Beneteau Excess 11 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Excess 11’s performance is its twin aft helm stations. Unlike flybridge or bulkhead-mounted helms, these positions place the skipper closer to the water and the rudders, utilizing a direct cable steering system that offers significantly more feedback than hydraulic setups. This layout allows the sailor to see the sails’ telltales clearly and feel the hull's response to gusts. To further enhance performance, Excess offers the "Pulse Line" package, which includes a taller mast, increased sail area (approximately 54 square feet additional), and distinctive grey Tri-radial laminate sails.

The boat’s Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio is notably higher than many of its contemporaries in the 38-to-40-foot range. In a review by Sail Magazine, the yacht demonstrated an ability to tack through 90 degrees with ease, a feat often difficult for smaller catamarans. The VPLP hulls feature a subtle chine that increases interior volume while keeping the waterline narrow for reduced drag. Owners frequently report that the boat maintains a steady 7 to 8 knots in moderate breezes, and while it lacks the daggerboards of a pure performance cat, its fixed keels are optimized to minimize leeway during upwind beats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior, styled by Nauta Design, favors a "less is more" philosophy that prioritizes light and airflow. The Excess 11 is available in two primary configurations: a three-cabin owner’s version and a four-cabin, two-head version aimed at the charter market. In the owner’s version, the entire port hull is dedicated to a private suite, featuring a large double berth aft, a desk/vanity area amidships, and a spacious head forward.

The saloon is notable for its panoramic 360-degree visibility, facilitated by vertical windows that reduce greenhouse heating. Unlike the larger Excess 12 and 15, which share some hull DNA with Lagoon models, the Excess 11 utilizes a unique mold that optimizes headroom (nearly 6'7" in the saloon) without creating an excessively high profile. A key variation is the "Evolution" interior package, which uses lighter woods and contemporary fabrics to enhance the sense of space. One hallmark of the model is the optional retractable sunroof in the cockpit bimini, allowing the crew to open the living area to the sky or close it for protection against the elements.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Excess 11 gained significant traction in the sailing community through its "Excess Challenge," a digital platform where owners and fans could track the boat’s performance in real-time. It has also been featured extensively on several high-production YouTube sailing channels, such as Sailing Yacht Florence, where the boat was scrutinized for its blue-water capabilities. It received the 2021 European Yacht of the Year award in the "Family Cruiser" category, a testament to its broad appeal.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Excess 11 is built to Beneteau’s high industrial standards, there are specific areas for prospective buyers to monitor based on early production feedback from owner groups and technical forums:

• Helm Exposure: The aft helm positions offer great visibility of the sails but leave the skipper exposed to the elements. Prospective buyers should check if the optional biminis for the helm stations are installed or if they need to be retrofitted.
• Bimini Drainage: On some early hulls, the large coachroof and bimini structure can collect water if the boat is not leveled correctly at the dock. Ensure the drainage channels are clear of debris.
• Rig Tension: Given the "Pulse Line"’s taller rig, the standing rigging requires precise tuning to prevent pumping in a seaway. Check for any signs of chainplate stress or fraying at the spreaders.
• Saildrive Seals: Like all catamarans with twin Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesels, the saildrive seals should be inspected for water intrusion, especially if the boat has been sitting in a high-fouling environment.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Excess Tribe, an official manufacturer-sponsored community that provides owners with direct access to technical manuals, webinars with designers, and a forum for sharing modifications. Additionally, the "Excess Owners Group" on various social platforms serves as a robust secondary resource for troubleshooting specific equipment failures, such as B&G electronics integration or windlass maintenance.

The Verdict

The Excess 11 is an ideal multihull for sailors who find traditional cruising catamarans too detached from the sailing experience but aren't ready for the complexity of a carbon-fiber performance cat.

Pros:

• Superior helm feedback and "feel" compared to flybridge models.
• The Pulse Line rig provides competitive speed in light airs.
• Exceptional headroom and volume for a sub-40-foot catamaran.
• Simple, easy-to-manage sail plan for shorthanded crews.

Cons:

• Aft helm positions offer less protection from spray and sun.
• The "open-concept" cockpit may feel less secure in heavy following seas.
• Limited storage for long-term provisioning compared to bulkier cruisers.