Nautitech 40 Open for Sale

Nautitech 40 Open Specifications

At approximately 9,900 kg light displacement, the Nautitech 40 Open is notably lighter than several of its direct competitors. The Lagoon 42 displaces around 12,100 kg, and the Bali 4.2 comes in at roughly 11,400 kg. This weight advantage is a direct consequence of Marc Lombard’s hull design philosophy — finer hull entries, lower wetted surface area, and a more efficient overall shape that requires less displacement to achieve the same interior volume. The result is a catamaran that moves more easily through the water, accelerates faster in light air, and generally sails better than heavier alternatives.

The 1.20 m draft strikes the classic cruising catamaran balance — deep enough for reasonable upwind performance, shallow enough for comfortable anchorage access in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the shallow bays of the Mediterranean. Twin 200-litre fuel tanks and twin 200-litre water tanks provide adequate capacity for coastal cruising, though long-passage sailors will want to add a watermaker.

The “Open” Concept Explained

The defining feature of the Nautitech 40 Open is the removal of the hard dodger — the rigid structure that on virtually every other cruising catamaran separates the cockpit from the saloon. On a conventional catamaran, you step through a companionway door to move between the outdoor cockpit and the indoor saloon. On the 40 Open, there is no step, no door, and no visual boundary. The cockpit floor and saloon floor are on the same level, creating a single uninterrupted living space that stretches from the aft sugar scoop transoms to the forward saloon windows.

In practice, the Open concept works through a large sliding glass panel system. When the panels are fully open — which they will be in any reasonable weather — the cockpit and saloon merge into one space. Cooking, socialising, and relaxing happen in a single connected environment. The person at the galley can talk to crew in the cockpit without shouting through a door. When the weather turns or the temperature drops, the glass panels close to create a sealed, air-conditioned interior. The result is a catamaran that lives significantly larger than its 40-foot waterline would suggest.

This concept has implications for sailing, too. The helm stations on the 40 Open are positioned at the aft ends of the cockpit, with excellent sightlines forward across the entire open-plan living space and out through the saloon windows. The helmsperson feels connected to the crew and the boat rather than isolated behind a dodger. It is a fundamentally more sociable way to sail.

Design & Construction

Marc Lombard’s hull design is the engineering foundation of the 40 Open’s character. Lombard is one of France’s most respected naval architects, with a portfolio spanning racing monohulls, IMOCA 60s, and cruising multihulls. For the Nautitech range, he drew hull shapes with finer bow entries and a more pronounced rocker profile than the flat-bottomed, volume-maximising hulls favoured by some competitors. The trade-off is marginally less interior volume per hull, but the reward is significantly better sailing performance — less slamming in a seaway, better pointing ability upwind, and more responsive handling overall.

Construction is polyester/vinylester infusion with a sandwich core structure. This is a proven, well-understood building method for production catamarans — it delivers consistent laminate quality, good stiffness-to-weight ratios, and reliable osmosis resistance. The Rochefort yard has been building composite catamarans since the 1990s, and the workforce’s experience with the infusion process is evident in the fit and finish of completed boats. Bavaria’s ownership brought investment in tooling and quality control processes without fundamentally changing the construction methodology.

The structural engineering of the Open concept itself required careful attention. Removing the hard dodger means the saloon roof must span a wider opening without the structural support that a conventional dodger provides. Nautitech addressed this through reinforced coachroof laminates and a structural arch that carries loads around the opening. The result is a structure that meets CE Category A (Ocean) certification requirements without any compromise in strength.

Sailing Performance

Under sail: The Nautitech 40 Open is among the better-sailing 40-foot cruising catamarans available. Marc Lombard’s hull shapes, combined with the relatively low displacement, translate into genuine sailing performance rather than the “floats adequately under canvas” experience offered by some heavier competitors. In 12–15 knots of true wind, expect 7–8 knots of boat speed on a beam reach and 6–7 knots upwind. With a Code 0 or gennaker deployed in 10+ knots of apparent wind, speeds above 9 knots are achievable. The boat points reasonably well for a cruising catamaran — approximately 50–55 degrees to the true wind in moderate conditions.

Light-air performance: This is where the weight advantage pays dividends. At 9,900 kg, the 40 Open needs less breeze to get moving than a 12,000 kg competitor. In sub-10-knot conditions — common in the Mediterranean in summer and in Caribbean anchorages — the Nautitech will sail when heavier boats are motoring. A Code 0 is strongly recommended as an addition to the standard sail inventory for light-air coastal cruising.

Under power: The standard twin diesel installation (20–30 HP depending on year and specification) provides adequate motoring performance. Cruising speed under power is typically 7–8 knots at 2,200–2,500 RPM. The twin-engine configuration delivers excellent close-quarters manoeuvrability through differential thrust — critical when docking a 22-foot-8-inch beam catamaran in tight Mediterranean marinas.

Passage making: The Nautitech 40 Open holds CE Category A (Ocean) certification and is a capable passage maker. Several 40 Opens have completed Atlantic crossings via the ARC route. The boat handles trade wind conditions well, with its lighter displacement reducing the tendency to hobby-horse in following seas — a common complaint with heavier cruising catamarans. For extended passages, owners recommend supplementing the standard fuel capacity with jerry cans and fitting a watermaker.

Deck Layout & Cockpit

The cockpit is the social heart of the 40 Open, flowing seamlessly into the saloon when the glass panels are open. A large U-shaped dining area to port seats six to eight comfortably, with a fold-down table that can extend for entertaining. The cockpit sole is teak-laid as standard, providing a warm, non-slip surface that connects visually with the saloon flooring. Aft of the cockpit, sugar scoop transoms on each hull provide direct water access — step off the boat and into the sea from hull level, a feature that transforms the swimming, snorkelling, and dinghy-boarding experience.

The twin helm stations are positioned outboard at the aft corners of the cockpit, each with its own wheel, instruments, and seating. This arrangement gives the helmsperson clear sightlines to both bows and both hulls, direct visibility of the sail plan, and — thanks to the Open concept — an unobstructed view forward through the saloon. Sail handling lines are led aft to the helm stations, allowing the boat to be sailed single-handed or short-handed from either position.

Forward, the trampoline netting between the bows provides a generous sunbathing and relaxation area. The foredeck includes a self-tacking jib track option and a well-designed anchor locker with an electric windlass. The overall deck layout reflects a boat designed for shorthanded cruising — everything is accessible, manageable, and logically positioned.

Interior & Accommodation

The 40 Open is available in three principal layout configurations. The 3-cabin owner’s version dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite with an island double berth, a large en-suite head with separate shower, and generous hanging locker and storage space. The port hull houses two guest cabins, each with double berths and a shared head. This is the configuration most private owners prefer and the one that commands the highest resale value.

The 4-cabin version places two cabins in each hull, each with its own double berth. This layout is favoured by charter operators and by families with older children who each want their own space. The trade-off is that no single cabin achieves the spaciousness of the 3-cabin master suite. Charter-specification boats typically add a further accommodation option with additional berths in the saloon area.

The saloon is where the Open concept delivers its greatest impact on daily life. The galley is positioned forward in the saloon — a Nautitech signature — giving the cook a panoramic forward view while preparing meals. When the aft glass panels are open, the cook is part of the cockpit social scene rather than isolated below. The chart table sits to starboard, with navigation electronics at hand. The overall impression is of a space that feels considerably larger than 40 feet — a direct consequence of the absence of the dodger bulkhead that visually divides the living space on conventional catamarans.

Interior fit-out quality reflects the Franco-German partnership. The joinery is clean and well-finished, with light wood tones that enhance the sense of space. Upholstery and soft furnishings are a step above basic charter specification but below the bespoke luxury of custom builders. The standard specification is comprehensive, with most essential systems included rather than relegated to the options list — a characteristic of the Bavaria Group approach to yacht specification.

Charter vs Private Ownership

The Nautitech 40 Open occupies an interesting position in the charter market. Unlike the dominant charter platforms from Lagoon and Bali, the Nautitech is not among the highest-volume charter cats. This means fewer ex-charter boats flood the used market, which supports resale values — but it also means less availability of ready-to-go charter management programmes in some regions.

Private ownership: The 40 Open is an excellent private cruising catamaran. The 3-cabin owner’s version provides comfortable long-term living for a couple or a couple with children. The Open concept is at its best when you live aboard — the seamless indoor-outdoor flow feels natural, the galley integration with the cockpit makes meal preparation sociable, and the overall sense of space and light is superior to closed-dodger designs. The sailing performance is a genuine bonus for owners who want to sail rather than motor between anchorages.

Ex-charter considerations: When buying a used Nautitech 40 Open, determine whether it was privately owned or operated in a charter fleet. Charter boats will have higher engine hours, more cosmetic wear on interior surfaces, and potentially more stress on hardware and rigging. However, they also tend to have more complete service records. Expect to pay 15–25% less for an equivalent-age ex-charter boat versus a privately owned example. The 4-cabin charter layout is more common on the used market; the 3-cabin owner’s version commands a premium.

Nautitech 40 Open: Ownership Costs

Owning a Nautitech 40 Open involves costs broadly comparable to other 40-foot cruising catamarans, with some specifics worth noting:

• New purchase price: Approximately €320,000 for a base specification to €420,000+ for a fully equipped boat with options such as air conditioning, watermaker, generator, solar panels, and upgraded sail inventory. The Bavaria Group pricing tends to be competitive against French rivals like Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot.
• Used market pricing: A 2018–2020 model in good condition typically lists between €250,000 and €340,000. Older examples (2015–2017) can be found from €200,000. Pricing varies significantly by condition, equipment level, and whether the boat was privately owned or ex-charter.
• Annual operating costs: Budget €15,000–25,000 annually for insurance (1.0–1.5% of hull value), marina berth or mooring fees (varies enormously by location), engine servicing, antifouling, and routine maintenance. Catamaran berths command a premium due to the 6.90 m beam — expect to pay 1.5–2x the cost of a monohull berth.
• Major maintenance items: Saildrive service every 500–1,000 hours, standing rigging replacement every 10–12 years, sail replacement every 5–8 years depending on usage, and antifouling every 1–2 years. None of these costs are unusual for a boat of this class.

Bavaria Group ownership provides some practical advantages for ongoing costs. Parts availability through the Bavaria dealer network is generally good, and the brand’s European service infrastructure is more developed than some smaller independent builders. That said, the Nautitech line is a niche product within Bavaria’s portfolio — specialist catamaran knowledge may be limited at some monohull-focused Bavaria dealers.

Value Retention

The Nautitech 40 Open holds its value reasonably well within the 40-foot cruising catamaran segment. Several factors support residual values: the relatively modest production volume means the used market is not flooded with supply (unlike the Lagoon 42, which produced over 1,100 hulls); the Open concept remains distinctive and desirable; and the Marc Lombard hull design is widely respected among knowledgeable catamaran buyers.

Depreciation follows the typical curve for production cruising catamarans — steepest in the first three to four years (approximately 8–12% per year), then flattening to 4–6% per year through years five to ten. Well-maintained, privately owned examples in the 3-cabin owner’s configuration hold their value best. Ex-charter boats in 4-cabin layout depreciate faster, reflecting both higher wear and lower demand from the private buyer pool.

As more listings data accumulates in our market intelligence database, we will be able to provide more granular value retention analysis for specific model years and configurations.

Nautitech 40 Open vs Competitors

The 40-foot cruising catamaran market is one of the most competitive segments in sailing. The Nautitech 40 Open competes against established models from French and South African builders, each with a distinct design philosophy and set of trade-offs.

Nautitech 40 Open vs Lagoon 42

The Lagoon 42 is the volume leader in this segment, with over 1,100 hulls built. It offers a flybridge helm station, wider beam (7.70 m vs 6.90 m), and more interior volume. However, it is significantly heavier at 12,100 kg versus the Nautitech’s 9,900 kg, and sailing performance suffers accordingly. The Lagoon is the better choice for buyers who prioritise interior space, parts availability, and the security of a dominant market position. The Nautitech is for buyers who value the Open concept, better sailing performance, and a more distinctive boat. The Lagoon also benefits from a much deeper pool of comparable sales data, making valuation more straightforward.

Nautitech 40 Open vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40

The Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 is a newer design that brings a modern, angular aesthetic and an efficient interior layout to the 40-foot class. Build quality is excellent — Fountaine Pajot is one of the most respected production catamaran builders in the world. The Isla offers a more conventional cockpit arrangement with a hard dodger, which some buyers prefer for weather protection. The Nautitech counters with the Open concept’s indoor-outdoor flow and a lighter displacement. For buyers torn between these two, the decision often comes down to the Open concept: if you love it, the Nautitech wins. If you want a more traditional, weather-protected cockpit arrangement, the Isla delivers.

Nautitech 40 Open vs Bali 4.2

The Bali 4.2 shares the Nautitech’s enthusiasm for breaking catamaran conventions. Bali’s approach is the solid foredeck (replacing trampolines), the fold-down aft platform, and an open-transom design that maximises water access. The Bali is slightly narrower (7.10 m beam) than the Lagoon but wider than the Nautitech, and its solid foredeck adds usable living space at the cost of the traditional trampoline experience. The Nautitech’s Open concept is arguably the more transformative innovation — the seamless cockpit-to-saloon flow changes how you live on the boat more fundamentally than a solid foredeck. However, both boats appeal to buyers who want something different from the conventional catamaran formula.

Nautitech 40 Open vs Leopard 42

The Leopard 42 from Robertson and Caine in South Africa offers a different value proposition: robust construction, competitive pricing thanks to favourable South African manufacturing costs, and a strong reputation in the charter market worldwide. The Leopard tends to be more conservatively styled and heavier than the Nautitech, with a more traditional cockpit-and-dodger arrangement. For buyers planning to charter their boat or who prioritise a global service network and proven charter track record, the Leopard has advantages. For buyers who want the Open concept innovation and better sailing DNA, the Nautitech is the stronger choice.

For a full interactive comparison between the Nautitech 40 Open and other models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.

Who Is the Nautitech 40 Open For?

The Nautitech 40 Open is best suited to buyers who want a cruising catamaran that actually sails well and who are drawn to the Open concept’s seamless indoor-outdoor living. It is not the largest 40-footer, nor the cheapest, nor the most widely available on the used market. What it offers is a distinctive and well-executed alternative to the mainstream options from Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Bali.

The ideal owner is a couple or a small family planning Mediterranean or Caribbean cruising, who want to sail rather than just motor between anchorages, and who appreciate the lifestyle transformation that the Open concept delivers. It is also a strong choice for experienced monohull sailors stepping up to their first catamaran — the lighter displacement and better sailing manners make the transition less jarring than moving to a heavier, less responsive platform.

For liveaboard cruisers, the 3-cabin owner’s version in particular offers a compelling balance of private space, storage, and sociable living areas. The Open concept eliminates the feeling of being “trapped below” that some liveaboard sailors experience on conventional catamarans with closed saloons. When the glass panels are open, you are always outside — even when you are inside.