view forward, to port and aft. However, the bridgedeck owner’s cabin creates a large blind spot on the starboard quarter and there is no hatch above to view the mainsail.

All layout options have a large and well equipped galley forward on the starboard side of the saloon. There’s acres of worktop space, a four-burner gas hob plus oven, large refrigeration and freezer capacity, plus a slimline dishwasher. Stowage is in 17 lockers both under the counter and at eye level. The saloon has two opening panels in the front windscreen for natural ventilation, plus a small opening hatch over the cooker.

In four-cabin boats steps lead down to a double cabin in the port ama, with a large double berth aft, above which is a long hull window that gives a great view out. Stowage here is primarily in a small hanging locker, plus empty space under the berth that can be used for easy access to kit bags. Forward of this are heads and shower compartments mirroring those of the starboard ama, and further forward a space similar to that with the washing machine on the starboard side.

Bridgedeck level owner’s cabin.

Alternatively the port ama can be fitted out as two doubles that share a central head/shower compartment. This option is also available in the starboard ama for six-cabin charter specification boats. These also gain additional saloon and dining space on the bridgedeck as there’s no owner’s cabin at that level.

Seven steps at the front of the saloon descend into a further double cabin in the centre of the main hull, under the solid bridge deck. There’s plenty of space, but natural light and ventilation are restricted, with the former coming solely from the two escape hatches. There’s stowage plus a heads compartment (without shower) shared with a forward cabin at the front of the main hull.

On the test Neel 52 this is fitted out as a Pullman-style cabin with bunkbeds. Crew cabins, each with a single berth and head/shower, can also be specified at the aft end of each ama.

Owner’s hull space in starboard ama

On the downside, some elements of the interior have hard edges in places that may not wear as well as rounded corners. And traditionalists won’t be impressed by the inside of lockers which have a similar feel to mass market home furniture.

Neel’s trademark full height technical area with engine and systems is restricted to the back of this model. Nevertheless, it remains a well laid out and useful space that will make maintenance and repair easier than on many yachts. Unlike cruising catamarans, Neels have only a single engine in the main hull, so a bow thruster is fitted as standard. A stern thruster is offered as an option that can make Mediterranean-style mooring a lot easier.

Deck stowage includes large lockers that can accommodate sails, fenders and watersports toys, while the tender rests on purpose made chocks at the aft end of the main hull. It’s lifted using a line from the end of the boom – a simple arrangement that avoids the weight, complication and cost of davits. Access to the water is from the extended bathing platforms on the aft end of each ama and the transom of the main hull.

Our test Neel 52 was set up with just under 2kW of solar panels on the coachroof. Neel says this is almost enough for complete autonomy while cruising when combined with the boat’s lithium iron phosphate battery bank, though as standard 625Ah of 12V AGM batteries are fitted.

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There’s much to like about this boat for anyone who needs the accommodation volume offered, or is seduced by the appeal of Manhattan-style loft living. The Neel 52 also offers a big advantage over its predecessor thanks to the reconfigured owner’s suite with immensely more space. Speeds under sail are unlikely to differ noticeably to the 51, which already had potential for very quick passages when reaching, although upwind and downwind VMG for both models is less impressive, other than downwind in a blow. However, the way the new boat behaves under sail gives it a feel closer to that of a cruising monohull. More importantly for this part of the market, the 52 is easy to handle, with few operations requiring more than one person on deck. These factors, combined with the various layout options, boost this yacht’s appeal and by the time the prototype had been in commission for three weeks, delivery schedules were already stretching into early 2026, with 26 boats sold.

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Everything you want to know about neel trimarans.

• Post Written By: Boater Jer
• Published: November 14, 2022
• Updated: November 14, 2022

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You can determine Neel Trimarans by the number of its hulls. A hull is the lower part of a boat that meets the water; it is that part of a ship that projects into the water. In monohulls, the hull has a keel attached to its hull. Monohulls have only one hull; as the “mono” suggests, Catamarans have two hulls and trimarans have three hulls.

A trimaran has two hulls attached to its central hull; the three hulls give the vessels more stability and seaworthiness than their counterparts with fewer hulls.

What Is A Neel Trimaran?

Neel trimarans is a luxurious version of cruising catamarans, with innovations in construction and techniques fitted to get a strong structure. The different parts of a Neel trimaran contain superior materials and adequate reinforcement in the right places; they are so strong and unique that Norpol yachting described Neel trimarans as ‘unsinkable’. Norpol yachting wrote, “The hulls, bridge deck, and superstructure are sandwich constructions-fiberglass with PVC foam cores vacuum bonded using Isophthalic Polyester Resin. The interior bulkheads and furniture are also constructed this way and together with collision bulkheads all ensuring that the boats are unsinkable’. ( source )

Emergence Of Neel Trimaran

Neel trimaran is the brainchild of Eric Bruneel, with the prototype being Neel 50, which sold the Neel trimarans to the boating world with its unique design. 

Neel trimarans brought about significant changes in the cruise trimarans setup. For instance, the accommodation area is now situated on the main deck and no longer within the hulls, as seen in catamarans and regular trimarans. The accommodations qualify with state-of-the-art designs.

Catamarans are fast, but Neel trimarans are faster. Neel trimarans are fast to the extent that they can move at more than 10knots in average weather, and this is a result of the unique setup of the boat and the outstanding outputs from its engine and sail. The Neel trimaran boasts of the unique hull setup in the boating industry, as it moves with its main hull acting as the main balance and its wing hulls just touching the water lightly, causing weak drag in movement. It explains how Neel trimarans came to be very fast. ( source )

Advantage Of Neel Trimarans Over Catamarans

In terms of quality and seaworthiness, among other factors to be considered in boats, only Catamarans come close to the Neel trimarans. Their differences and edge above each other are discussed below:

Neel trimarans have more width than a Catamaran; hence it’s more stable than a catamaran on water, just like the same way that the catamaran has this edge over monohulls. It brings the weight distribution of the boats into question; the catamarans distribute the weight along the whole deck, while Neel trimarans have a centralized hull system, i.e., the heavy installations and engines in the central hull, which gives it more balance.

• Seaworthiness

Using seaworthiness as a quality parameter, Catamarans can only reach an angle of inclination exceeding 12º. At the same time, Neel trimarans can get inclined on the sea at 32º. This angle of inclination, which shows the maximum restoring moment, shows how smooth the vehicle will be on the sea, especially when winds are rocking it. This inclination angle says a lot about a boat and how much resistance it can put up against capsizing. 

Another outlook on the seaworthiness of both boats shows that: catamarans whose weight is distributed throughout the whole deck, while a Neel trimaran or even regular cruise trimarans have their heavy equipment installed in the central hull, which has proven to be an innovation that gives trimarans the air of being unsinkable, as the heavier central hull uses the wing-hulls as floats.  

• Faster Speed

Based on speed, the two boats are fast and stable on the water, but the trimaran is the quicker of the pair. The trimarans are more rapid than monohulls and catamarans, as proven in an open race. Reports state that the superior speed of the trimaran is most apparent when it sails in the direction of the wind; on such occasions, it can attain a speed of up to 15 knots or more. In normal weather, a trimaran can travel at 10knots and up to 200 nautical miles per day. Imagine how fast they can run. ( source )

Example Of Neel Trimarans And Their Features

There are other variants of Neel trimarans. Still, three common ones like Neel 43, 47, and 51 were representatives of the Neel trimarans. 

• Neel 51 is the most recently decorated trimaran of the trio; it bagged the best multi-hull yacht in Europe.
• CE ICNN – Trimarans are certified for European CE standards through French Institute for Nautical Certification and Standardisation. ( source )

Frequently Asked Questions About Neel Trimarans

Are neel trimarans fast.

Yes! Neel trimarans are faster than most boats. Earlier in this article, we stated that Neel trimarans could attain a speed of 10 knots on a normal day without wind, and with the wind, they can travel at a speed of 15 knots and above.

How Much Are Trimarans?

According to one of the UK’s top trimaran-selling sites, Yatchworld, trimarans cost between £1,700 and £5 million. A Neel 51 is listed for sale on Boats.com for $850,000, while a Neel 43 costs $395,000. ( source ) The prices depend on the quality of the boat, size, year manufactured, and other specifications. 

Where Are Neel Trimarans Manufactured?

Neel trimarans are made in La Rochelle in France. ( source )

Which Is Better, Catamaran Or Trimaran?

Depending on the user’s preference, you can choose any of the two vessels. However, based on general specifications, the trimaran is faster, easier to handle, and more seaworthy than a catamaran. Catamarans, in turn, have these advantages over a monohull. 

Why Are Trimarans So Fast?

The trimaran is faster than most boats due to the configuration of its hulls. The trimaran’s central hull’s prismatic co-efficient aids its movement in water without much resistance. In addition, the adjoining hulls can touch water lightly, thereby reducing drags in movement.  The prismatic coefficient refers to the smoothness or fullness of the end of a hull. It determines the speed of a vessel. ( source )

What Are Trimarans Built With?

In the past, people make trimarans from wood. It uses timber as hulls and bamboo as beams. Nowadays, trimarans made from wood look like regular sailing monohull boats. You should also note that modern trimarans had an upgrade, and wood as a significant component of its body is no longer common. Manufacturers also incorporate materials like fiberglass and polyester resin into the building process of parts like the hulls, bridge deck, and interior construction. Many say that Neel trimarans are unsinkable because of the techniques and materials used in their hull. The hull of a Neel trimaran is vacuum-like, with polyester and vinyl resins as its primary building materials; its floors and bulkheads are padded by foams and made into vacuums. ( source ) This whole structural setup renders this vessel nearly unsinkable.

Concerns About Trimarans

Over the years, there have been arguments about trimarans and their low patronage despite their obvious advantages over their closest competitors, catamarans. Boat racers have cited the reason for the low patronage of the trimarans to be their lack of enough space aboard. 

A user at the cruisers forum cited an observation about trimarans with more significant engines and speed capacity but not having enough space aboard. The user suggested that it may be the reason for the low patronage of trimarans in the market. In response to the last observation, another boat lover on the cruisers forum reminded the other users that there is a variant of trimarans with enough space and a speed merchant, the Neel trimaran. 

So with this observation on this forum, it’s safe to say Neel trimarans are a new breed of modern trimarans that is a head taller than the rest of the trimarans and as fast as the other trimarans can be too. 

They have the obvious advantage over Catamarans and monohulls, in terms of seaworthiness and speed, among other factors. A like or dislike should be a personal opinion, but its quality and advantage over others should be more of a fact. Neel trimarans are fast, stable, and spacious. What more does a boat cruiser want? ( source )

Ahoy, The Final Thought

In the water cruising field or offshore exploration, some qualities are valued in cruising boats . They include seaworthiness, speed, and accommodation aboard. Monohulls, catamarans, and trimarans have these features, but none of them have it all. They edge out one another in different capacities. 

In 2010, the Neel trimaran was produced, with Neel 50 as the prototype; and they became the vessels that can deliver top-level seaworthiness, stability, and spacious setup. This new entrant into the sea cruising area promises enough stability to be unsinkable, fast enough to outrun most sea vessels, enough space onboard, and at least more space than its equivalent in other boat variants (monohulls, catamarans, and regular trimarans).

Every boating enthusiast must choose between monohulls, catamarans, regular trimarans, and Neel trimarans. One needs to assess every option available, the quality of each boat variant, the service they promise, and one’s expectations for a memorable sea cruise.

Enjoy the air offshore!

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• Article Sources
• Crab Island by Pontoon: A Fun Watery Boating Guide Destination in 2024
• Upgrade Your Boating Experience: Adding a Third Pontoon Made Easy!
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• In-Depth Review of the Pelican Sentinel 100X Fishing Kayak: Pros, Cons, and Performance
• How To Put A Kayak In The Water – The Ultimate Guide For New Kayakers
• Trimaran Definition, https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/trimaran
• Neel Trimaran, N https://norpol-yachting.com/neel-trimarans/
• Neel Trimaran, History and Values, https://neel-trimarans-group.com/company/history-values/
• What Is The Difference Between A Neel Trimaran And A Good Catamaran? https://interparus.com/en/neel-trimarans-vs-catamarans/
• The Neel Trimarans, https://trimaran-yacht-charter.com/the-neel-trimarans/
• Trimaran Sailboats For Sale https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats-for-sale/type-sail/class-sail-trimaran/
• Neel Trimarans, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neel_Trimarans#:~:text=Neel%20Trimarans%20is%20a%20manufacturer,based%20in%20La%20Rochelle%2C%20France .
• Understanding the Prismatic Coefficient in Yacht Design, https://www.sailboat-cruising.com/prismatic-coefficient.html
• No love for trimarans – why?  https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f48/no-love-for-trimarans-why-187056.html

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Catamaran Vs Trimaran

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Gabriel Hannon

August 30, 2022

As boatbuilders make faster and more luxurious multi-hulls for cruising and racing, it is time to settle the debate: Catamarans vs. Trimarans.

Catamarans and trimarans have distinct characteristics regarding comfort, sailing performance, safety, and personal preference. The dual- or tri-hull designs both confer significant advantages over traditional monohulls and each fill an amazing niche in the sailing world.

Though both are based on traditional Austronesian outrigger canoes, the dual-hulled catamarans and tri-hulled trimarans have distinct design goals that make them ideal for very different purposes, and it is important to take into account your goals when trying to decide which to sail! We’re going to discuss both types as they rate across performance, safety, comfort, and possible uses. There is no one solution to this age-old problem, but we can help you understand which design is best for you!

From boatbuilder releases to the history of their development, it is important to access lots of sources when trying to make this decision. As a performance sailor, my heart is always in the speed and upwind abilities of the trimaran, but modern catamarans are dynamic and incredibly comfortable. Still, in my opinion, anything that gets you on the water is a great boat, so let’s find the right one for you!

Table of contents

‍ Sailing Performance and Safety

While most traditional boats over 20 feet are monohulled keelboats, there are major limitations to the type of sailing you can do with a monohull. First of all, monohulls depend on their keel to keep them upright, which is effective, but the force of the wind almost always causes the boat to heel to leeward by angles of up to 25° under reasonable cruising conditions, which can be quite uncomfortable for the crew! This design, which relies on giant lead ballast in a deep-set keel, is vulnerable to capsizes and, in drastic cases, sinking.

Additionally, the single-hull only provides so much volume for accommodation and storage, while the more horizontal layout of the multi-hulls can increase cockpit and cabin sizes substantially. Beyond that, both types of multi-hull can experience higher speeds at a given hull length than monohulls.

So how do cats and tris compare to each other? Well,

Catamarans: Stability and Ease

With their dual ‘pontoons,’ Catamarans make use of their floats to always remain on a flat and consistent angle of heel, rarely sailing under more than 10° of heel. This distribution of floatation also makes it nigh on impossible for them to capsize, though the distance between the hulls can make it a problem in the rare cases that they do flip. They do suffer a bit from not having any wetted surface underneath the center of effort, causing them to slide sideways while sailing upwind and making it difficult for them to beat tight angles to the breeze. While they make up for this with speed on the reach and downwind, catamarans are an inferior option for trying to make progress upwind in heavy sea and wind conditions.

These tradeoffs do come with some advantages. Unlike monohulls, catamarans have very shallow drafts, allowing cruisers to sail close to shore without concern, and their common dual-motor design allows them to maneuver incredibly well in tight spaces with a built-in backup for single-engine failure. They heel minimally because of the horizontal distribution of weight, and this means that they are incredibly stable and comfortable while underway or at anchor. In addition, their sail plans and maneuverability characteristics do make them easier to sail with a smaller crew, requiring fewer highly experienced sailors in your party.

Trimaran: Speed and Safety

While traditionalists have finally come around on the aesthetics of the dual-hulled catamaran, the tri-hulled lines of trimarans can still be a bit of a shock to viewers. They combine the vertical stability and upwind capabilities of a monohull with the speed and lateral stability of a catamaran.

When it comes to performance sailing, modern trimarans are well ahead of any other hull design. Due to the relationship between speed and the ‘waterline length’ of a boat, i.e. that more hull length in the water leads to higher speeds, the third hull actually makes trimarans drastically faster than any other hull shape at a given length. Most current speed records, including those for circumnavigation, instantaneous velocity, and single-day distance, are held by Trimarans. In competition, the 2013 America’s Cup is a perfect example of the superiority of Trimarans over Catamarans in terms of speed, as the challenging Trimaran from Golden Gate Yacht Club handily beat the defending Spanish Catamaran in a best-of-three series. With their signature central hull, they can make better upwind progress without drifting and often heel even less than contemporary catamarans.

Further, trimarans far outclass both catamarans and monohulls in terms of safety. The central hull gives the trimaran that signature central righting moment from monohulls, while its winged pontoons provide it the lateral balance that makes catamarans so safe themselves. Combined, this gives a modern trimaran a righting moment of 27°, which is almost impossible to reach in any breeze condition because of the pontoons. For a comparison, modern cats can only maintain 12° of heel before flipping, which is not entirely uncommon in heavy seas.

Therefore, in a purely technical sense, trimarans are safer, speedier, and more rewarding. Still, to reap these benefits you often need to be a little more prepared to engage with the more advanced aspects of sailing, and the tri-hull design does make some sacrifices in other areas.

Though performance is an important metric for all sailboats, every added knot of speed or degree of heel comes at a price of comfort, and it is here that we need to consider the full implications of that cost for both cats and tris.

Catamaran: The Ideal Platform

When it comes to comfort, space, and luxury, it is hard to bet against the catamaran. Because of the geometry of the dual deep hulls and built-up central platform, catamarans offer the ideal vessel for a large crew, a party yacht, or a comfortable getaway vessel. They heel minimally, are highly stable at anchor, and the central platform can be carefully built to maximize the area between the wings. Most catamarans can offer the living space and horizontal area of much larger monohulls, making it the ideal choice for a pleasure cruise.

Trimaran: The Cost of Speed

For all their advantages in terms of performance, the hardware required for the central hull subtracts substantially from the accommodations that are available for a cat of the same size. New trimarans, like the Neel 51 which made waves back in 2017, are pushing back against this perceived comfort gap, the large central hull with the two performance-oriented wings does make it harder for tris to haul the same amount of weight and provide comparable space as most cats.

Preferences

The beauty of modern sailboats is that design advances in both catamarans and trimarans make it possible for all sailors to find the exact right boat for them. Speed demons who want to sail tight to the wind and feel that rush may find themselves enticed by the capabilities of the newest Trimarans, while cruisers looking to get the biggest space for the length are still thrilled by how fast and stable modern Catamarans are off the breeze. While no one would complain about being invited to a cruise on a new Trimaran, you can certainly fit more of your friends in the spacious decks of a Cat.

Both multi-hull styles excel at maneuvering in small spaces and shallow waters, perfect for island hopping or inland sailing. Their wide platforms, which can run a slightly higher cost at marinas than comparable monohulls, enable stability without sacrificing performance. Both are regarded as incredibly safe in nearly all conditions, though Trimarans do have the slight edge in truly nasty weather.

In the end, it all comes down to how you want to sail and what is going to make a good trip successful! For those looking for a leisurely cruise with a minimum of work and a maximum of space, find the most spacious catamaran you can, and don’t worry about missing out on speed as you’ll more than hold your own off the breeze. If you’re excited to go fast no matter what direction the wind is coming from, with the knowledge that you’re nigh on unsinkable, a performance trimaran is the way to go!

Happy Sailing!

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I have been sailing since I was 7 years old. Since then I've been a US sailing certified instructor for over 8 years, raced at every level of one-design and college sailing in fleet, team, and match racing, and love sharing my knowledge of sailing with others!

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Sailboat Review: Neel 43 Trimaran

• By Mark Pillsbury
• April 12, 2023

Once the Boat of the Year team was aboard the Neel 43 trimaran and we had the sails set, it didn’t take me long to find my sweet spot. You know, the place you want to sit and watch the miles fly by as the hulls slice through the waves. Nearly every boat I’ve sailed has one, though sometimes it’s hard to find.

But not on the Neel.

With my fellow judges at work at the raised helm station, I stepped from the wheel onto the wide starboard side deck, took a couple of steps down into the ­cockpit, and wandered into the brightly lit salon where the door to the owner’s cabin was open, as though beckoning in a visitor. Inside, I sat on the edge of the fore-and-aft double berth, set a hand on the bunk, and leaned over to gaze out the long horizontal window, imagining coming off watch and lying there to drift off to sleep. Or waking up in some exotic anchorage, with morning sunlight streaking in. Even dockside, during our preliminary inspection of the boat and a briefing with Neel founder Eric Bruneel, that was the space that caught my eye.

On the inboard side of the stateroom, a long horizontal glass panel covered by an ­adjustable shade looks in toward the center of the boat and over the inline galley ­located on the salon’s starboard side. Forward, there are more windows that let you look ahead at where you’re ­going. Aft, a light-colored wood bulkhead separates the cabin from the head compartment at the rear of the salon. With storage outboard of the berth, it’s a well-laid-out space for living aboard.

Described by Bruneel as a “fast cruiser,” the Neel 43 is designed to sail comfortably at 9 to 10 knots and knock off 250-mile trade-wind days. That description wasn’t far off, from what we saw the day we went sailing on Chesapeake Bay, right after the close of the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis , Maryland. The wind was light when set out, only about 8 knots, but we hustled right along upwind at 6 to 7 knots with the twin-headsail rig’s smaller inner jib set. Later, with the reaching sail rolled out in just a bit more breeze, we added a knot or more. During my trick on the wheel, I spotted 8.2 knots on the speedo for a spell.

And the sailing was easy, thanks to the buoyancy of the leeward hull that minimizes heel, and the fact that all the weight—engine, tanks, pumps and filters—is located low in the center hull. That, combined with the interior space made possible by spreading accommodations over three hulls, is what makes these trimarans comfortable at sea, Bruneel says.

Neel builds its trimarans at its yard in La Rochelle, France. The 43 is the smallest model in a five-boat range that goes up to 65 feet. The 43 is a Marc Lombard design.

Hulls and deck are made of resin-infused fiberglass with foam coring to save weight. Where practical in nonstructural areas, the yard uses natural fibers such as linen and cork rather than fiberglass, in a push toward greener boatbuilding. 

The fit-and-finish of the boat we looked at in Annapolis was noteworthy. The cockpit has a table to port with an L-shaped seating area outboard and aft, located under the Bimini top. To starboard is a grill built into the transom, as well as a cushioned lounging area beneath the helm station.

A wall of glass, with a large opening door and window, spans the aft side of the wide cabin, whose other three sides are lined with ports so that from the interior, one has nearly 360-degree visibility.

A second table is located just inside the salon, to port, also with L-shaped seating. Outboard of it, there’s a guest cabin, separated from the salon by another glass partition. 

An additional seating area and nav station equipped with a B&G chart plotter, displays, autopilot control and radio are far forward on the port side of the salon, with the well-appointed galley opposite. A third crew cabin is four steps down, in the forepeak of the center hull. 

Beneath the main hull’s sole is an equipment room providing excellent access to the motor (a 50 hp Volvo with saildrive), steering ­quadrant, systems and electrical ­boxes—a true engine room, which is hard to find on a boat in this size range. 

“It had absolutely the best service access to systems of all the boats we looked at this year,” Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman noted. 

Topside, broad side decks make it easy to move about. There is a wide seat at the helm, with room for three. All sail-control lines run across the cabin top to a bank of line clutches and a pair of winches, all from Antal, that are easily reached while steering. Singlehanding the Neel would not be a problem. 

The boat in Annapolis sported an Intracoastal Waterway-friendly 62-foot aluminum spar; a carbon-fiber rig is an option. The boat also came equipped with three 170-watt solar panels and a bow thruster. Loaded with gear, it carried a price tag of $575,000.

Overall, I thought that the Neel’s open-living layout would be just fine for a couple who might have occasional guests aboard for a passage, or a small family with children out for an extended cruise. But I’ll give Boat of the Year judge Herb McCormick the last word here: “It was a remarkably fun and exciting boat to sail, a light and lovely helm. Eric Bruneel has amply demonstrated that if you’re looking to go the multihull route, a trimaran is a viable alternative to a cat.” 

Neel 43 Trimaran Specifications

Mark Pillsbury, Boat of the Year judge and CW editor-­at-large, is a die-hard sailor who has owned a number of sailboats, including a Sabre 34, on which he lived for 15 years.

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16 Best Trimarans For Sailing Around The World (And a Few For Daysailing)

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Trimarans are growing in popularity worldwide, due to their light construction and high stability these multihulls are even faster than catamarans. Trimarans are still one of the lesser-known boat types so in this article ill be checking out some of the most popular models.

The best trimarans include: 

• The Neel 43 
• The Neel 47 
• Dragonfly 28 
• The Pulse 600 
• Corsair 37 

These tris are built with your safety in mind while also packing powerful speed and a wide array of comfort features to optimize your sailing experience , some are even foldable making them possible to load on a trailer and transport to the sailing destination of your choosing.

In this article, I have created a list of the 16 best trimarans in the market and their unique features. You’ll also learn the best options for different purposes such as circumnavigation, weekend sailing, racing, and more. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Trimaran?

A trimaran is a multi hulled sailboat with three individual hulls; the main hull ( vaka ) and a pair of outrigger hulls ( amas ). These smaller outrigger hulls are attached to the main hull using beams. 

While trimarans have a rich history dating back nearly four millennia, these types of sailboats have only gained popularity in the late 1900s and early 2000s. 

Trimarans are primarily used as personal boats for sailing enthusiasts or racing. These sailboats draw their versatility from their lightweight design, making them faster and easier to handle at sea when compared to single-hulled boats (monohulls). Additionally, the three hulls also contribute to better stability, making it very hard to capsize (although more likely than a cat according to this study)

Trimarans come in various sizes, and some can be as small as 19 feet (5.8 meters) in length, while others go up to 60 feet (18meters). They’re also used for different purposes. Most trimarans are used for racing and recreational purposes, although some units are still used as ferries.

As with all things, to find out which is the best we need to understand what it will be used for. There is a big difference in requirements between a boat used for day sailing compared to offshore around the world sailing.

The list below highlights the best trimarans for different purposes.

Best Trimarans For Cruising, Liveaboard and Sailing Around The World

The Neel 43 is a French trimaran best suited for cruising. Its key features include: 

• Easy maneuverability on the open sea by only a small number of crew members 

This unit is also built for comfort, ideal for more extended travels. This 43-feet (13-meter) trimaran is also made with recyclable and bio-sourced materials, highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental consciousness. 

This trimaran has a base price of  €329,000 excluding VAT. This translates to approximately $370,138. 

2.Neel 47 Possibly The Best

Named the best full-size multihull for 2020, the Neel 47 is a strong contender for one of the best trimarans in the market. This 47-foot (14.3-meter) long trimaran features optimized exterior and interior ergonomics for a unique design and look. 

Still on design, the Neel 47 is ideal for couples looking to take a weekend off or spend some time as liveaboard. It has a spacious owner’s cabin and two bedrooms. It also features a spacious living room and kitchen and is optimized to ensure comfort for a couple. 

The Neel 47 also has two basic guest cabins so your friends or children can tag along on your sailing adventure. Accordingly, this unit is ideal for those looking to explore the sea for the sheer joy of sailing. 

The Neel 47 comes at a 571,139 euro ( $643,600 ) price tag, excluding VAT. 

3. Rapido 60 The Fast and Comfortable Circumnavigator

The Rapido 60 offers a blend of performance, safety, and luxury, making it one of the best options for bluewater sailing. Measuring 59.3 feet (18 meters) in length, the Rapido 60 is an imposing unit. It’s made from lightweight sandwiches and carbon materials that provide speed and strength, allowing it to stand up to strong ocean currents. 

The Rapido 60 also has spacious living spaces and is built for comfort at all points of the sail. Its design also optimizes safety. While it’s an ideal option for circumnavigating, it’s also an excellent choice for racing due to its speed. 

This is also the same boat that The Youtube channel La Vagabond just purchased.

The Rapido 60 retails at $1,400,000 . 

4. Rapido 40

The Rapido 40 measures 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length and is ideal for cruising around the world. The Rapido 40 features twin “C” foils, which provide added lift, enhancing its speed and performance whether you are sailing downwind or upwind. 

Because it has C foils, this trimaran doesn’t have a central daggerboard, increasing interior space. Accordingly, it’s an excellent option for couples looking to cruise and enjoy great performances .

The Rapido 40 is made from high-tech all-carbon materials for a lightweight yet sturdy design. This material is also used for the countertops and furniture, and the cork flooring adds a touch of style.

This trimaran retails for $595,000 , making it a cheaper option than the Rapido 60. 

5. Dragonfly 40

The Dragonfly 40 measures 40 feet (12 meters) in length. It features high-comfort standards, making it one of the best trimarans in the market for taking your family for a cruise. Because of its larger size, it has a better capacity, being capable of accommodating six to eight people, so you can bring your family and friends along. 

It’s easy to navigate and extremely safe. With a maximum speed of 24 knots (44.5 km/h), this trimaran also provides fast speeds to make your cruise even more exhilarating. 

The Dragonfly 40 retails from €509,000 exclusive of VAT, which rounds up to $572,000 . 

6. Dragonfly 32

The Dragonfly 32 is a high-performance cruiser. Like the Dragonfly 28, this unit features a contemporary design for racing. This trimaran can accommodate five to seven crew members. 

Although slightly longer than the Dragonfly 28 with its 32-foot (9.8-meter) length, the Dragonfly 32 has a max speed of 23+ knots (42.6+ km/h), making it one of the fastest trimarans for racing. This unit also has comfortable accommodation, which makes it an ideal option for a weekend cruise with family and friends. 

The Dragonfly 32 has a base price of $350,000 . 

7. Corsair 37

Thanks to a variable draft with a retractable rudder, the Corsair 37 is an ideal choice for shallow water exploration. This 37-foot (11.3-meter) long trimaran features advanced foam-cored construction designed for safety, making it virtually unsinkable. 

The carbon hulls minimize weight, this makes for a lightweight ocean exploration sailboat with blistering speeds. One of its selling points is that this trimaran has previously been used for Arctic expeditions, possibly marking it as one of the better options for circumnavigation and offshore sailing in the northern waters. 

This trimaran has a base price of $189,000 but can go up to $204,125 .

Best Trimarans For Day/Weekend Sailing

8. dragonfly 28.

The Dragonfly 28 is a 28-feet (8.75-meter) long sailboat that can accommodate up to five people. It comes in two versions: 

• Touring version: This version is ideal for families.  
• Performance version: This is built to provide optimal performance for the sports enthusiast within you. 

It clocks a maximum speed of 22+ knots (22+ km/h) and is beam-folded. It’s an excellent option if you want a high-performance, comfortable yet smaller unit for your day or weekend cruise. 

The Dragonfly 28 starts at  €188,280 inclusive of VAT, which comes to around $211,600. 

9. Dragonfly 25

Like other trimarans under the Dragonfly brand, this 25-foot (7.62-meter) trimaran is great for both racing and short term cruising. However, this high-performance boat delivers easy handling, making it perfect for couples looking to take a ride out over the weekend and seasoned sailors looking for an exhilarating racing adventure. 

The Touring version features a lightweight build and offers comfort and accommodation to keep you, and the few guests you can fit, comfortable during the ride. This trimaran also has a Sport version, which is optimized for racing. 

The Dragonfly 25 retails from EUR 86,800 . 

10. Pulse 600

The Pulse 600 trimaran is a compact sailboat. It’s made from lightweight, carbon-reinforced construction and vacuum-formed materials for optimal speed. This trimaran is an ideal option if you are looking for speed. 

It also features ample deck space, greater stability, and volume than most trimarans of similar size and build. 

This trimaran measures 19.8 feet (6 meters) in length and can be sailed single-handedly by one person with minimal effort. The Pulse 600 has a base price of $38,800 , which places it in the lower price range. 

The F-22 is one of the smaller trimarans in the market. Developed in New Zealand, the F-22 is a folding trimaran built for speed. The hulls are made from narrow fiberglass tied together using fiberglass beams and aluminum, minimizing bulk while optimizing speed. 

The F-22 is roomy and is not as pricey as other models in the market. This trimaran has two main versions: 

12. 2019 Weta Trimaran

The 2019 Weta trimaran is a 14.5-foot (4.4-meter) trimaran featuring a carbon frame, centerboard, rudder foil, and rudder shock. The hull is made from fiberglass and foam. The Weta is built for strength and speed based on these lightweight materials. 

The 2019 Weta trimaran is easy to sail and is worth considering whether you want to take a quiet sail, race with your friends, or take kids to a sailing lesson. It has a simple design and is easy to set up independently. Thanks to its collapsible design, this trimaran is easily stored away with minimal space demands. 

13. WindRider 17

The 17.4-foot (5.3-meter) WindRider 17 is one of the more versatile trimarans in the market. It packs high performance for a low cost. This trimaran has a light rotating mast to boost performance, and a full-battened mainsail optimizes visibility. 

This sailboat is made from rotomolded polyethylene, which is more durable than fiberglass and demands less maintenance.

The WindRider 17 has a comfortable interior and can fit six adults. This is an ideal choice for social sailing for a couple or a family and friends. It’s easy to ride, and a shallow draft allows easy maneuverability. 

14. Astus 22.5

If you’re looking for something small but still comfortable, this 22.5-foot trimaran is for you. Built for speed and maneuverability, the Astus 22.5 has optional foils to optimize speed. The modern design, coupled with the spacious interior, can fit up to four beds. Accordingly, this trimaran is suited for family outings. 

This trimaran also has a foldable design, collapsing to only 16 feet (4.9 meters) for easy storage. 

15. Multi 23 Trimaran 

The Multi 23 trimaran has a contemporary design, featuring a vinyl ester and PVC foam core construction. The section below the waterline is made of solid glass for a sturdy base.

The beams are made of lightweight carbon, and the trimaran features a 33-foot (10-meter) aluminum rotating wing mast for optimal harnessing of the wind. While ideal for weekend excursions with family, once rigged with the asymmetrical spinnaker will get your heart pumping.

This trimaran packs high performance at a lower cost than most other options in the market. It’s a good choice if you are looking for a high-performing unit without spending an arm and a leg. 

16. Challenger Class Trimaran

The Challenger Trimaran 15 is the best choice for persons with disabilities. It’s designed to provide disabled sailors an opportunity to explore their passion for sailing without worrying about aspects like safety or operation. 

A man named Geoff Hold circumnavigated the British Isles in 2007, becoming the first disabled person to achieve this feat. He had quadriplegia. 

Living up to its name, the Challenger can withstand harsh weather conditions while blending performance with speed. 

Final Thoughts 

Admittedly, no trimaran is best for everyone. But whether you are looking to race with your friends, take your loved ones or friends for a cruise over the weekend, or circumnavigate the ocean, you can rest assured that these lightweight trimarans will deliver speed, safety, and comfort to make it worth your while. 

These brands are innovatively designed and feature intricate safety mechanisms that make them virtually unsinkable. Give them a shot and begin your ocean adventure. 

• Basco Boating: A Comprehensive Guide & Introduction to Trimaran Yachts
• TheBoatAPP: New Trumarans: Which are the Best Ones
• Corsair Marine: Corsair 37
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 28
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 60
• Neel Trimarans: Neel 43
• Yachting World: World’s Collect Yachts: Maxi Trimaran MACIF
• Yachting Monthly: Dragonfly 28 Performance
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 40
• Dragonfly: Dragon 32
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 40
• Yachting World: Dragonfly 40 yacht tour: This cruising trimaran can do 24 knots
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 25
• NauticExpo: Dragonfly 25
• Yachtworld: Corsair 37 boats for sale
• Cruising World: Neel 47 Trimaran: Best Full-Size Multihull0
• Neel Trimaran: Neel 47
• Multihull Solutions: NEEL 47 Boat Review | Cruising World
• Yacht World: 2022 Neel 47 for sale
• Farrier International: F-22
• Weta Marine: The Boat
• WindRider: WindRider 17 Trimaran Sailboat 
• Astus Boats: Astus 22.5
• Boat-specs: Multi 23
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall: Challenger Trimaran #1 – BC26

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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