A look that doesn't leave anyone indifferent
This 2021 edition of the Grand Pavois was an opportunity for yachtsmen to discover the Leen 56, the first production motor trimaran from the eponymous shipyard. Indeed, Neel (or Leen in the other direction) has decided to transfer its sailing trimaran expertise to the powerboat sector. And it must be said that this first motorized model was more than expected.
While its exterior may not be appealing - the Leen 56 is truly imposing on the water, with very high hulls, a rather compact superstructure and shortened floats compared to the central hull - its interior layout is based on that of its sailing counterpart, the Neel 51.
A single level layout as on the sail range
When you arrive on board the Leen 56, the first impression is that it is really wide - 8.25 m of beam! The skirts are huge and equipped with steps to access the cockpit. All the fundamental characteristics of the Neels are found on board, namely this interior/exterior space on the same level separated by a sliding door and the owner's cabin on the same level also on the main deck, with direct access to its private bathroom in the starboard float by a companionway.
The main deck houses a dining room, which complements the cockpit dining area, and a galley - fully equipped for long autonomous cruises with refrigerator and freezer, oven, stove, etc. A companionway on the port side gives access to a double guest cabin in the port float with its separate bathroom.
The spacious cockpit is located at the front and has a huge dashboard where the screens show the recordings of the cameras located all over the boat. A practical system for maneuvers. The wheelhouse is completed with a sofa so that guests can assist the pilot during navigation.
A generous engine room for hybrid propulsion
From the wheelhouse, a staircase leads to a double cabin - or not - with its separate toilet, installed at the front of the central float. There is also access to the huge engine room. The Leen 56 is the first trimaran with a hybrid engine in production. That is to say that it receives a main Cummins diesel engine of 350 or 500 hp and two lateral electric motors, one in each float. This configuration facilitates maneuvering in port thanks to the 3 engines, but also allows access to protected areas only in electric operation.
The tanks are imposing - 5,000 L for the fuel tank and 825 L for the water tank - in order to guarantee a long autonomy of voyage. Because that is the objective of this boat: the slow life to cover distance at an average of 9 knots and a consumption of 2L/mile. In total, the Leen 56 has a range of 2,500 miles, enough to go to the Azores, for example, where it can refuel. According to the shipyard - we have not yet tried the boat - the passage at sea is comfortable, and very stable, especially thanks to the two floats. Marine qualities already validated by the sailing trimarans.
Additional cabin and flybridge
Outside, through the cockpit, you have access to a 4th cabin with bunk beds, with its bathroom and shower, which can accommodate either children or crew. You can easily move to the front deck of the Leen 56 via the huge gangways. For your information, the hull of the Leen 56 has Kevlar reinforcements on the front to be able to navigate in ice.
Finally, the relaxation area is on the flybridge, just as huge as the rest, which can be arranged according to your taste. The tender can be stored there thanks to the crane, as the 56 does not have a dedicated garage, unlike the 72, the largest model. There is also a kitchenette and a second steering position outside.
