Excess Catamarans: EXCESS 11

When performance meets comfort on a cruising catamaran under 40 feet

The Excess 11 (named shortly by the manufacturer XCS 11) is undeniably something completely new aiming at a market that’s been abandoned for a few years, that of cruising catamarans under 40 feet. Following the needs for small, easy-to-handle boats that are not without comfort, Excess Catamarans opposes this trend, with the XCS 11. As the entry point into Beneteau’s Excess line, she is the baby of the bunch at 36 ft, nonetheless she has exceeded all expectations.

Although Groupe Beneteau, of Lagoon catamarans fame, are ultimately behind Excess Catamarans, their 2 multihull brands are remaining seperate and distinct within the group. The idea of the Excess brand is a sportier-looking catamaran, focused on performance under sails but without compromising the comfort. Excess 11 is a fundamentally new boat, more weight conscious, but still benefiting from Beneteau’s 35 years of catamaran expertise.

The hull design of the XCS 11 has the aesthetics of classic sport cars, with the superstructure moved aft and a sleek profile, giving her a look that is both sporty and aggressive. Blunt bows maximise the waterline and the tall hulls give generous inside volume. Leading design house VPLP is behind the Excess line, with car design guru Patrick Le Quement contributing to the exterior flair, while Nauta Design has focused on the interiors.

Simplicity, practicality, ease of handling and performance were the key design assumptions of Excess 11. It is reflected in the concept of twin helms situated on the transoms. They give clear views forward and large saloon windows allow vision across the boat. Rudder shafts are right below the steering wheels connected with Dyneema line, a simple solution that offers more feel and less complication. For longer passages, there is an option for a bimini over the helms.

The idea of the Excess brand is a sportier-looking catamaran, focused on performance under sails but without compromising the comfort

To improve the visibility of the main sail from the helm stations and to create a sunbathing area, there is an optional soft accordion sunroof over the aft cockpit.

Among many options offered by the manufacturer, one of the most distinct for Excess 11 is one called the ”Pulse Line” pack. The Pulse line is the powered-up version with a metre-taller mast, additional sail area, code 0 rig, but also signature design elements such as the decorated hull or the orange carbon steering wheels at the helm. With the superstructure being positioned aft, the mast has been also set aft, providing a larger head sail.

COMFORT AS A PRIORITY

Inside the cockpit there’s ample open space for entertainment and a corner removable dinette table with surrounding benches, transom bench/storage and underfoot, more locker space.

The vertical windows contribute to the volume of the saloon. Inside is an airy atmosphere. For rougher weather there is a corner interior station with basic navigation electronics adjoining the main couch that surrounds the dinette table. A large L-shaped galley is housed in the saloon starboard side with twin sinks, a two-burner hob/oven, sizeable fridge and plenty of cabinet space.

The Excess 11 is available with three or four cabins. In the former, the large and private master suite sits port with a queen sized berth aft, a large head and shower stall forward and a vanity/office desk and sofa amidships, and to starboard there are two very spacious cabins with a shared bathroom. In the case of the four cabin layout, the portside hull mirrors the starboard arrangement, with two cabins and another shared bathroom.

The XCS 11 has been designed to provide a whole new kind of sailing that more intimately connects you with the experience of life offshore. She is the ideal catamaran for couples and families that enjoy the sailing part of the experience while having a comfortable boat. Given her compact size and therefore price tag, it makes her an ideal boat that should be on your short list if you’re looking into the 40-50 ft monohulls or catamarans under 45 ft.