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nautitech open 40 review
Catamaran · 39 ft (12 m) · Saint-Tropez
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- nautitech
- Model
- open 40
- Length
- 39 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
A well-balanced cruising catamaran with a sociable open layout, decent sail power, and practical shallow-draft versatility. It is not a racing multihull, but it offers solid livability and manageable handling for crews who value space and outdoor use.
Pros
- +Open cockpit-saloon layout encourages easy movement and social use
- +Good beam and shallow draft suit coastal cruising and anchoring
- +Balanced sail plan and self-tacking jib simplify short-handed sailing
- +Three-cabin version offers a practical owner-friendly arrangement
Cons
- −Open layout can reduce protected interior volume in poor weather
- −Performance is more cruiser-focused than sporty or high-speed
- −Wide beam can make marina berthing less convenient
- −Standard systems and fit-out vary by market and owner options
The Nautitech Open 40 is a 39-foot cruising catamaran designed around an open, social deck plan rather than a closed, apartment-style saloon. Its broad beam and relatively low draft make it well suited to coastal cruising, charter use, and anchoring in shallow waters, while the 2019 three-cabin layout gives it a more owner-oriented feel than the four-cabin charter versions.
On the water, the Open 40 is generally regarded as a balanced, easy-to-handle cruiser rather than a pure performance cat. The sail plan is manageable for short-handed sailing, and the self-tacking jib helps keep loads reasonable. It should feel stable and predictable under sail, with enough pace for relaxed passagemaking, though buyers expecting high-end racing performance will find it conservative.
Comfort is one of its main strengths. The open cockpit-to-saloon arrangement creates a bright, communal living area and works well for entertaining and family cruising. The trade-off is less separation from the elements than on more enclosed catamarans, which matters in cooler or rougher conditions. Overall, it offers good value for owners who want practical space, straightforward handling, and a layout that is especially strong for warm-weather cruising and charter-style use.
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