nautica 28 catamaran

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SWS ADVENTURES
• Email Newsletters
• Fishing Boat Reviews
• Fly Fishing
• Marine Electronics
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Destinations
• The Bahamas Fishing Guide
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

• By Dave Lear
• Updated: September 21, 2007

The expression, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” isn’t heard much around the Pro Sports factory. That’s because with three models of the 28 Pro Kat catamaran now available – Walkaround, Sport Cuddy and Center Console – there’s one to satisfy most every boater.

“Anyone interested in a 28- to 29-foot conventional boat will be impressed with the Pro Kat,” explains Pro Sports president Mike Robinson. “It’s a hands-down winner for stability, and it lends itself to serious fishing and diving because of its range, ride and handling.”

All three models are based on the same planing hull. Reverse chines on each sponson provide increased lift for stability, fuel efficiency and a drier ride, as we discovered during choppy conditions in Alabama’s Mobile Bay. The Pro Kat sliced through the waves and tracked exceptionally well. Straight runs allowed nearly effortless steering with the Sea Star hydraulic system, while on gradual turns the boat would follow the heading without hesitation or drift. We did encounter some tunnel slap in a head sea, but were able to eliminate it by angling slightly into the waves.

In addition to stability, our test ride demonstrated the Pro Kat’s other positive performance characteristics. It stays abeam of the seas on a drift, offering unhindered fishing from either side, and the effect of whitewater funneling tightly between the sponsons and outboards, combined with the gurgling noise it produces, is sure to raise fish when trolling.

Incredible Range

And speaking of trolling, the Pro Kat will let you maximize your fishing time, according to Pro Sports’s performance data. A Sport Cuddy rigged with twin 200 Mercury OptiMax outboards is capable of 51.9 mph at a wide-open 5800 rpm. Throttle back to 4000 rpm for a cruising speed of 39.1 mph and 19.6 gph, or save even more gas by dropping to 3200 rpm (28 mph and 12.6 gph). With a fuel capacity of 238 gallons, that translates into a 474-mile range at cruise.

Every model of the 28 Pro Kat features plenty of standard angling amenities. Topping the list are a 40-gallon, oval bait well with macerator pump and cutting-board top; two large, insulated fishboxes; molded rod racks, and a molded backing plate in the cockpit sole for mounting a fighting chair. Add the 28’s immense cockpit, padded coaming bolsters, rod holders and ample storage for tackle and gear, and you’ve got a very versatile fishing machine.

Removable transom bench seats and forward padded seating complement the large helm leaning post and console. The console (with standard stainless steering wheel) is large enough to accommodate a typical electronics package, while the carpeted interior offers access, plus additional storage and room for an optional head. A handy console T-top/radio box combo is also available as an option.

The center-console model has wraparound seating in the bow, along with a convenient, lockable storage area that’ll easily handle rods and gear for overnight stays in a marina. The cuddy version, on the other hand, uses that same space for a small yet cozy cabin. The finished space features twin padded berths with storage below. All models in the 28 Pro Kat line come equipped with stainless bow railings, an anchor roller with hawse pipe, and a lifetime hull warranty against rot.

With very affordable price tags for boats of this size, no matter which model of the 28 Pro Kat you choose it’s sure to draw a crowd – of admirers, that is.

Pro Sports Boats, Lincoln, AL; (205) 763-0231; www.prosportsboats.com

• More: Boat Reviews , Boats

Scout 357 LXF

Electric Outboard Steering

Best Dredge Fishing Tips for Center Consoles

EdgeWater 208CC Watchman

Where to Find the Best Fishing in August and September

Salt Water Sportsman’s Deals of the Week

Outstanding Trout and Redfishing in the Chandeleur Islands

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Nautitech 44 Open review: space and performance?

• July 26, 2022

Offering space and a comfortable interior while keeping a cat light enough to perform is a tough brief. Does the Nautitech 44 Open deliver, asks François Tregouet?

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

It’s been more than six years since the Nautitech yard in Rochefort launched an entirely new design, but this Nautitech 44 Open marks the company’s return to the forefront of the multihull scene.

It shares the Open layout of Nautitech’s past models, but embodies the brand’s new strategy to address owner-operators rather than the charter market. We were able to judge the concept during an early sea trial on the Bay of Biscay.

The Nautitech 44 Open was developed in just 14 months during the middle of the pandemic and owes a great deal to the dozen owners and dealers consulted to define their ‘ideal’ catamaran. The feedback from this working party convinced the yard to focus on cruising owners and to go for a more performance-oriented design than the market average.

Marc Lombard’s design team has succeeded in expressing this externally by using fine bows, a narrow waterline and controlled volumes. The line of hull windows is more tapered than in the past, and the nacelle is less pronounced and voluminous than typical production cruising cats.

Nautitech’s Open concept, which was initiated nearly 10 years ago on the Nautitech 40 Open, allows the length to be contained by merging the interior and exterior into a single volume. So the true saloon is located outside, protected by a long, rigid bimini and coachroof windows that extend beyond the sliding bay window. Not splitting the saloon/cockpit function saves space – and weight, which is crucial on a multihull, especially at this size.

Good performance, a covered saloon. Photo: MULTImedia

Transformative

The chart table and L-shaped bench seat on the port side, and the galley to starboard, are thus able to benefit from the entire interior space. Facing forward, the chart table is a proper indoor navstation, while the bench seat can be transformed into a watch-keeper’s berth. Strategically positioned between control screens and cockpit winches, it will be ideal for night passages.

The galley benefits from a large 144lt fridge and optional 75lt freezer, anticipating the demands of owners wishing to sail with complete self-sufficiency wherever possible. Designer Christophe Chedal-Anglay, known for his work on the Gunboat 68, has incorporated a clever bar unit in the centre of this living space, which works very well to distribute guests, and naturally becomes a focal point for discussions.

Aft helms remain key elements of the Open concept. Photo: MULTImedia

In the three-cabin version we sailed, reflecting the emphasis on owner-sailors rather than the charter market, the port hull is dedicated to the owner’s cabin with aft double berth, separate heads and large washbasin and shower room forward.

On the starboard side double cabins forward and aft are separated by heads and washroom spaces – the yard preferring to offer more volume to a heads and shower/washbasin area on one side instead of duplicating identical bathrooms.

Photo: MULTImedia

A ‘SmartRoom’ concept allows for a forward cabin to be fitted out to suit a choice of uses: office, dressing room, technical room, workshop or stowage.

On deck, Nautitech remains faithful to its double aft helm stations which are protected from the sun by two small biminis. They remain exposed to the apparent wind and spray, but the view of the sails is excellent and the view forward is better than you might think. The blind spots forward are very small – apart from when the removable cockpit enclosures are in place, which will likely only be in port or at anchor – and a step to the side immediately remedies this.

A central bar area divides saloon and desk/chart table, and gives the interior a social heart. Photo: Nautitech

When manoeuvring in marinas, a camera mounted under the radar antenna and pointing towards the bows, gives the helmsman an accurate and useful picture of the distances available.

Nautitech continues to improve the comfort, design and ergonomics around the aft helm set up. The winches are within easy reach, and well separated from the lounging area, and the moulded dash binnacle elegantly accommodates all the necessary elements (engine controls, plotter, repeaters, etc.).

Access to the deck to go forward, to take care of the anchor or lower the gennaker, is a formality thanks to the two teak steps and the handrails integrated into the coachroof and around the deck.

The main saloon is outside aft, but there’s also a dinette inside. Photo: MULTImedia

Handy performance

The sporty first impression that the fine bow sections give is confirmed once at sea, where they are also noticeably dry. Nautitech has managed to keep the Open 44 to the designed light displacement of 10.9 tonnes. However, the standard configuration with a self-tacking jib giving 110m² sail area proved to be a minimum in the 10 to 12 knots of cold wind we encountered.

Narrower hulls than many of today’s cruising cats, but still plenty of comfort. Photo: MULTImedia

I’d have liked to have tried the overlapping genoa, which increases the sail area to 133m². Once the Code 0 was unfurled, however, the boat came to life. We reached 8.4 knots at 55° to the apparent wind in only 12.8 knots of breeze. Of course, if you bear away a little, the pace becomes even faster, and we regularly exceeded 10 knots at 110° to the wind.

The extensive design resources used for the first time, with three digital models tested in virtual reality, have clearly had an effect. The helm is direct and offers just the right amount of feedback to steer accurately but without too much effort. The new hexagonal shape of the Goïot steering wheels quickly overcame our conservatism, as their shape allows an easy understanding of their degree of rotation. Switching from one side to the other without rushing to get the best angle of vision on the telltales is straightforward, as the boat is so stable.

There was no slamming when going through waves thanks to good speed under sail and a comfortable bridgedeck clearance. And when returning to port, powered by the two optional 50hp engines (30hp as standard), the Nautitech made 7 knots at 2,000rpm. French tradition dictated that we would be home in time for lunch!

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The non-slip surface lacks a bit of texture to offer good grip in wet weather, but this is one of the only minor niggles we found with this well-founded Nautitech. The ‘Open’ concept involves a smaller coachroof but, conversely, a very large exterior saloon. And in this context we can say that the 44 Open keeps its promise to improve the comfort-performance compromise, a factor cherished by the brand. The abolition of the inside-outside boundary serves to limit displacement and help deliver attractive performance. That lack of boundary is underlined by the continuity of the lighting between the two areas, while inside, the quality of the finish has improved and the layout is intelligent. With its smart positioning between industrial yards which are very influenced by the charter market, and specialists with more radical (and expensive) choices, Nautitech has created a ‘sweet spot’ with this new model, which will appeal to many multihull enthusiasts.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Sailing Blogs
• List Your Catamaran For Charter
• List Your Catamaran For Sale

Nautitech 48

The next model to launch from the famous French manufacturer of sporty cruising cats is the Nautitech 48 Open. This follows the successful launch of the 44 and an upgrade of the 40. This forty-eight footer will be the new flagship of the range, a competitor to the like of the Vaan R5 and the Sewind 1600.

This is a modern cruising catamaran that was designed by Marc Lombard and his team (MLYDG) with performance, comfort, and style in mind, a great choice for families embarking on a long distance cruise.

With her inverted bows, the 48 Open looks distinguished: a fine evolution of the design of the smaller boats in the range. The designers have worked hard to balance the yacht’s elements: the height of the bridge-deck, the hull profile, the sail area, and careful control of weight which all result in a well-balanced boat.

Interiors have been designed by Christophe Chedal-Anglay, and builds on themes developed for her smaller sister: the bar placed in the heart of the saloon and Smartroom® option.

• A fast and responsive cruising catamaran that will soak up the weather and the miles
• Stable with that low profile and accessible boom
• A large cockpit that joins with a larger saloon
• Modular design including the Smartroom® makes this a flexible option for many programs.
• A good compromise between comfort and performance
• Less technical to sail than some performance cruisers – more simple, less to go wrong.
• Decent nav station
• In decent weather, the open concept comes into its own with plenty of flexible living space up top (eg the foldable saloon table).
• We love those wrap around helm seats – so comfortable.
• It is less expensive than a comparable performance cruiser but the price is getting up there.
• It will be interesting to see how the depreciation compares in a softer market.
• The bar concept in the saloon takes up a lot of space, although good to hang onto in a seaway.
• In colder, wetter conditions, the seating area inside is modest compared to the competition
• The flatter nav screens aft are harder to read in the sun

Performance

The Nautitech 48 Open promises to be a fast and responsive cruising boat. She’ll be easy to sail in a variety of conditions.

Sail Plan This Nautitech flagship has a 85m² large mainsail with a track on the aft beam and 42,5m² self-tacking solent (track on the coach roof) as standard. Options include a gennaker and a Code 0. This compares well to some of the higher performance cats on the market. Read our HH44 review for example.

Other light wind sails can be flown off the bow of the boat of course, with parasailors being a popular option for sailors in the trades. I believe there will be an option to configure the 48 with an overlapping genoa instead of the self tacking solent: less convenience tacking, but a punchier sail area to displacement ratio.

Nautitech continue to keep it simple, and design their yachts with fixed keels rather than boards. Having said that, those slender hulls allow you to pinch up nicely into the wind with 55 to 60 degrees to true being the sweet spot. That gives you a decent VMG upwind, particularly with the Code 0 flying in lighter winds.

She’s been well designed for short handed sailing too. All lines come back to the helm through the coach-roof and the aft track is on the aft beam.

Exterior Design

The Nautitech 48 Open has a sleek, modern look and follows the Open concept faithfully, with twin aft helms opening up the living space in the aft cockpit and saloon, all arranged on one level.

The helmsman or helmswoman is connected to the cockpit and the crew for safer sailing. Deck hatches are flush and there are plenty of handrails to grab as you move forward. The boat has a clean, uncluttered look with a low, accessible boom and two steps to nip up to the bimini top from the forward deck

The Nautitech 48 Open is spacious and comfortable. The Open concept inside is focused around the bar placed in the heart of the saloon and at the centre of gravity of the boat. There is an ample lounge area to port that sits behind a large chart table and there is a ‘J’ shaped galley to tuck into on the starboard side.

There are five different layouts available in standard light walnut or optional oak, including the Utility option or SmartRoom® in the starboard hull forward.

Choose between 2 cabins/2 heads with SmartRoom®, 3 cabins/3 heads Owner’s, 3 cabins/3 heads with SmartRoom®, 4 cabins/4 heads charter version, or 3 cabins, 3 heads with SmartRoom®. The finish has taken another step up from previous models with light rooms, panoramic views and quality materials.

The hulls are more slender on a Nautitech than many other cruising catamarans- that’s what makes her such a pleasure to sail, but that does mean that the living spaces down below are smaller than the competition. There are no walk around beds, for example, but they have done a great job of maximising the living and storage space with the modular design. There is an option for fold away bunk beds in the starboard hull forward, for example.

There is plenty for solar on the roof and above the davits and the Nautitech 48 Open is powered by two D2-60 Volvo diesel engines (or you can upgrade to 75s) giving a top theoretical speed of 8-9 knots in calm conditions. You’ll probably want to back the revs off to cruise at 7 knots (2200 RPM) or 6 knots with one engine. Fuel consumption is likely to be around 5L/hr on one engine and 8.5/9L/hr on 2.

There are two 300 L fuel tanks (2 x 79 us gal) and two 300 L water tanks (2 x 79 us gal)

What is the price of a Nautitech 48 Open? How much do they cost? The base price starts at just over €900k excluding taxes but expect to  add between €150k to €200k on options

Technical Specification

Contact Katamarans

Share your details with us and we’ll be in touch to discuss further.

" * " indicates required fields

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

More information about our Cookie Policy

NEW 44 Open

All your dreams on board

A luxury catamaran built for your dream of sailing around the world

THE NAUTITECH STYLE AT ITS PEAK TO SEDUCE CRUISERS SEEKING PERFECTION

The 44 Open is the natural evolution of the Nautitech line, a new advanced design that redefines, once again, the standard on bluewater cruising boats.

Featuring a revolutionary interior layout, rigging upgrades for enhanced performance and a sharp look, the Nautitech 44 Open is on top of its class.

Nautitech 44 Open, explore your passion for adventure at sea.

A catamaran built by sailors for sailors

We aim to create a new improved design for the Nautitech sailing boat range while respecting the brand's DNA.

The 44 Open will naturally fit between the 40 Open and the 46 Open . This model initiates an evolution of our catamaran lines.

A new style with improvements oriented towards the needs of our sailors, whose valuable feedback were an important part of the multihull design process.

Our main goal was to make all maneuvers easy and safe for a small crew at sea. On this catamaran, everything is accessible, for a certain pleasure at the helm for the owners.

Marc Lombard, Architecte naval

Christophe CHEDAL ANGLAY, Designer

Film showcase

Bluewater cruising has its new wonder for your round-the-world sailing trip and long vacation at sea

A dynamic design, a marker of recognized performance

Sleek Hull Lines and an Inverted Bow, the all new Nautitech 44 Open

An Optimized hydrodynamic bottom and narrow hulls below the waterline combined with a stepped hull chines to widen the hull and provide spacious above the waterline. The hull with its inverted bow and forward rake ensures a balanced sailing boat.

Double helm station, a guarantee of safety and sensations

 An ideal position to have an unobstructed view of the sails and the sea whatever the speed, but also to keep an eye on the crew members in order to sail in complete safety. Centralized maneuvers at the stern to maintain the link with the crew and the conviviality in navigation.

Thanks to a shorter steering circuit, the reactivation of the bar will be amplified offering a pleasure at the helm without comparison.

Lower Main Sheet track location

 Easy to maneuver, visibility on the fittings from the helm station, this position offers many advantages. The performance of our catamarans is optimal thanks to the lowered position of the boom as close to the roof as possible which increases the efficiency of the mainsail in its lower part. The comfort is not without rest with a more accessible lazy bag.

A coach roof that evokes the world of ocean racing

 The modern design of the roof and its elaborate lines perfectly echo the lines of the hull. A subtle interplay of concave and convex shapes creates an unparalleled harmony.

A user-friendly and modular cockpit

 A unique living space aboard the 44 Open. A spacious cockpit connected to the galley that welcomes your guests into a friendly atmosphere during your trip at sea.

A relaxing space that calls for dreams

 A forward cockpit designed for lounging thanks to its large sunbathing area, the ideal place to enjoy a sunset or perfect your tan.

An innovative interior layout for a stylish & livable catamaran

Discover a unique living space that revisits the "Open" concept and offers a 360-degree view

of the outside and flows around the new bar area, that separate the salon from the Kitchen.

Sharing moments at every stage of the journey

The multifunction-raised countertop is the most iconic piece of that new 44 Open concept. Close to the mast and located at the center of the saloon, is where people will join together, discuss the route, and probably “elevate their dream” with enthusiasm.

Following the same concept, the sofa corner offers a cocooning and modular space for the children's nap as well as for night watches.

A redesign Kitchen Area

The best materials have been selected in order to offer a fully integrated galley, with redesigned finishes and equipment. The kitchen has an easy to clean acrylic resin worktop, integrating the sink and the cooking plates, with all the necessary comfort. An expanded fridge capacity featuring a double drawer fridge.

A Facing Forward Chart table designed for navigation

The 44 Open features an enhanced facing forward multi-function desk, used as navigation table, night watches or to work from your boat.

An owner's suite that will not leave you indifferent

Redesigned to combine privacy and maximized space. With a view of the ocean thanks to the large windows, and a constant supply of light.

Also enjoy a sofa corner to give you a moment of serenity.

An elegant and light-filled bathroom

Generous and functional volumes that will make you appreciate every moment in this bathroom worthy of the most refined hotels. To preserve your privacy, the toilets are separate and equipped with a dedicated hand wash basin.

Configuration options for your sailing boat

The 44 Open offers several configuration and layout options, including the new multifunctional technical room

A pleasant living space on board with plenty of storage space

An aft starboard cabin that has nothing to envy to the owner's cabin with its queen size bed and its beautiful opening on the outside.

Forward cabin, The Perfect Guest Cabin

Port or starboard depending of the chosen configuration, each guest can enjoy a bright and comfortable cabin to relax at any time of the day

Unique : a smartroom® that bends to your desires

Laundry room, workshop, storage space... My SmartRoom ® offers you everything in the same place. By replacing the starboard forward cabin with this multifunctional space, free your mind from space constraints and take on board all the equipment you need to live far away adventures.

Multiple configurations:

3 or 4 cabins, with or without My SmartRoom ® ,

the available configurations offer you a wide choice

to fit your needs.

• Without my smartroom®
• With my smartoroom®

Technical characteristic

A catamaran designed for blue water cruising

Ideal for demanding owners in search of adventure in comfort

Technical data 44 open

• Lenght overall 13.30 m / 43'8
• Beam overall 7.36 m / 24'2
• Draft 1.44 m / 4'9
• Displacement (mLC) 10.9 t / 24 035 lbs
• Sail area 105 m² / 1142 sq ft
• Engine D2-30 Volvo
• Fuel tank 2 x 250 l / 2 x 66 US gal
• Water tank 2 x 300 l / 2 x 79 US gal
• Ce Certification A.10 - B.10 - C.22 - D.22

Find the right catamaran

Discover the story of Stephen, a man in search of the perfect yacht

They talk about us

Nautitech 44 Open review : space and performance?

- by Yachting World on July 2022

" Offering space and a comfortable interior while keeping a cat light enough to perform is a tough brief. Does the Nautitech 44 Open deliver, asks François Tregouet ? "

Nautitech 44 Open. Sport and comfort in harmony

- By Yacht August 2022

"Great sailing characteristics paired with a lot of comfort and thoughtful details. The sporty Frenchman can combine good things. The first photos of the YACHT test"

Sailboat review : Nautitech 44 Open 

- By Cruising world August 2022 

" The Nautitech 44 Open is designed for sailors with distant horizons in mind."

Découvrez en détail le 44 Open

Télécharger la brochure

Stay informed about the 44 Open

Get the latest news and information about our new model.

Would you like more information?

Our team is at your disposal to answer all your questions.