Design and Construction
The Excess 15 shares its bridge deck and inner hull sections below the waterline with the Lagoon 50, but VPLP extracted roughly a ton of weight from the Lagoon version by stripping interior fixtures and eliminating the flybridge entirely. That weight savings shows up in the boat's behavior under sail. Vacuum-infusion construction with balsa coring is used throughout the deck and the hull sections above the waterline, keeping the structure stiff and light where it matters most. True to the brand's stated philosophy, no Excess model will ever carry a flybridge — a deliberate architectural choice that keeps the center of gravity low and underscores the performance intent.
Rig and Sail Handling
The base sailplan pairs a square-top mainsail with a self-tending jib, making the boat genuinely manageable short-handed. The more compelling configuration is the Pulse package, which adds a taller mast, bowsprit, and code zero on a continuous-line furler. In 10 to 12 knots, the speedo hovered in the high 7-knot range upwind, and tacking required nothing beyond a turn of the wheel and a trim of the electric traveler. Bearing off and deploying the code zero immediately pushed the boat to 10 knots and beyond; the test boat maxed out at 10.5 knots on a broad reach. The self-tacking jib deserves particular credit — it turns an otherwise complex sailboat into something a single-handed sailor can manage without drama. An electric Harken traveler handles the mainsheet adjustment, so sail trim rarely demands more than a button press.
On Deck and Helm Position
Twin helms sit at the aft ends of each hull rather than on a raised flybridge, and this placement proves consequential. Visibility forward through vertical saloon windows is genuine — from either wheel, a sailor can see all the way through the cabin to both bow tips, addressing one of the perennial frustrations of aft-helm catamaran design. The outboard helm stations also keep the helmsman within earshot of the cockpit, preserving a monohull-like sense of connection with the crew that flybridge designs sacrifice. The cockpit itself is sociable: an L-shaped couch surrounds a dining table to port, a large lounge sits opposite, and a padded bench spans the transom. A soft-top accordion sunroof slides open to expose the main saloon to sky and gives the helmsman a clear view of the mainsail. Forward of the cockpit, a dedicated lounge at the bow provides a retreat when the aft cockpit bakes in an evening anchorage.
Accommodations
Below, the Excess 15 offers meaningful layout flexibility. The three-cabin version dedicates the entire starboard hull to an owner's suite, complete with his-and-hers sinks forward and a desk and outboard sofa. A four-cabin arrangement gives each hull two en suite guest cabins, and a six-cabin charter configuration is available using the forepeaks. The main saloon is noticeably lighter and more contemporary than its Lagoon 50 counterpart — the design team streamlined the interior woodwork to both reduce weight and modernize the aesthetic. Seven people can gather comfortably at the elevated L-shaped settee that faces a bench seat aft of the compression post. The galley occupies the aft port corner, with refrigeration and counter space positioned sensibly near the cockpit entry.
Known Shortcomings
One reviewer identified several friction points after time aboard. The helm seat backrests lack curvature, making extended stints at the wheel less comfortable than they should be on a boat of this ambition. Non-skid on the coachroof does not extend to the edge, a real concern on a wet, moving platform where footing matters. Overhead ventilation is limited — the absence of hatches over the main cabin will make the interior warm in anchorages where the aft slider alone cannot induce adequate airflow. The same reviewer noted that the owner's suite sofa consumes valuable locker space, and on a liveaboard passage boat that trade-off is difficult to justify. Engine controls on both helms are offered only as an option; buyers are advised to include that upgrade to gain confidence during docking.
The Verdict
The Excess 15 succeeds at its stated goal. It is a large, fast, well-appointed catamaran that a couple or small family can actually sail rather than just motor between anchorages. The Pulse rig transforms an already capable platform into something that will genuinely surprise sailors accustomed to heavy production cats. The helm position and forward visibility are legitimately well executed. Its shortcomings are real but minor and largely addressable — add the dual engine controls, buy the Pulse package, and fit a few overhead hatches if the builder's options allow.
Pros
- Genuine sailing performance from a 48-foot cruising catamaran
- Self-tacking jib makes short-handed and solo sailing practical
- Forward visibility from aft helms is solved, not just claimed
- Vacuum-infusion, balsa-cored construction keeps weight in check
- Flexible layout accommodates owner, family, and charter configurations
- Twin outboard helms keep the helmsman connected to the crew
Cons
- Helm seat backrests are flat and tiring on long passages
- Coachroof non-skid does not extend to the edges
- Overhead ventilation in the saloon is inadequate for warm anchorages
- Dual engine controls on both helms require an extra-cost option
- Owner's suite sofa takes space that cruisers would rather fill with stowage
