NEEL 52

Are three hulls better than two?

Replacing the highly successful NEEL 51 was going to be no easy task, but the manufacturer applied the same recipe as for the recent 43, entrusting the project to Marc Lombard Design. At the La Rochelle Boat Show, we were able to discover a trimaran so seductive that, within the space of just a few weeks, some thirty pre-orders had been taken!

14 knots windspeed is enough to exceed 10 knots boatspeed: the NEEL certainly goes well!

This aft view of the NEEL 52 #2 shows the tender in place on its integrated cradle (inset) and the cockpit canvas and helm station options installed.

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Practical info

Boat Test price5.00€ Inc. tax

Purchase

Boat Test price5.00€ Inc. tax

Purchase

Test location: La Rochelle
Conditions: 10 knots of wind, sea state slight

The NEEL 52’s roadmap was not to orchestrate a new revolution on three hulls - the NEEL concept with its wide platform and possibility of a flush-decked owner’s cabin already provides for this, and even seems to be emulated by the Rapido 53XS - but to bring a more modest touch of modernity to the design, more light to the interior, improved cockpit ergonomics and a small boost, seemingly out of nothing, in terms of performance.

A streamlined deck layout

As soon as you step aboard, you’ll notice that every attention has been paid to the access from the dock or pontoon, especially on the outer hulls, which provide a vast, unobstructed area with no gunwales to step over. The after end of the central hull features an integrated dinghy cradle capable of accommodating an 11-foot (3.4 m) tender and its 20 HP outboard. Of course, the dinghy is fitted with a bridle for hoisting out of the water. One step is all it takes to reach THE level, i.e. the one that connects the cockpit to the nacelle - and thus to the famous Owner’s cabin, as we’ll see later. On the port side, there’s a 43 x 45” (108 x 115 cm) table an...

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