nautitech - Catcruising

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NAUTITECH
482
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The renaissance
of a successful catamaran
O
n the basis of the excellent Mortain/Mavrikios design,
Nautitech, now based in Rochefort in the former CIM factory (big charter catamarans), is re-launching the excellent 47’. Going much further than a simple restyling, Bruno
Voisard’s team has completely reinterpreted this much-appreciated multihull, to adapt it to the demands of 2013. Here is
the test of the new Nautitech 482.
Text: Philippe Echelle – Photos: P. Echelle and DR
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A CLASSIC DESIGN!
Built by Nautitech within the Dufour
group in the Périgny/La Rochelle factory
until 2000, the 475 was the flagship of
several charter fleets. The 50 boats produced allowed thousands of crews to discover comfortable cruising in a catamaran. This intensive use formed a unique
test bed for this big multihull, which had
‘everything right’ when it was launched.
When Bruno Voisard bought out the
brand in 2002, he backed a modernised
development, re-oriented towards use by
private owners: the 47’. The rigid bimini
was extended, but it was above all the
revision of the accommodation plan
which characterised this version, which
remained in the catalogue until 2010.
A MODERN CATAMARAN WITH
A CLASSIC DESIGN
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When the 482 project was born,
Nautitech’s aim was to create a new boat
based on proven lines and an overall definition which had not dated. The in-house
research and development department,
accompanied by the architect Franck de
Rivoyre for the structure, therefore modified the bows and the hulls, which were
lengthened aft to bring the silhouette up
to date, and make the sugar scoops more
functional. Once these alterations had
been made, the deck, the coachroof, the
rigid coachroof extension, the mainsheet
traveller location had to be re-designed,
and the steering positions approved of on
the 542 had to be fitted. A deck mould
designed for infusion was manufactured.
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NAUTITECH 482 BY MARSAUDON
COMPOSITES
Marsaudon Composites has an expertise
in the construction of beautiful fast catamarans which can’t be ignored. Now directed by Sam Marsaudon, this workshop
built the Catana 580 – 522, the Absolu 50s
and the first TS 50s (amongst others). The
tool is superb (white rooms with temperatures regulated by the inertia of the submarine base building, high-performance
equipment), and the 25 tradesmen who
work there are composite specialists.
The partnership with Nautitech for the
construction of the 482s is not just subcontracting. The two teams know each
other perfectly; the irreproachable expertise of the service provider also corresponds to a strategic need: the Nautitech
factory in Rochefort has to be enlarged to
cope with the arrival of the coming
Lombard-designed 40-footer; the assembly line for the 542s and 441/442s having
THE KEY POINT OF THE APPEAL OF A MODERN CAT,
THE COCKPIT DISPLAYS ALL THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE
EXERCISE AND IS RIGHT ON TARGET... BRAVO!
already been rationalised (work stations
and ergonomic overhead supply).
From a manufacturing point of view, the
482’s hulls and bridgedeck are contact
laminated in the traditional way; the onepiece deck uses an infusion process, as do
the bulkheads in foam-glass-polyester (isophtalic resin).
1 : The Nautitech lines are easily recognizable
on the latest boat from the builder.
2 : The 482 is agile in light weather, and
accelerates well in moderate winds.
3 : Ideal for a family cruise in the Atlantic, the
482 is a boat on a human scale, with a welldesigned deck plan for shorthanded use.
4 : With its new coachroof design, the
Nautitech 482 is superb. An elegant, thoroughbred boat.
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PHILOSOPHY AND SILHOUETTE
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The size of the 47’ has allowed the interior volumes to age without suffering obsolescence, and offer a nice balance between the taut hulls, an aerodynamic
nacelle, an elegant bimini cut-out and
quite contemporary accommodation. The
design of the bows and the sugar scoops
has been skilfully re-styled and the coachroof is superb. The overall look is flattering! The wraparound steering positions
show careful ergonomic research; the carbon wheels are ideally positioned and the
interaction with the deck plan is effective
when shorthanded. The key point of the
acceptability and the appeal of a modern
cat, the cockpit displays all the attributes
of the exercise and is right on target. Nonslip steps for access to the side decks,
spacious sunbathing areas protected from
the wind, exterior lounge opposite around
a convivial table and forward-facing transverse seat.
INTERIOR ACCOMMODATION AND
STYLE
The Nautitech 482 doesn't revolutionise
the segment, but it fully succeeds in its
positioning. The boat is up to date; using
modern shapes, the creators have integrated functional, elegant volumes, finding inspired harmony between materials.
The lounge (like the galley) is a success;
the cut of the soft furnishings, the harmony between the light wood facings and
the design of the furniture creates a comfortable, marine atmosphere in good
taste. The quality is noticeable and
concerns both the assembly of the woodwork as well as the actual construction
(very nice appearance of the exterior gelcoat and the decorative bands, clean lamination and corner fillets, both on the lower
part of the chassis, carried out by contact,
and the infused bulkhead and deck. The
private owner’s version tested is the one
presented at Cannes; it is intended for a
New Zealand family, who are taking
advantage of the return delivery trip to
wander round the Mediterranean, before
the trip half way round the world which
will take them back home. In this version,
the port hull contains 2 huge cabins, with
just one adjoining bathroom, the choice of
a crew who wanted extra cold-storage
equipment and a large capacity washing
machine in the gangway. The forward
compartment, accessible from the port
transverse cabin and via the deck, will
house the bikes, the diving or surfing
accessories in addition to the watermaker
fitted in the bilges (an installation higher
up on a shelf is without a doubt preferable
for this equipment, whose maintenance is
demanding). The starboard hull offers a private owner’s arrangement, doubled with a
forward cabin with two extra bunks. The
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‘island’ beds in the aft cabins are easily
accessible and surrounded with practical
stowage spaces; access to the transverse
bed (port, forward) may appear more
demanding. In this version, a huge mastfoot locker occupies the vacant space of
the starboard transverse cabin. A stowage
or storage area rich in possibilities when
ocean cruising.
A BIG MULTIHULL WHICH IS DYNAMIC, APPEALING AND EASY TO USE
For this test off the island of Groix, we
were expecting 15 to 20 knots, the weather’s excess of zeal at the beginning of
July granted us a superb summer day
with a sea breeze pattern, and moderate
winds at the end of the afternoon.
Access to the engines is by tipping the
helmsman’s seat, which reveals the first
level (engine battery, linking rod between
the rudders, lines). Opening the insulating floor in 3 elements allows you to
descend into the engine spaces, which
house the 4-cylinder, 54 hp Yanmars. The
scantlings of the helm transmission
(mechanically welded, fixing plates for
the cable returns, the pilot...) inspire
confidence, as the design-manufacture
of these major organs is dealt with rigorously. The helm angle limiter integrated
into the quadrant is clever (solution
which is without a doubt better than the
usual external stops).
As a consequence of the care paid to the
insulation, the machines are really discreet.
The electric controls available at the 2
nav. stations allow good flexibility when
manoeuvring. The power of this propulsion, coupled to three-bladed folding propellers is an ideal choice. The motor functions, the reserves of power and the
comfortable torque are reassuring. A
high cruising speed of 8 knots at 2/3
power guarantees a perfect compromise
between range and comfortable noise
levels. Access to the top of the coachroof
is reassuring, and working on the boom
is easy; no acrobatics are necessary.
Hoisting the mainsail is obviously entrusted to the powerful Harken winch (electric), ideally positioned next to the helm.
But if necessary, the biomechanics of
the manual winching positions are well
adapted. Under mainsail alone, the 482
set off as soon as the profile was shee-
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ted in, affirming its good tendencies right from the start.
The use of a self-tacking jib on
a roller is particularly relevant
on this well-canvassed boat
(115m² for 11t unladen).
Without giving the feeling of a
‘gap at low revs’, the 482 sets
off in light winds, accelerates
in the gusts and never gives
the impression of having trouble under sail. This lively behaviour is the consequence of a
good hull, a generous hull
length and favourable aerodynamics. The helm has a good
feel, and the contact with the
rudders is pleasant via the
metal lines and the rigid linkage. The boat is very well
balanced; the feel of the carbon rims in the hands participates in the good feel of the
helm. When we tested the
475, I was already struck by its
dynamic qualities; 3 hours at
an average of 15 knots, and a
top speed of 21 knots confirmed this aspect! The delivery
trip from Toulon to Cannes in a
force 8 to 9 mistral gave us a
rather exceptional test bed
(Multihulls World n° 74).
Between Belle Ile and Groix,
we enjoyed a nice breeze
under spinnaker; the speed
stabilised at 8.5/9 knots in
13/14 knots of true wind – not
bad, eh? At the end of the
afternoon, we had a little force
5, right on the nose, ideal for a
beating exercise. Positively
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surprised by the speed and the
pointing angle, I carried out a
series of tacks, singlehanded,
amongst the pack of sailing
boats which were returning in
a close fleet to the ports of
Lorient and Port Louis. Several
modern racing monohulls
were in the bunch, but we
kept up with them, despite the
early tacks so as not to cause
panic in the channel! At between 8 and 10 knots in the
gusts, the 482 sailed really
close to the wind and offered
an effective VMG. The stub
keels work well, and the ease
of tacking is exciting, with surprising acceleration out of the
tack.
CONCLUSION
I liked the 482 a lot. Its appealing silhouette, its clever interior and exterior accommodation, the level of performance
all contribute to a homogenous result which is really suited to fast family cruising. The
dynamic qualities are obvious,
both in rough seas and strong
winds, and in lighter conditions. The ease of manoeuvring and the pleasure under
way are appreciable characteristics.
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THE 482 SETS OFF IN LIGHT WINDS,
ACCELERATES IN THE GUSTS AND
NEVER GIVES THE IMPRESSION OF
HAVING TROUBLE UNDER SAIL...
5 : On the 482, we find once again the steering positions we liked on the 542!
6 : Aboard this big boat, the volumes are present everywhere, ideal for blue water cruising.
7 : The 482 is pleasant to helm, with two superb carbon wheels which fall ideally to hand...
8 : Access to the engines is by tipping the helmsman’s seat, and thanks to the very good soundproofing, the machines are really discreet.
9 : The chain locker: practical and clear.
10 : The cockpit is a success: pleasant to live in at sea or at anchor with friends.
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ARCHITECT’S COMMENTS,
BY ALAIN MORTAIN
The Nautitech 482 replaces the 47/475; it has retained
the genes and the fundamental architectural qualities.
Its almost 20-year career cruising around the world
confirmed the choice of design. The hulls’ beam, coupled to the characteristic open U-shape with rounded
chines, has been optimised according to the accommodation dimensions, to keep it as slim as possible,
synonymous with energy saving. This allows good performance without requiring a huge sail plan which is
difficult to control and generates pitching. The benefit
can also be felt in the comfort and safety: this slimness
provides efficient passage through the water, as well
as the capacity to keep some speed with a sail plan
which is easy to reef, and manoeuvrability which is
always guaranteed. Sailing in strong winds remains
comfortable and safe The structural arrangement
gives the boat excellent rigidity. The change to infusion
and the remarkable work by the Nautitech team have
allowed the design weight to be respected without
sacrificing the improvements in comfort and interior
design which offer functional and contemporary style
and aesthetics. Outside, we have retained the dynamic, characteristic shape of the coachroof. Aft, the
concept of the coachroof extension we initiated is
now exploited to the maximum in the space available.
The ergonomics of the cockpit and the fit-out of the
sugar scoops have been optimised with better positioned, more convivial seats. The hull portlights have
been enlarged, refined, improving the interior/exterior
visual exchanges. They increase the natural lighting in
the hulls, and modernise the aesthetic signature of the
profile. Inside, we have worked with the R & D department on modernisation of the furniture and the
accommodation, to harmonise with the style inaugurated on the 542. Everything has thus become more
chic, more functional and brighter.
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12
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Pretty silhouette
Dynamic qualities
N Careful manufacture
N
N Exterior soft furnishings on the
model tested
N Access to the transverse bed perfectible
N
T H E C O M PE T I TO R S
Model:
Architect:
Sail area in m²:
Weight in t:
Price in € exc. VAT:
Catana 47
Leopard 48
Soubise 49
Outremer 49
BARREAU
SIMONIS
LEROUGE
BARREAU
134
138
138
126
10.9
609,700
14.5
409,000
9
479,000
9
668,000
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11 : The interior accommodation is modern, functional and elegant.
12 : Galley and saloon - nice, comfortable areas, adapted to use at sea.
13 : The owner’s hull in the version tested offers a forward cabin with two extra
bunks.
14 : Bathrooms with sufficient volume.
15 : The ‘island’ beds in the aft cabins are easily accessible and surrounded by stowage which is practical when at sea.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The aft crossbeam area
has been dealt with intelligently. Coherent davits,
relevant liferaft positions,
well-designed fittings.
The 482’s sail plan is
well-adapted to blue
water and family
cruising. The 32m² jib is
incredibly easy to use
and versatile; the predominant mainsail, 84m²,
is really propulsive.
The mainsheet track on the bimini allows
the cockpit area to be freed of an element
which is potentially aggressive for the
crew.
The wraparound steering positions,
reassuring and ergonomic, which allow
you to really enjoy the boat’s agility.
When manoeuvring, there is no blind
spot, as long as you use the resources
on both sides.
The 482’s structural bulkheads
are now entirely in a foam/glass
sandwich, using the infusion
process, in place of the wooden
(ply) elements of the older
generation (47’), with better fillet
joints, better homogeneity,
and less weight.
The Mortain/Mavrikios design hasn’t dated in the slightest; the
renewed study of the scantlings by Franck de Rivoyre, to adapt it
to modern construction techniques has allowed a catamaran to be
obtained which is stiffer and lighter than the older generation.
(photo Odile Boyé)
The sugar scoop extensions improve the
visual perception of the hulls. The cut-outs
in the interior of the hull sides have transformed this part of the boat into a very
functional multi-use area (bathing, disembarkation from the dinghy, fishing...).
The restyling of the
coachroof is a complete
success; the overall
lines benefit from
them. The bimini cutout and the access to
the top of the coachroof are clever.
Architects: Mortain/Mavrikios
Builder: Nautitech
Length: 14.98 m
Beam: 7.60 m
Waterline length: 14 m
Mast height: 18.40 m (air draft 20.30 m)
Tunnel height: 0.85 m
Mainsail area: 84 m²
Self-tacking jib area: 32 m²
Engines: 2 x 54 hp Yanmars (saildrive
transmission)
Unladen weight: 11.2 t
Maximum displacement: 15 t
Diesel: 2 x 270 l
Material: Composite foam/glass/
isophtalic polyester, infusion process
for the deck and bulkheads
Batteries: 4 x 150 A/h (service batteries
under the saloon), 2 x 110 A/h
engines.
Price: 525,550€ exc VAT in the
4-cabin version 549,250€ exc VAT
in the private owner’s version
Blue Water pack (ocean cruising)
including exclusive finishing (39,900€
exc. VAT) with generator, watermaker,
dinghy and engine, electric WC,
gennaker and bowsprit...
128,400€ exc. VAT