Neel 47 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Neel 47 is rooted in the visionary philosophy of Neel Trimarans' founder, Eric Bruneel, who established the company around 2011 in La Rochelle, France. Bruneel's goal was to bridge the perceived gap between the spaciousness of catamarans and the superior sailing dynamics and stability often found in monohulls, creating fast, seaworthy, and safe cruising trimarans. The Neel 47, introduced in 2019, fully embodies these foundational principles, prioritizing safety and performance as core tenets of its design.

Designed by Marc Lombard, the Neel 47 showcases a new design with a sporty aesthetic, optimizing both its exterior and interior spaces to create a unique multihull experience. The construction employs a vacuum-infused composite sandwich, utilizing fiberglass and isophthalic polyester resin. This advanced technique ensures exceptional strength and rigidity while maintaining an optimized weight, contributing to the boat's overall performance characteristics. A hallmark of Neel's design is the centrally located technical compartment, which not only provides excellent access for maintenance but also strategically contributes to weight centering, enhancing stability and minimizing pitching motion.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Neel 47 is engineered for an engaging sailing experience, characterized by its ability to achieve impressive speeds and maintain stability across various conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 25.25, the Neel 47 exhibits excellent performance in lighter winds, indicating that it is a lively and responsive boat even when the breeze is gentle. Its displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 115.7, suggests a relatively light and performance-oriented vessel for its size, aligning with Neel Trimarans' commitment to speed without sacrificing comfort.

Owners and reviewers frequently laud the Neel 47 as a fast and reliable performance cruiser, capable of moving "almost at the speed of the wind". Its trimaran configuration, supported by three rudders, contributes significantly to its superior stability and seakeeping, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway and instilling confidence in bluewater passages. While primarily a sailing vessel, the Neel 47 is also capable under power, maintaining good speeds of approximately 6.5 knots with its 60hp turbocharged engine. The design minimizes pitching motion, a common comfort concern on many multihulls, further enhancing its appeal as a long-distance cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Neel 47 is a testament to innovative space utilization, centered around the brand's signature "Cockloon" concept. This design seamlessly integrates the cockpit and saloon onto a single level, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living areas and maximizing the overall sense of space. This open layout fosters a fluid environment, ideal for both entertaining and enjoying the cruising lifestyle.

The interior is thoughtfully designed to optimize user comfort and functionality. While specific headroom figures are not provided, the general emphasis on spaciousness and the single-level living area suggest ample vertical clearance. The layout typically offers options for three double cabins, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for a cruising couple or a family. Descriptions and diagrams reveal a well-appointed galley, comfortable salon seating, and efficient use of storage throughout the hulls. The focus is on promoting a better use of space, creating a living environment that is both practical and luxurious for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Neel 47 generally praise its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides, even in challenging sea states. The inherent stability and seakeeping capabilities of the trimaran design are frequently highlighted as significant strengths, offering a sense of security for offshore cruising. The "Cockloon" layout consistently receives accolades for its innovative integration of indoor and outdoor living, enhancing the overall onboard experience and making the boat feel much larger than its length might suggest.

However, some owner discussions and reviews have raised concerns regarding certain aspects of build quality in specific production series. While Neel Trimarans maintains a strong and active owner's community, and the company is committed to continuous improvement, prospective buyers often conduct thorough pre-purchase surveys to address any potential issues. Despite these isolated reports, the collective sentiment often returns to the unparalleled sailing performance, comfort, and safety that the Neel 47 delivers, solidifying its position as a highly desirable cruising trimaran for those seeking a unique and capable multihull experience.