Excess 12 for Sale

Excess 12 Specifications

The numbers tell a clear story: the Excess 12 is lighter and more performance-oriented than most production catamarans in this size range. The SA/D ratio of 18–19 (depending on the standard or Pulse Line rig) places it firmly in “performance-cruiser” territory — above the Lagoon 40’s ratio and closer to what you’d expect from a Nautitech or Outremer. The D/L ratio of 185 confirms its relatively light displacement for the waterline length.

The CE Category A rating permits ocean passages in winds up to Beaufort 9 and seas to 10 metres, certifying the Excess 12 as a genuine offshore boat — not merely a coastal cruiser. The 300-litre water capacity is modest for extended bluewater work, and most owners planning ocean crossings install a watermaker. The standard 29 HP Yanmar engines are adequate for calm-weather motoring but many owners opt for the 45 HP upgrade, particularly those who cruise in areas with strong tidal currents or who need more confidence in close-quarters marina manoeuvring. Fuel capacity at 400 litres across two tanks provides a reasonable range under power — approximately 300–350 nautical miles at economical cruising speed.

How Does the Excess 12 Sail?

This is where the Excess 12 separates itself from the crowd. Groupe Beneteau created the Excess brand specifically for sailors who wanted a catamaran that actually felt alive at the helm, and the 12 delivers on that promise more convincingly than almost any other production catamaran in its size class. Multiple professional sea trials and owner reports paint a consistent picture of a responsive, well-balanced boat that rewards good seamanship.

Upwind: In SAIL Magazine’s sea trial with 7–10 knots of true wind, the Excess 12 achieved 5 knots at 50 degrees apparent wind angle, climbing to 5.4 knots at 75 degrees AWA. In a separate test with winds building to 22 knots, speeds reached 8.5 knots. The tacking angle sits at approximately 85–95 degrees through the water — tighter than a Lagoon 42 by roughly 5–10 degrees, a meaningful improvement for windward-bound passages. The self-tacking jib makes short-handed tacking straightforward: the helmsman can manage the entire manoeuvre solo without leaving the twin aft helm stations.

Light air: Below 8 knots TWS, even the Excess 12’s lighter displacement begins to struggle, managing 3–4 knots of boat speed with the standard rig. The optional bowsprit and screecher (available as part of the Pulse Line package) transform light-air performance — in 10–12 knots of true wind with the screecher deployed, 7–8 knots becomes achievable on a close reach. Most owners who prioritise sailing over motoring consider the screecher essential kit. Without it, the Excess 12 in light air defaults to what every other production catamaran does: motoring.

Reaching and trade wind conditions: This is the Excess 12’s sweet spot. In 15–20 knots of true wind on a beam reach, sustained speeds of 8–10 knots are comfortable and well within the boat’s operating envelope. In stronger conditions of 25–30 knots TWS, speeds exceeding 8 knots were recorded during testing with the boat remaining controllable and responsive. The flat-top mainsail depowers smoothly when the breeze builds, and the twin helm stations at the aft quarters provide excellent sail feel and visibility. Excess reports a maximum speed capability of approximately 17 knots in ideal conditions — though sustained double-digit speeds are achievable in genuine trade wind sailing.

Under power: With the standard 2×29 HP Yanmar engines, a comfortable cruising speed of 6.5–7 knots is achievable at moderate RPM. The 45 HP upgrade pushes this to approximately 7.5–8 knots. The twin aft helm stations give good visibility when manoeuvring under power, though the lack of a flybridge helm (a deliberate design choice to reduce weight and windage) means the skipper is closer to the waterline. Engine access is via the transoms — serviceable, but the engines are positioned fairly far forward in the nacelles, making access to belts and impellers a stretch. This is a common complaint and worth inspecting during a survey.

Honest assessment: The Excess 12 is the best upwind production catamaran in its size and price range. It is not, however, a daggerboard-equipped racer — buyers wanting genuinely close-winded performance need to look at Outremer or Marsaudon. What the Excess 12 offers is a meaningful step up in sailing engagement from the comfort-oriented catamarans that dominate the 38–42 ft market. It sails where a Lagoon would motor. It rewards trimming where a Bali would simply be driven. For the sailor transitioning from monohulls who doesn’t want to feel like they’ve given up the pleasure of sailing, this is the production catamaran that comes closest to preserving that experience.

Interior Layout & Living Aboard

The Excess 12 is offered in three layout configurations: 4-cabin/4-head (charter-optimised), 4-cabin/2-head (a compromise between guest capacity and simplified plumbing), and 3-cabin/2-head (owner’s version with an enlarged master suite). On the used market, the 3-cabin owner’s version typically commands a modest premium, though the difference is less pronounced than on larger catamarans like the Lagoon 42 — the Excess 12’s buyer demographic tends to be sailing couples rather than charter operators.

The interior design by Nauta Design is a deliberate departure from the dark-wood, furniture-heavy aesthetic common in mainstream production catamarans. The cedar and white colour scheme creates a bright, contemporary space that feels larger than the dimensions suggest. VPLP and Nauta achieved the weight savings partly by eliminating traditional cabinetry hardware — drawer pulls are absent, replaced by push-touch mechanisms, and hanging lockers give way to fabric garment bags. The effect is a cleaner, smoother interior that still provides the storage a cruising couple needs, if not the volume a family of four would demand.

The galley is positioned in the saloon with direct serving access to the cockpit — a functional layout for both passage-making and entertaining at anchor. Panoramic glazing floods the saloon with natural light and maintains visual connection with the sea. The helm stations are not in the saloon (no flybridge on the Excess 12) but at the twin aft positions, which means the helmsman is separated from the interior social space — a trade-off that prioritises sailing feel over the integrated helm-salon experience offered by flybridge catamarans.

The cockpit is generous for a 38 ft catamaran, benefiting from the 6.73 m beam. It accommodates 6–8 people comfortably for dining and creates a good flow between interior and exterior living spaces. The absence of a flybridge keeps the centre of gravity lower and reduces windage — both genuine performance advantages — but it does mean there is only one outdoor social area, compared to the two offered by flybridge-equipped competitors.

For those considering living aboard, the Excess 12 works well for a couple but requires compromises for a family. Storage volume is less generous than on a Lagoon 42, a direct consequence of the weight-saving design philosophy. The 300-litre water capacity is modest for extended cruising, and a watermaker is strongly recommended for any liveaboard programme. Ventilation through hatches and opening ports is adequate in temperate climates, but tropical liveaboards will want air conditioning. The overall impression is of a boat designed to be sailed actively and lived on comfortably — but it is not a floating apartment in the way that some larger, heavier catamarans aspire to be.

Excess 12 Ownership: What to Expect

Excess’s parent company, Groupe Beneteau, estimates annual running costs at 5–10% of purchase price for cruising catamarans. For an Excess 12, the principal cost areas break down as follows:

• Insurance: 1.0–1.7% of hull value. Mediterranean cruising grounds typically fall at approximately 1.0–1.2%, while Caribbean and hurricane-zone coverage rises to 1.5–1.7%. For a boat insured at €400,000, expect €4,000–€6,800 per year. The Excess 12’s lighter displacement and performance orientation do not typically increase premiums over comfort-oriented catamarans, though some insurers may enquire about intended usage patterns.
• Marina berth: The narrower 6.73 m beam (compared to 7.70 m on a Lagoon 42) is a genuine cost advantage. The Excess 12 fits into standard 40 ft catamaran berths more easily, and the “cat tax” premium is less severe than on wider-beamed competitors. Mediterranean berths range from €5,000–€15,000 per year. Caribbean marinas charge $1,200–$1,600 per month for a 40 ft catamaran.
• Annual maintenance: €4,000–€8,000 covering engine servicing (approx. €1,500 per year for twin Yanmars), consumables, rigging inspections, and minor repairs.
• Haul-out and antifouling: €2,500–€4,500 per haul-out cycle. The lighter displacement makes handling slightly easier (and therefore less expensive) than heavier competitors.
• Sail maintenance: The flat-top mainsail and self-tacking jib should be inspected annually. Budget €500–€1,000 per year for minor repairs, UV cover replacement, and periodic re-stitching. Full sail replacement (mainsail and jib) at 7–10 years will cost €8,000–€12,000.
• Approximate total: €18,000–€38,000 per year depending on location, usage pattern, cruising ground, and whether the boat is berthed or anchored.

The Excess 12 carries a modest cost advantage over wider-beamed competitors purely on berthing fees. Its lighter displacement also translates to slightly lower haul-out costs and marginally better fuel economy under power. Against these savings, the performance-oriented rig may demand more frequent sail maintenance than a simpler cruising rig, and the optional screecher adds a sail that requires care and eventual replacement.

Unlike the Lagoon 42, relatively few Excess 12s have entered charter fleets, so the used market is predominantly privately owned boats. This means lower average engine hours and better cosmetic condition, but also fewer boats available on the brokerage market and less pricing data for comparison. Buyers should expect to pay closer to asking price for well-equipped, low-hour examples — there is less of the “ex-charter discount” that characterises the Lagoon market.

How to Buy an Excess 12: What to Look For

Model years: The Excess 12 entered production in 2019. Early 2019–2020 boats may exhibit first-generation fit-and-finish details that were refined in subsequent production runs — this is normal for any new model from any builder. As a relatively new design from a new brand, the Excess 12 does not have the deep long-term maintenance history of established models like the Lagoon 42 (1,100+ hulls). Buyers should approach with appropriate diligence but recognise that the underlying platform shares engineering DNA with the proven Lagoon 40.

Known Issues to Inspect

• Engine access: The engines are positioned fairly far forward in the nacelles, with access via the transoms. Reaching belts, impellers, and filters requires stretching — inspect that all serviceable components can actually be reached, and check that previous owners have not deferred maintenance due to awkward access.
• Bridgedeck clearance: The nacelle is shaped to deflect waves, but bridgedeck clearance is modest, particularly at the aft section. In rough conditions, some bridgedeck slapping is reported. This is a design characteristic rather than a defect, but it means the boat is louder in a seaway than catamarans with higher bridgedeck clearance. Have the surveyor measure clearance and inspect the nacelle for any impact damage or stress cracking.
• Battery compartment: The batteries are sensibly elevated, but early production boats used open-grain plywood ends in the battery housing that can absorb water ingress. Check for swelling, delamination, or corrosion around battery mounts.
• Interior hardware longevity: The push-touch mechanisms that replaced traditional drawer pulls are elegant when new but can wear over time. Check that all doors and compartments open and close reliably. The fabric garment bags that replaced hanging lockers should be inspected for mildew, particularly on boats that have spent time in humid tropical climates.
• Microwave placement: Early production boats had the microwave positioned on an elevated pedestal in an awkward location. Excess acknowledged this and revised the placement in later production runs. On early boats, check whether the owner has relocated it or if the original installation remains.

Equipment That Adds Value

When assessing a used Excess 12, the following additions represent genuine added value and significantly reduce the buyer’s post-purchase spend: Pulse Line package (bowsprit, screecher, upgraded sail area — transforms light-air performance), watermaker (essential for extended cruising given the 300 L water capacity), solar panels (the hardtop arch provides good mounting area), 45 HP engine upgrade, upgraded electronics (chartplotter, radar, AIS), lithium battery bank, davits with dinghy and outboard, and an upgraded anchor and chain. A boat fitted with the Pulse Line package and a watermaker represents substantially better value than a base-specification boat requiring these costly retrofits.

Standard vs Pulse Line

The Pulse Line package is the single most important option on the Excess 12. It adds a bowsprit with screecher furler, increasing the total sail area from 882 to 936 sq ft and dramatically improving light-air and reaching performance. On the used market, Pulse Line boats command a premium of approximately 5–10% over standard-rigged boats of the same age and condition. Given the cost of retrofitting a bowsprit and screecher (€8,000–€12,000), this premium is well justified. For any buyer who intends to actually sail the boat rather than use it as a powered houseboat, the Pulse Line is not optional equipment — it is essential.

Surveying a Performance Catamaran

The Excess 12’s performance orientation means the survey should pay particular attention to rig loads, standing rigging condition, and mast step integrity. The flat-top mainsail and self-tacking jib system should be inspected for wear at all bearing points and car tracks. Check the bowsprit attachment (if fitted) for any stress cracking or delamination at the hull connection. As with any catamaran, inspect the bridgedeck, hull-to-deck joints, rudder bearings, and saildrive seals. Ensure the surveyor has specific multihull experience — the structural load paths in a catamaran are fundamentally different from a monohull, and a monohull surveyor may miss critical catamaran-specific concerns.

Excess 12 vs Competitors

The Excess 12 occupies a distinctive niche: a production catamaran that prioritises sailing performance without entering the price bracket of semi-custom builders. Its natural competitors span both the performance-oriented segment and the mainstream cruising catamaran market from which it draws crossover buyers.

Excess 12 vs Lagoon 42

The most telling comparison, since both come from Groupe Beneteau and share VPLP naval architecture. The Lagoon 42 is larger (42 ft vs 38 ft 6 in), wider (25 ft 3 in vs 22 ft 1 in beam), and heavier (12,100 kg vs 10,300 kg). It offers a flybridge helm station, more interior volume, and a proven charter market presence with over 1,100 hulls built. The Excess 12 is nearly 1,800 kg lighter, points higher upwind, sails faster in moderate conditions, and provides a more engaged helm feel through its twin aft steering positions. The Lagoon is the right choice for buyers who prioritise interior space, resale liquidity, and a relaxed cruising style. The Excess is for those who want to actually sail the boat and are willing to accept less interior volume in exchange for genuine on-the-water performance. Price-wise, used Excess 12s typically list at a modest premium to used Lagoon 40s but below used Lagoon 42s of the same age.

Excess 12 vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40

The Isla 40 (successor to the Lucia 40) is Fountaine Pajot’s offering in the 40 ft segment and is widely regarded as having slightly higher build quality than most Groupe Beneteau products. The Isla 40 occupies a middle ground between the Lagoon’s comfort emphasis and the Excess’s performance focus — it offers a cockpit-level helm that gives better sail feel than a flybridge, with a more refined interior finish than the Excess. However, the Excess 12 is lighter and more explicitly performance-oriented. The Isla 40 suits the buyer who wants a well-built all-rounder; the Excess 12 suits the buyer who will sacrifice some interior refinement for a boat that genuinely sails.

Excess 12 vs Nautitech 40 Open

The Nautitech 40 Open (built by Bavaria Yachts Group) has long been the benchmark for performance in the production catamaran market. It offers similar sailing characteristics to the Excess 12 — light displacement, responsive helm, and good upwind ability — with a slightly more spacious interior. The Nautitech has a longer production history and a deeper owner community, providing more long-term maintenance data. The Excess 12 offers a more contemporary interior aesthetic and benefits from Groupe Beneteau’s global dealer and parts network. Both are excellent choices for the performance-minded cruising sailor; the decision often comes down to interior style preference and local dealer availability.

Excess 12 vs Bali 4.2

The Bali 4.2 represents the opposite end of the design spectrum. Where the Excess 12 prioritises sailing performance, the Bali maximises indoor-outdoor living space with its signature solid foredeck, open transom, and “garage door” cockpit enclosure. The Bali is larger at 42 ft but similarly priced, offering dramatically more interior and deck volume at the expense of sailing performance. The Bali 4.2 is the right choice for buyers who view their catamaran primarily as a floating living space that happens to have sails. The Excess 12 is for buyers who view their catamaran as a sailboat that happens to have generous living space.

For value retention comparisons across all these models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.