Design and Construction
The 48 Open measures 14.67 meters overall, with a 7.97-meter beam and a 1.55-meter draft. She displaces 13.5 tonnes.
Her forward deck and inverted bows create what the builder describes as a resolutely modern and dynamic statement. Beneath that styling, the hulls remain narrow at the waterline to support sailing performance, then flare above chines that run their length. This shape keeps the wetted surface in check down low while providing more living volume higher up.
The hull and deck are foam-cored and vacuum-infused, while the cored interior bulkheads are reinforced with carbon fiber for added strength. The emphasis is on controlling weight rather than relying on brute mass.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The 48 Open’s signature double aft helm arrangement places a wheel at each transom, an approach suited to steering at sea and maneuvering in marinas. Electric Harken winches sit just inboard of each wheel. Another set at either end of the transom controls the traveler and mainsheet.
The standard fractional sloop rig carries an 88-square-meter mainsail and a 42-square-meter self-tacking Solent. A 135 genoa is optional.
In about 15 knots of wind, test sailors recorded consistent speeds from the low 9s to well past 10 knots. Beating upwind under the self-tacking jib, the GPS still showed plenty of 7s and 8s.
The standard engine is rated at 60 hp. Optional twin 75 hp Volvos returned just over 7 knots while cruising at 1,800 rpm.
Accommodations
Nautitech proposes five layouts, covering two-, three-, and four-cabin configurations with berths for four to nine people. This gives owners scope to tailor the boat for private cruising or charter use.
The saloon occupies the bridge deck, with fridges and freezers to starboard and a U-shaped galley whose sink faces aft. A bar stands at the heart of the saloon, while large panoramic windows bring in plenty of natural light.
Forward to starboard, the SmartRoom has two specifications. In Flexibility form, it can serve as an office, spare bedroom, or storage space. The Utility version can be used as a workshop, storage area, or laundry.
The owner’s suite includes an integrated dressing area. A long hull window and another window above the headboard bring light into the cabin. Light walnut woodwork is standard, with oak available as an alternative.
The Verdict
The Nautitech 48 Open is a thoughtfully engineered modern catamaran. It trades the bulk of older cruising designs for narrow-waterline hulls, vacuum-infused foam construction, and a flexible interior program. She offers real pace under sail and easy handling from her twin aft helms, although the number and density of accommodation options mean buyers will need to choose carefully among the five plans.
Pros
- Narrow-waterline hulls and flared topsides deliver strong sailing performance for a 48-foot cruising catamaran
- Foam-cored, vacuum-infused hull and deck, with carbon-reinforced bulkheads
- Five layouts ranging from two to four cabins
- Configurable SmartRoom for cruising, storage, office, laundry, or workshop use
- Twin aft helms and a self-tacking Solent make short-handed handling at sea and in marinas straightforward
Cons
- The standard 60 hp single-engine configuration may feel light compared with the optional twin 75 hp installation sailed during the review
- The dense range of layout options requires careful specification to match an owner’s intended use
