Nautitech 44 Open

Nautitech is a manufacturer with a strong image. The brand already has a long history in the world of liveaboard multihulls, having been founded in 1994 by Dufour. Based in Rochefort, in the Charente-Maritime region on France’s Atlantic coast, the shipyard now belongs to the Bavaria group, but it took over its identity a few years ago. 90% of the buyers are private owners, and 50% of them are round-the-world sailors. Nautitech is therefore different from many boatbuilders who produce primarily for charter. Finally, the manufacturer does not race to renew its boats. Nautitech takes the time to design a model and lets it live its life. That’s why the launch of a new catamaran is always an event for the brand, and the 44 Open is no exception. Close to its customers, the shipyard has largely taken into account the feedback from users to design this multihull. Intended above all for owners, it emphasizes comfort, notably with a cozy interior, and living space - with the characteristic main deck and cockpit that almost merge.
From the side, the 44 Open has some similarities as the brand’s other models. However, the roof that extends far back and the numerous glass surfaces are noticeable differences. 

A catamaran designed to sail around the world

In terms of construction, the 44 Open exudes seriousness and robustness. These characteristics are due to its manufacturing method, partly infusion and with foamed hulls and to its largely reinforced structures. Regarding the aesthetics, the 44 footer takes up some of the lines dear to the brand, but with slightly softened and refined curves, especially at the bows. To design this catamaran, the shipyard called on two wellknown names, Marc Lombard for the architecture and Christophe Chedal Anglay for the interior design. A duo that works well together and so the main idea was to abolish as much as possible the line between the exterior and the interior. This is reflected in the long portholes in the hull, the glass surfaces on the main deck and the huge sliding door that opens completely to eliminate the separation between the cockpit and the main deck. The Nautitech also display a modern look, very much in tune with the times, with a roof that extends far aft to protect the cockpit while accentuating the dynamic aspect of the boat. Also note the high and narrow bows to improve comfort at sea and performance. To keep the weight down, the builder opted for a front trampoline, considering, according to Maya Gautier, the brand’s marketing director, “that this is first and foremost a catamaran for sailing and not a unit designed for chartering with a large forward saloon”. A choice that is totally assumed and easily understandable. Circulation is quite easy on board this multihull with nice steps near the aft helm stations, wide side-decks and large sail lockers in each hull. Access to the mast is via by a staircase on the front of the coachroof.

In the basic version, the catamaran has 1,141 sq ft (106 m²) of sail. A wardrobe that should be completed with a Code 0 and a spinnaker at least. 

A helm station on each hull

Located on each side, the helm stations are rather comfortable with a the front of the catamaran as towards the rig. All the halyards also come back to this area, which makes maneuvers easy, especially since special care has been taken with routing the lines with optimal leads. Two drawbacks however: no halyard wells, making the place quickly cluttered, and the position of the console that houses the instruments, a little too level, which makes reading the screen difficult in sunlight. Perhaps a solution to adjust the angle would be welcome. Also, some additional handrails along the coachroof would increase safety when sailing in tough weather. Finally, we must point out the position of the windlass, at the front of the nacelle and under the trampoline, which, in case of problem, makes it almost inaccessible without using the tender.

Regarding the comfort outside, the 44 Open offers two folding sunloungers that take their place on the trampoline or two seats on the nose of each hull. The sugarscoops, although fairly short, are also welcoming and include a nice storage compartment as well as a swim ladder. One point on which this catamaran really stands out from the competition is the huge cockpit, a pretty rare feature for a multihull of only 44 feet. Fully sheltered, it offers three bench seats, one of which is L-shaped. The whole area welcomes a minimum of 8 to 9 people. On the starboard side, the largest bench seat also has two tables that can be placed together or moved independently, including in height, which is quite clever. All these seats obviously hide storage compartments and there is even an external refrigerator as an option.

Two davits on the stern support a good-sized tender, while the sugarscoops make access to the sea easy.
The helm stations are perfectly located, and both enjoy excellent visibility. We also appreciated the individual bimini, even if it’s an option.

A cozy interior

To correspond with the guiding idea, the sliding glass window separating the cockpit from the main deck opens completely to abolish the distinction between outside and inside. The flush-decked floor also facilitates the transition. From the moment you step inside, you immediately realize that this multihull is designed for owners. On the port side, the soft couch and the table allow for enjoying a meal or aperitifs while the starboard side is dedicated to the galley with all the necessary appliances. In the center, a multi-purpose bar cuts into the space a bit, it’s a pity that no stool is provided to take full advantage of it, but this is also explained by the fact that a television is intended to be fitted in the lower part. Finally, a real desk also serves as a chart table. It also has a complete electronics system with B&G equipment that can be controlled from the touch screen or by mechanical buttons, a good security. In addition to the well-defined spaces while offering an open concept, this main deck owes its warm appearance to the quality of the woodwork. Doors and cabinets are available in walnut in the standard version, but you can also opt for light oak.

Just one regret: there is no possibility to have an interior helm station, even as an option.

Even though it is not a semicustom, the Nautitech 44 Open offers a certain flexibility in the layout. The boat is available in 2, 3 or 4-cabin versions. One of the cabins can also be configured as a multipurpose room (smartroom), a solution that is very popular with world travelers. In the three-cabin version, the one we tested, the port hull is dedicated to the owner and offers a large bed, a small sofa, a very large bathroom with an XXL shower and even separate toilet, a real plus when living on board. The unit also benefits from a solid wooden sliding door that allows the space to be completely closed off. The other hull offers two cabins with a shared bathroom and separate toilet.

Just like the rest of the catamaran, the builder really wanted to let in a maximum of light inside these cabins. This results in a long hull porthole, which offers a clear view of the sea, whether you are standing or lying down. The light is also able to enter through deck hatches and through another opening on the sugarscoops. On the other hand, the narrowness of the hulls does not allow you to walk on either side of the bed, but the brightness, amplified by the white color of the walls, gives a real impression of space.

Overall, the finish is really neat, and we liked the use of solid wood, quality hinges and efficient and solid locking systems. The equipment is pretty basic in the standard version. No electric winches, no cockpit upholstery, no dishwasher, no microwave oven or navigation electronics. For all this, you will have to buy additional packages or add each element at the time of purchase. This commercial policy is reflected in the price, since the three-cabin version is offered at less than €540,000 excluding tax ($596,000). This also allows you to configure your boat according to your real needs, without having to pay for equipment that you never use. Similarly, the 44 Open is only offered in 220 V or 110 V versions, but not with a mixed system. If you sail in 110 V areas, you will need a transformer or you will need to choose the 110 V version.

Once this is taken into account, the possibilities are numerous. You can of course improve the rigging, the sail wardrobe, or switch to electric winches. As far as comfort is concerned, the rest of the electrical appliances are optional, as well as the individual biminis for the helmsman, the two folding sunloungers, the air conditioning and the solar panels, and the list goes on.

All halyards return to the helm stations and all lines are easily accessible.
The console supporting the electronics is nice, but it’s angled a bit too flat. 

Great performance under sail

To propel this catamaran, Nautitech offers two 30 HP Volvo Penta engines as standard, a power that can be increased to 2 x 50 HP as an option - generally speaking, when cruising, it is preferable to opt for maximum motorization.

The standard sail set offers 1,141 sq ft (106 m²) of sail area, including 780 sq ft (72.5 m²) for the mainsail and 362 sq ft (33.6 m²) for the self-tacking solent. A sail area that can be increased by adding a code 0, a gennaker or a spinnaker. You can also opt for a carbon mast or for the “Sport“ pack including better-quality rigging, an aluminum wheel, a fiber guardwires, a white forward beam and a sport hull decor.

At the time of our test, the conditions were a bit difficult with an east wind oscillating between 12 and 15 knots and a residual swell of about 5 feet (1.5 m). A context that wasn’t very conducive to performance, but which gave us the opportunity to measure the efficiency and comfort of the hulls. After a few miles, it was clear that the Nautitech was doing quite well. Offered in keel version only, the 44 Open has a draft of 57 inches (1.45 m) and a displacement of 10.7 tons. So we didn’t expect impressive performances, but the catamaran really surprised us. Upwind, with a 12 to 14- knot wind, the 44 Open showed a speed of 7 to 9 knots under mainsail and solent, that is to say in basic configuration. By hoisting the code 0, we were able to make up a few knots to reach 11 knots with 13.5 knots of wind. Encouraging results considering the shape of the sea. In addition to the performance aspect, the Nautitech is above all very reactive and pleasant to steer; it has enough power not to be stopped by the waves when you face them head on. The deck a little higher than on previous models finally allows the crew to stay dry, no one will complain about that. Finally, leading all the halyards to the helm station makes maneuvering easier, so that this multihull can easily be sailed by one or two people.

Circulation on board is relatively fluid thanks, in part, to the wide side-decks.
Two large steps provide easy access to the mast.
The very large cockpit can easily accommodate 8 to 9 people and benefits from two modular tables.

Conclusion

Without surprise, Nautitech has delivered a very accomplished catamaran, the result of the shipyard’s long experience and feedback from its customers. This catamaran is well adapted to long trips, whatever the conditions, and provides enough comfort to live aboard all year round, whether in the cockpit or in the cozy cabins.

The nacelle is both functional and cozy. We really like the large galley and the beautiful chart table. 

THE PLUSES

+ Quality of construction
+ Comfortable at sea
+ Size of the cockpit

THE MINUSES

- Inaccessible windlass
- Too many options
- No halyard well

The Nautitech 44 Open is available in 2, 3 or 4 cabins. Whichever configuration you choose, there’s plenty of natural light!
The owner’s cabin has an XXL-sized bathroom, a real comfort when you live aboard for long periods.
A small finishing detail to be reviewed: these electrical cables at the foot of the mast do not look good and risk being damaged by a flogging line.
 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Builder: Nautitech Catamarans (France)
Architect: Marc Lombard
Design: Christophe Chedal Anglay
Overall length: 43’8’’ (13.30 m)
Beam: 24’2’’ (7.36 m)
Draft: 4’9’’ (1.45 m)
Light displacement: 22,712 lbs (10.7 t)
Mainsail: 780 sq ft (72.5 m²)
Solent: 362 sq ft (33.6 m²)
Genoa (option): 570 sq ft (53 m²)
Code 0 (option): 743 sq ft (69 m²)
Spinnaker (option): 1.507 sq ft (140 m²)
Fuel: 2 x 66 US gal (2 x 250 l)
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
Engines: 2 x 30 / 50 HP Volvo Penta
Sleeps: 4 (2 cabins) to 8 (4 cabins)
Price: e 539,280 ex-tax in basic version

Main options (ex-tax)
Electric winch: € 3,590
Code 0: € 6,900
Gennaker: € 5,430
Spinnaker: € 7,890
2 x 50 HP Volvo: € 5,250
Teak cockpit / sugarscoops: € 13,100
Aft cockpit upholstery: € 5,900
Cockpit fresh water wash pump: € 890
17 US gal (65 l)/h watermaker: € 14,900
Microwave oven: € 390
Cockpit refrigerator: € 2,900
Solar panels on roof (8 x 170 W): € 9,900
7 kW Onan generator: € 23,500