Nautitech 60 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nautitech 60 is characterized by its Joubert-Nivelt hull design, which features relatively slim hulls and a high bridge deck clearance. This combination significantly reduces the "slamming" effect common in heavier, low-clearance cruising catamarans, allowing for a more comfortable motion in a seaway. Handling is described as remarkably responsive for a vessel of 60 feet; the boat utilizes a high-aspect-ratio rig that provides ample power in light airs, a feature often noted by long-distance cruisers who prefer sailing over motoring.

While the boat lacks the "Open" cockpit concept found in later models like the 40 or 44, the helm positions on the 60 were designed to provide excellent visibility of the sails and the horizon. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach, with the slim hulls piercing waves rather than pitching over them. The technical data suggests a vessel that prioritizes a lower center of gravity, which, combined with its wide beam, offers a stable platform that remains stiff even when pressed under a large genoa.

Interior Comfort & Variations

As a flagship of the mid-90s, the Nautitech 60’s interior reflects a period of robust craftsmanship and traditional maritime aesthetics. The woodwork is typically finished in high-quality veneers—often teak or cherry—which provides a warmer, more "ship-like" feel than the minimalist, modular interiors seen in modern mass-production cats. The layout was highly customizable, with the most common configurations featuring four to six double cabins, each equipped with ensuite heads.

The bridge deck saloon is expansive, benefiting from the vessel's nearly 30-foot beam. Unlike the later "Open" series, the interior and exterior spaces are more distinctly separated by a traditional bulkhead, though the large windows provide nearly 360-degree visibility. Sibling models of this era included the Nautitech 475, which shared many of the 60’s aesthetic DNA and construction methods, though the 60 remained the primary choice for luxury charter operations and high-end private ownership due to its superior galley-down or galley-up options and vast storage capacity for blue-water provisioning.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nautitech 60 gained significant recognition in the late 1990s as a preferred vessel for high-end transatlantic charter fleets. Its reputation for speed made it a frequent participant in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), where early hulls demonstrated that a luxury catamaran could maintain pace with performance monohulls. While it predates the era of YouTube sailing influencers, the model is frequently cited in multihull retrospectives as the boat that proved Nautitech could compete on a global scale.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Nautitech 60 today requires a diligent survey, as many of these vessels have significant miles on their odometers. Buyers should focus on several high-signal areas:

• Bulkhead Integrity: On early 90s multihulls of this size, it is essential to inspect the primary structural bulkheads for any signs of delamination or movement, particularly if the boat has been driven hard in heavy seas.
• Core Condition: The hulls and decks are vacuum-bagged, but aging deck hardware can lead to moisture ingress in the balsa or foam core. A moisture meter survey is mandatory around the stanchion bases and windlass area.
• Original Systems: Many 60s were fitted with complex hydraulic systems for sail handling and large Perkins or Volvo engines. Prospective owners should verify the service history of the saildrives and seals, which are often nearing the end of their service life if original.
• Standing Rigging: Given the high loads generated by a 60-foot catamaran’s stability, the standing rigging must be strictly evaluated. Most insurers will require a full replacement if the rigging is over ten years old.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical support and historical data is the Nautitech Catamarans shipyard itself, which maintains an archive of its legacy models. Owners also frequently congregate within the broader French multihull associations, such as the Multihull Club de France, where technical discussions regarding Joubert-Nivelt designs are common.

The Verdict

The Nautitech 60 remains a prestigious choice for sailors who value the pedigree of a performance-oriented hull over the "floating apartment" feel of more modern, voluminous catamarans.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of double-digit speeds that many modern cruising cats struggle to match.
• Structural Legacy: Built during a period of robust, over-engineered fiberglass construction.
• Seaworthiness: High bridge deck clearance translates to superior comfort in offshore conditions.

Cons:

• Draft and Size: At 60 feet, dockage can be expensive and restricted in smaller marinas.
• Aging Systems: Older hulls likely require significant investment in modern electronics and power management.
• Traditional Layout: Lacks the seamless indoor-outdoor "Open" flow of modern Nautitech models.