Excess 12 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Excess 12 is its twin aft helm configuration, which places the sailor outboard and closer to the water. This layout provides a direct mechanical connection to the rudders via Dyneema steering cables, a choice made specifically to enhance the "feel" and responsiveness of the helm. According to Sail Magazine, the visibility forward from these stations is surprisingly good, aided by the use of clear, untinted glass in the coachroof windows that allows the helmsman to look through the saloon to the opposite bow.

Performance is further segmented by the availability of the "Pulse Line" package. While the standard rig is balanced and accessible for newcomers, the Pulse Line adds a mast that is approximately three feet taller, increasing the sail area by roughly 10%. This souped-up version utilizes grey tri-radial laminate sails and a square-top mainsail, pushing the Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio to a more aggressive 19. Tests conducted by Cruising World noted that the boat remains nimble even in boisterous conditions, maintaining speeds over 8 knots in 25-30 knots of breeze without the "stately" or delayed response typical of heavier cruising cats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior, styled by Nauta Design, adopts a modern, minimalist aesthetic that favors weight reduction over traditional luxury. To save mass, traditional heavy cabinetry is often replaced with fabric garment bags and open shelving. The saloon is characterized by vertical windows and an optional manual "accordion" sunroof, which allows the cockpit to be fully opened to the sky, significantly increasing airflow and light.

The Excess 12 was offered in several configurations: a three-cabin "Owner’s version" and a four-cabin version with either two or four heads. In the three-cabin layout, the entire port hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite, featuring a large head forward, a desk amidships, and a queen-sized berth aft. Its sibling, the Excess 15, was launched simultaneously and follows a similar design philosophy on a larger scale. Later models like the Excess 11 and Excess 14 were developed from "clean-sheet" designs rather than shared Lagoon molds, though they retain the 12’s signature aft helms and aesthetic DNA.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Excess 12 achieved significant critical acclaim upon its debut, securing the title of "Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran" for 2020 by Cruising World and winning the "Multihull of the Year" award in the same year. Its launch was part of one of the most publicized brand rollouts in recent maritime history, as Groupe Beneteau sought to compete with performance-oriented brands like Nautitech and Seawind while maintaining a competitive price point.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific mechanical and ergonomic tradeoffs inherent in the Excess design:

• Helm Exposure: The aft helm stations lack the protection of a central cockpit or flybridge. While the manufacturer offers innovative bimini solutions, the helmsman remains more exposed to spray and sun than on more traditional cruisers.
• Roof Access: The collapsible ladder used to access the coachroof for sail handling has been described by reviewers as somewhat light; buyers should check for wear around the mounting points and the sturdiness of the ladder itself.
• Rigging Complexity: To bring all lines to the twin helms, the reefing and control lines follow somewhat convoluted paths through the deck organizers. Inspection of these lines for premature chafing is essential.
• Sliding Roof Seals: On models equipped with the manual sunroof, the seals and tracks should be checked for debris or salt buildup that can impede the sliding mechanism.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and owner interaction is the Excess Tribe, an official manufacturer-sponsored community platform that provides technical wikis, owner stories, and direct access to the factory’s "Excess Lab" for design feedback.

The Verdict

The Excess 12 is a successful reimagining of a cruising catamaran that prioritizes the experience of the person at the helm without sacrificing the "apartment-style" living expected by modern cruisers.

Pros

• Superior helm feel and "monohull-like" responsiveness compared to peers.
• The Pulse Line rig offers genuine performance gains in light air.
• Innovative sliding roof creates an exceptionally airy cockpit.
• Lighter displacement allows for earlier sailing and better speeds.

Cons

• Helmsman is exposed to the elements during heavy weather.
• Minimalist interior storage (fabric bags vs. lockers) may not suit all long-term cruisers.
• Visibility to the opposite aft quarter can be a challenge during tight docking maneuvers.