Excess 14 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Excess 14 is fundamentally designed for sailors who prioritize the "sensation" of sailing, a characteristic often lost in flybridge-heavy cruising catamarans. According to Sail Magazine, the boat utilizes an innovative asymmetric hull design where the outboard sides are fuller than the inboard sides. This reduces interference drag between the hulls and moves the center of buoyancy outward, enhancing stability and reducing slamming.

Handling is defined by the twin aft helm stations, which use a direct Dyneema steering system rather than hydraulic linkages. This configuration provides significantly more feedback than traditional cruising cats, though some reviewers at Yachting World noted the wheels can feel firm during high-load maneuvers. The "Pulse Line" performance package is a frequent upgrade for private owners, adding roughly six feet to the mast and increasing the upwind sail area to approximately 135 m² (1,453 sq ft). In light-air testing by Yacht.de, the Pulse Line version proved capable of matching wind speed in as little as 10 knots of breeze and pointing as high as 40 degrees apparent wind angle—an impressive feat for a fixed-keel production catamaran.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Excess 14 is described as pragmatic and "IKEA-like" in its clean, cost-conscious execution. The shipyard prioritized weight savings by using foam-core bulkheads and omitting heavy decorative liners. Two primary hull configurations exist: the 4-cabin charter version and the innovative 3-cabin "Owner’s" version. In the 3-cabin layout, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite that features a "dressing room" or utility space in the bow. This space is highly modular; on some "Transformer" variants, it can be fitted with fold-down bunks to serve as a fourth cabin or a large walk-in storage area for long-range cruising gear.

The salon is characterized by untinted windows that provide 360-degree visibility, a feature specifically highlighted by Excess Catamarans as a market exclusive. The galley is U-shaped and connects directly to the cockpit, though the interior dining table is somewhat compact, as the designers assumed most meals would be taken at the larger cockpit table. Headroom remains generous throughout the vessel, despite the lowered coachroof profile.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Excess 14 has gained significant traction in professional circles, earning a nomination for the "European Yacht of the Year 2023" and winning a "Best Boat" award from SAIL Magazine shortly after its debut. It has also become a popular subject for modern sailing creators, appearing in detailed sea-trial features by Yachting World and Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose, which focused on its potential as a "monohull-to-catamaran" transition vessel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Because the Excess 14 is a relatively recent addition to the market, long-term structural data is limited, but early technical assessments and owner reports highlight several areas for pre-purchase or delivery inspection:

• Engine Room Wiring: Professional tests have noted "crude" installation in some early hulls, specifically regarding over-long electrical cables tied together with ties rather than being trimmed to length.
• Visible Balsa Core: In some non-living areas such as the bow lockers and bilges, the shipyard has dispensed with topcoats to save weight. Buyers should inspect these areas for any signs of moisture penetration near through-hull fittings where the core might be exposed.
• Helm Exposure: The aft-set helms provide excellent sail visibility but offer little protection from sun and spray. Buyers should check the condition of the optional helm biminis and the integrity of the Dyneema steering lines, which require more frequent tensioning than hydraulic systems.
• Visibility "Dead Zones": While the salon windows are clear, there is a specific sector when looking forward from the helm where visibility is obscured by the coachroof pillars; ensure the installed camera systems or mirrors are functional.

Community & Resources

Owners and prospective buyers primarily interact through the Excess Lab, an official digital forum where the manufacturer directly solicits technical feedback and discusses design choices with the community. Technical support is also centralized through the Beneteau Group’s Seanapps system, which provides live telemetry for battery levels, GPS tracking, and maintenance scheduling via a mobile application.

The Verdict

The Excess 14 is a refreshing take on the production catamaran, successfully delivering a more engaged sailing experience without the million-dollar price tag of a performance carbon build.

Pros:

• Superior steering feedback and "feel" compared to most production cruising catamarans.
• Innovative hull design with asymmetric shapes for reduced drag and better upwind performance.
• Exceptional visibility through untinted salon windows.
• Modular "Transformer" cabin options allow for a highly customizable owner’s hull.

Cons:

• Exposed helm positions offer limited protection during heavy weather or intense midday sun.
• Interior finish may feel "sparse" or less luxurious than competitors like Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot.
• Rigidity and responsiveness come at the cost of a deeper draft (1.48m), which may limit access to some shallow anchorages.