Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Excess 11 vs Nautitech 46 Open
Two near-neighbours in the 37–46 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
The Excess 11 is a 37-foot 3-cabin catamaran launched in 2022. Best for performance, modern lovers, couples. A performance-leaning hull form for sailors who care how it feels on the helm.
The Nautitech 46 Open is a 46-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2019. Best for performance, open space lovers, modern lovers. A performance-leaning hull form for sailors who care how it feels on the helm.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Excess 11 | Nautitech 46 Open |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 37 ft (11.3 m) | 46 ft (14.02 m) |
| Beam | 6.59 m | 7.5 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 3 + 1 | 4 + 2 |
| Max guests | 6 | 8 |
| Year introduced | 2022 | 2019 |
| Best for | performance, modern lovers, couples | performance, open space lovers, modern lovers |
| Standout amenity | AC, watermaker | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $7,000 | $11,000 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $57,500 | $31,000 |
| View full detail | View → | View → |
Pricing data drawn from current-season bookings across BVI and Mediterranean bases. Updated quarterly.
Design & Comfort Differences
The two boats feel meaningfully different on board, even within the same nominal size class. Three specific differences worth knowing:
- Saloon and deck space. The Excess 11 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Nautitech 46 Open offers a more conventional enclosed saloon. The Nautitech 46 Open specifically targets open-space lovers — the indoor/outdoor flow is the headline feature.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 3 (Excess 11) vs 4 (Nautitech 46 Open) guest cabins. If you need 4 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Nautitech 46 Open is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
- Amenities & kit. Excess 11 comes with AC, watermaker, solar, dinghy. Nautitech 46 Open adds generator.
Performance Differences
Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Excess 11.
In light air (under 10 knots true wind), the heavier-displacement boat will feel slightly sluggish; in 15–20 knots trade-wind conditions both perform similarly. In big Med Meltemi/Mistral conditions (25+ knots) the Nautitech 46 Open's wider 7.5 m beam will initially feel more stable but pushes more water resistance.
For bareboat charters both behave predictably under sail and under power. We rarely see either one out-sail the other in normal charter conditions.
Price & Value
In current-season data, the Excess 11 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Nautitech 46 Open starts at $11,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Excess 11 reach $57,500/week and the Nautitech 46 Open reach $31,000/week.
For most charterers the price difference is small (~$500–$1,500/week) compared to the total trip cost — meaning amenities, layout and your destination matter more than sticker price when choosing between two boats this similar.
Which Should You Choose?
Both boats work for families — compare cabin configs in our detail pages and we'll help you pick the better-fitting layout.
Choose the Excess 11. It was designed with sailing performance in mind — the helm feels more responsive and you'll enjoy being on the wind.
Choose the Nautitech 46 Open. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Excess 11 bigger than the Nautitech 46 Open? ▾
Which is better for a family — Excess 11 or Nautitech 46 Open? ▾
Which is better value — Excess 11 or Nautitech 46 Open? ▾
Can the Excess 11 and Nautitech 46 Open charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 37–46-foot Catamaran Comparisons
Decide Between Excess 11 & Nautitech 46 Open
We'll send current quotes and an honest recommendation. Free, takes 24 hours.