Designed by VPLP, the Excess 14 arrives on the already crowded 45-foot catamaran market. The second generation of the young Bénéteau Group brand, this yacht is positioned as a catamaran that wants to offer its crew pleasure. As we know, traditionally, cruising catamarans are good platforms for access to the sea, but give little pleasure at the helm and require a good breeze to express themselves under sail.
A more efficient hull design
To change this image, the Excess 14 is equipped with asymmetrical hulls: the outside of the hull is not identical to the inside design. This shape, which is more rounded on the inside and tighter on the outside, should modify the waves created and limit the drag. So much for the design part, but more visually, the boater will see that the planks are not imposing, remaining with a "reasonable" height.
Two wheel bars at the rear of the hulls
On the marketing side, the shipyard also plays a lot on the position of the steering wheels. They are two in number and installed far aft of each of the hulls, in order to limit the length of the lines to offer more sensations to the helmsman. The rudders are also deeper than normal. They are protected from shocks by thin and deep fins, increasing the draft of the boat to 1.48 m.
All the maneuvers coming from the mast are gathered on starboard, on the winch which is also used to trim the jib. On the port side, there is only the jib sheet. The helm stations are protected by small awnings which give this catamaran a "fairground" look.
A modern design
In terms of fittings, this catamaran stands out for its great luminosity. If the bulkheads are white, the choice of colors for the materials is voluntarily clear with striking oranges. We will note the choice of fabric covers, with a nice design for a boat show visit, but certainly not very practical for cruising.
In proprietary version
We discovered the Excess 14 in its owner's version, with the starboard hull offering a large double cabin aft, an office in the center and a toilet forward. At the very front, the space is a sort of dressing room that can be transformed, as an option, into a cabin with 2 single beds. In this solution, the crew will sleep with their heads in the sink, no door separating the 2 spaces! The other hull is classically equipped with two double cabins and two bathrooms.
Square or cockpit?
Under the deckhouse, the common areas offer a saloon whose table will be a bit too small for a crew of eight. Opposite, the kitchen is simple, facing aft. The cockpit is quite large, protected by a rigid bimini, and offers a nice table for the whole crew.
By meeting expectations with a simple, but complete sailboat, the Excess 14 could well attract a few more reluctant yachtsmen who only swear by the monohull.
