Neel 45 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the NEEL 45 is rooted in Eric Bruneel's extensive experience as an offshore trimaran racing sailor and his desire to create a cruising multihull that offered the best of both worlds. Launched in 2011 as Neel Trimarans' inaugural production model, the NEEL 45 quickly gained recognition, being honored as "Boat of the Year" by Sailing World and receiving the "Innovation Award" by Cruising World in 2013. Production of the NEEL 45 ran from 2013 until 2020, with over 26 units built, demonstrating its early success and market impact.

The design philosophy behind the NEEL 45, penned by Joubert-Nivelt, prioritized a unique combination of speed, seaworthiness, safety, and onboard comfort. Neel Trimarans employed advanced construction techniques, utilizing a vacuum-infused composite sandwich of fiberglass and isophthalic polyester resin, ensuring exceptional strength, rigidity, and optimized weight. This approach underscores the builder's commitment to creating inherently safe and durable vessels. A notable evolution in the model's production was the introduction of the NEEL 45 Evolution around 2018, featuring enhancements such as improved access steps in the transom and a rigid polyester top replacing the cockpit bimini. The Evolution model also offered different interior configurations, including "Loft" and "Cruise" versions, providing versatility for various owner needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The NEEL 45 is engineered for spirited cruising, boasting a high Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 23.75. This figure suggests excellent performance in lighter winds and an agile sailing character, allowing the boat to move efficiently through the water. While specific ballast figures are not provided (a common characteristic for multihulls where stability is derived primarily from hull form and beam rather than internal ballast), the trimaran configuration itself offers superior stability and seakeeping compared to many catamarans, minimizing pitching motion. With a Displacement to Length ratio of around 220.0, the NEEL 45 falls into a performance-oriented cruiser category, leaning towards a lighter displacement for its length, contributing to its lively performance.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the NEEL 45 for its ease of handling, even for less experienced sailors, while offering an exciting and smooth sailing experience for performance enthusiasts. Anecdotal reports highlight its ability to achieve impressive speeds, with some owners noting 10-12 knots upwind and up to 17 knots downwind. The boat is described as coming "utterly alive underway," giving an impression of "floating through space, even flying," in contrast to the sometimes jerky motion of catamarans. Its daggerboard keel type further enhances upwind performance and allows for reduced draft in shallow waters, providing versatility for exploring.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the NEEL 45 provides remarkably spacious and comfortable accommodations, leveraging its wide 28-foot beam. A hallmark of Neel Trimarans' design philosophy, the "Cockloon" concept, seamlessly integrates the cockpit and saloon on a single level, fostering an open and fluid indoor-outdoor living experience. The interior typically features a smart layout with three double cabins and two bathrooms, along with a bright saloon and a fully equipped galley. The Evolution models offered distinct "Loft" and "Cruise" versions, accommodating 4-8 or 6-10 berths respectively, showcasing adaptability to different cruising demands.

The centralized technical compartment, housing the twin Volvo Penta 55hp diesel engines and other systems, provides excellent access for maintenance and contributes to optimal weight distribution, further enhancing stability. The thoughtful design ensures good visibility from the helm, an important safety and comfort feature for extended passages. Construction relies on high-quality vacuum-infused composite materials, contributing to the general finish and robustness of the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the NEEL 45 frequently commend its robust construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and inherent stability, which many find superior to other multihulls. Its speed and ease of handling are also consistently highlighted as significant strengths, making it a popular choice for both experienced sailors and those new to multihull cruising. The spacious "Cockloon" layout and overall liveability receive high praise for creating an enjoyable cruising and entertaining platform.

However, like any production yacht, some owners have reported areas of concern. While the brand generally emphasizes quality, there have been discussions in owner forums regarding specific build quality issues and, in some isolated instances, structural damage reported on a few early models. These reports often focus on particular units or early production runs, suggesting that potential buyers of pre-owned NEEL 45s may benefit from thorough surveys to assess the condition and any past remedial work. Overall, the NEEL 45 has cultivated a loyal following, with owners appreciating its unique combination of performance, comfort, and safety for bluewater cruising.