Making the leap into yacht ownership is one of life’s most exciting decisions, and choosing a catamaran as your first yacht opens up a world of unique advantages. Excess Catamarans has revolutionized the multihull market with their innovative designs that blend performance, comfort, and accessibility—making them an ideal choice for first-time yacht buyers. At Bluenose Yachts, we’ve guided countless sailors through their first catamaran purchase, and we’re here to help you understand why Excess might be the perfect entry point into the catamaran lifestyle.
Why Choose a Catamaran for Your First Yacht?
Catamarans offer several compelling advantages for new yacht owners. The twin-hull design provides exceptional stability, reducing seasickness and creating a more comfortable experience for family and guests. The wide beam offers significantly more living space than comparable monohulls, while shallow draft opens up anchorages that deeper-keeled boats simply can’t access.
For New England waters, these benefits are particularly valuable. The stability makes entertaining easier in choppy conditions, while the shallow draft lets you explore places like Nantucket Sound’s hidden coves and the Bahamas’ pristine beaches during winter escapes.
The Excess Advantage: Performance Meets Accessibility
Excess Catamarans stands apart in the crowded catamaran market through their focus on performance without sacrificing comfort. Born from the racing expertise of parent company Beneteau, Excess cats are designed to sail fast and handle beautifully, while still offering the space and amenities that make cruising enjoyable.
What makes Excess particularly appealing to first-time buyers is their commitment to user-friendly design. These aren’t intimidating racing machines—they’re thoughtfully engineered yachts that make sailing accessible while delivering genuine performance when you want it.
Excess 11: The Perfect Starting Point
Size and Layout
At 36 feet, the Excess 11 offers an ideal introduction to catamaran ownership. It’s large enough to provide genuine comfort for extended cruising, yet manageable enough for a couple to handle confidently. The three-cabin, two-head layout accommodates family cruising while maintaining the privacy that makes longer trips enjoyable.
Performance Characteristics
The Excess 11’s performance credentials are impressive for an entry-level cat. The fine bows and efficient hull shapes deliver surprising speed, while the balanced sail plan makes the boat responsive without being overwhelming. First-time catamaran owners often worry about handling characteristics, but the Excess 11 tracks well and responds predictably to helm input.
Innovative Features
Excess has incorporated several clever design elements that make the 11 particularly appealing to new owners. The central cockpit design creates a social hub that connects interior and exterior spaces seamlessly. The forward cockpit provides a private retreat, while the aft platform makes water access effortless.
Excess 12: Stepping Up in Comfort
Enhanced Space and Comfort
The Excess 12 represents a significant step up in size and amenities while maintaining the manageable character that makes it suitable for first-time owners. At 38 feet, it offers noticeably more interior volume and deck space, making it ideal for buyers who plan to spend extended time aboard or regularly host guests.
Layout Options
The Excess 12 offers multiple layout configurations, allowing buyers to customize the yacht to their specific needs. Whether you prioritize guest accommodation, storage space, or owner comfort, there’s likely a layout that fits your cruising style perfectly.
Advanced Systems
The 12 incorporates more sophisticated systems than the 11, including enhanced electrical capacity and more comprehensive navigation equipment. These features support longer-range cruising while remaining user-friendly for owners new to yacht systems management.
Key Considerations for First-Time Catamaran Buyers
Handling Characteristics
Catamarans handle differently than monohulls, and understanding these differences is crucial for new owners. Excess cats are designed to minimize the learning curve, with predictable handling and forgiving characteristics. However, you’ll still need to adjust to different anchoring techniques, docking procedures, and sailing dynamics.
Maintenance Requirements
Twin engines mean double the mechanical systems, but also provide redundancy and maneuverability advantages. Excess designs their engine installations for accessibility, making routine maintenance straightforward. The key is establishing good maintenance routines from the beginning.
Mooring and Storage
The wide beam of catamarans requires special consideration for marina slips and storage. Many New England marinas now accommodate catamarans, but slip availability and costs can differ from monohull options. Plan ahead and factor these considerations into your ownership budget.
Financing and Ownership Costs
Yacht financing for catamarans follows similar patterns to monohull financing, but the higher initial cost requires careful planning. Excess catamarans hold their value well, making them sound investments for buyers who choose wisely and maintain their boats properly.
Insurance costs for catamarans can be higher than comparable monohulls, but the stability and safety advantages often offset this premium. Work with marine insurance specialists who understand catamaran-specific considerations.
The Learning Curve: What to Expect
Every new yacht owner faces a learning curve, and catamarans present unique considerations. The good news is that Excess designs are forgiving and intuitive, making the transition smoother than many alternatives.
Consider investing in professional instruction specific to catamaran handling. The techniques for docking, anchoring, and sail handling differ enough from monohulls that proper instruction pays dividends in confidence and safety.
An aerial view of the beautiful nature of Newport, Rhode Island
New England Cruising in Your Excess
Excess catamarans are perfectly suited to New England’s diverse cruising grounds. The shallow draft opens up gunkholes and beaches that deeper boats can’t access, while the stability makes family cruising more enjoyable in the region’s often choppy conditions.
From exploring Maine’s rocky coast to island-hopping through Buzzards Bay, your Excess will provide a stable, comfortable platform for discovering everything New England waters have to offer.
Making the Decision: Which Excess is Right for You?
Choosing between the Excess 11 and 12 often comes down to intended use and budget. The 11 is perfect for couples or small families who prioritize performance and manageable size. The 12 better serves buyers who plan extensive entertaining or longer-range cruising.
Consider your realistic usage patterns, not just your dreams. A smaller, more manageable yacht that gets used regularly provides more satisfaction than a larger boat that stays at the dock.
The Support Network: Why Choose Bluenose Yachts
Buying your first yacht is just the beginning of your ownership journey. At Bluenose Yachts, we provide comprehensive support throughout your ownership experience. From initial sea trials and delivery to ongoing maintenance and upgrades, our team understands Excess catamarans intimately.
Our service department is equipped to handle all aspects of catamaran maintenance, while our parts department ensures quick access to genuine Excess components. When you buy from Bluenose Yachts, you’re not just purchasing a yacht—you’re joining a community of experienced professionals dedicated to your success as a yacht owner.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re considering an Excess catamaran as your entry into yacht ownership, the best next step is experiencing these remarkable boats firsthand. Nothing replaces the feeling of being aboard, understanding the space, and experiencing the performance that makes Excess catamarans so compelling.
Contact Bluenose Yachts today to schedule a showing of our current Excess inventory. Our experienced team will help you understand the differences between models, explore financing options, and answer all your questions about catamaran ownership.
Your adventure in yacht ownership awaits, and an Excess catamaran might just be the perfect vessel to begin that journey. Let us help you discover why so many first-time buyers choose Excess for their introduction to the incredible world of catamaran cruising.
