Nautitech 46 Open
Sailing Catamarans, 45 ft
Used $420K to $700K
Nautitech Catamarans, the Sailor's Cat From Rochefort
French cruising catamarans with twin aft helms and an open cockpit, built in Rochefort and owned by Bavaria since 2014.
- Headquarters
- Rochefort, France
- Parent company
- Bavaria Yachts
- Models reviewed
- 1
Nautitech models
Nautitech builds cruising catamarans in Rochefort, France, with twin aft helms that give a monohull-like sailing feel. Owned by Bavaria, the brand is a smaller, sailing-focused alternative to Lagoon and Leopard.
Known for
- Twin aft helm stations close to the water
- Open concept linking saloon and cockpit
- Marc Lombard designs
- Sailing performance over maximum volume
Why Nautitech puts the helms at the stern
Most modern cruising cats raise the helm to a bulkhead station or flybridge for visibility. Nautitech went the other way. Its Open series places twin wheels at the aft corners of each hull, close to the water, so the helmsman feels the boat and sees the sails, much as on a monohull. The saloon and cockpit flow together on one level, which makes the boats feel open and sociable at anchor.
The yard is in Rochefort, on France's Atlantic coast, and it has been owned by German builder Bavaria Yachtbau since 2014. That gives Nautitech access to a larger dealer network while keeping its own design identity, with Marc Lombard as the main designer of recent models.
The Nautitech 46 Open
The Nautitech 46 Open, which we cover in detail, is the model that best represents the brand. Launched in 2016, it combines an open cockpit and saloon with twin aft helms and a hull drawn for good speed under sail. It was offered in owner and charter versions, and many have served in European and Caribbean charter fleets. A 2019 refresh added a slightly larger mainsail and new styling, and the 46 Open has since left the range.
Other Nautitech models include the 40 Open, the 46 Fly with a raised helm, the 47 Power and the larger 541 and 542 series, while the current line is led by the 44 Open, introduced in 2022, and the 48 Open flagship, the last design of the late Marc Lombard.
Resale, dealers and buying a used Nautitech in the US
Nautitech is far less common in the US than Lagoon or Leopard, so used boats are fewer and resale can take longer. That can mean good value for buyers who prefer sailing feel to maximum volume. Bavaria's own ownership changes, including its 2018 insolvency and sale, did not stop Nautitech production, but buyers should confirm the current dealer and warranty situation for newer boats.
Use this checklist on any used Nautitech.
- Saildrive seals, engine hours and engine room water ingress
- Aft helm stations and steering systems, which are exposed to weather
- Bulkhead and furniture bonding near the mast beam
- Trampoline, crossbeam and bridle fittings
- Window and hatch seals
- Charter history and refit records on ex-fleet boats
Nautitech history
- 2014Bavaria Yachtbau acquires Nautitech Catamarans.
- 2016The Marc Lombard designed Nautitech 46 Open launches.
- 2018Bavaria goes through insolvency and a change of ownership while Nautitech production continues.
- 2019The 46 Open is refreshed with a larger mainsail and revised styling.
- 2022The 44 Open is introduced to US buyers at the Miami boat show.
- 2024The 48 Open, the last design of the late Marc Lombard, arrives as the new flagship.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Nautitech?
Nautitech has been owned by Bavaria Yachts since 2014.
Where are Nautitech catamarans built?
Nautitech catamarans are built in Rochefort, on France's Atlantic coast.
What is special about the Nautitech Open series?
It uses twin aft helms and an open saloon and cockpit, giving a monohull-like sailing feel and a sociable layout.
Are Nautitech catamarans fast?
They are designed to sail better than most volume-focused cruising cats, though they are not pure performance boats.