Nautitech 46 Open Information, Review, Specs

The Nautitech 46 Open began production in 2016, building upon the success of its smaller sibling, the Nautitech 40 Open, which introduced the brand's signature "Open concept" in 2013. Designed by Marc Lombard, a high-profile catamaran designer, the 46 Open was created to meet the expectations of modern travelers seeking a blend of comfort and performance for unforgettable sea trips. Lombard's design philosophy for the 46 Open incorporated pronounced chines, a feature aimed at achieving a good compromise between comfort and performance. This aligns with Nautitech's broader manufacturing ethos, which, since its founding in 1994, has consistently focused on robust construction and designs that promote sharing and circulation on board. The brand's commitment to creating catamarans that are well-suited for a variety of sailing situations is evident in the 46 Open. While the 46 Open itself is a distinct model, Nautitech also offers a variation known as the Nautitech 46 Fly, which incorporates a flybridge and has a slightly different sail area and displacement.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nautitech 46 Open is designed to deliver a dynamic sailing experience, a hallmark of Nautitech Catamarans. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.56, she boasts a very high figure for a cruising catamaran, suggesting excellent performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. Her displacement to length ratio of around 116.8 indicates a relatively light and agile vessel for her size, further contributing to her performance-oriented nature. This combination underscores the boat's design goal as a performance cruiser.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the 46 Open's sailing characteristics, noting a "great visibility and sailing feel" from the twin aft helms. The helms are strategically placed to integrate the helmsperson into the sailing action while also facilitating sail handling. The catamaran is recognized for its "increased sail plan," which contributes to improved performance and helming sensations. It is described as offering a "perfect mix between comfort and performance for unforgettable sea trips," and anecdotal reports highlight its capable handling in varying sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The defining feature of the Nautitech 46 Open's interior is its innovative "Open concept," a design philosophy that seamlessly merges the saloon and cockpit into one expansive, functional living area. This integration creates an unparalleled sense of openness and connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, placing "sharing and circulation on board at the heart of the experience."

The interior, designed by Roseo Design, is characterized by a contemporary and sleek aesthetic, featuring elegant and strong woodwork and veneers. Large windows throughout the saloon provide an "all-round view" of the ocean, bathing the living spaces in natural light. The layout offers impressive amounts of stowage, catering to extended cruising.

The Nautitech 46 Open is typically available in multiple cabin configurations to suit various owner needs. A popular option is the three-cabin owner's version, where one entire hull, often the port hull, is dedicated to a spacious owner's suite spanning over 30 feet, complete with a double berth and a private bathroom. Other configurations, such as a three-cabin version with additional berths or a charter-focused layout with multiple en-suite cabins (e.g., 3 + 2 cabins), are also available. Each cabin is designed to benefit from ample natural light and often includes a dedicated bathroom for enhanced privacy and comfort.