English
Fully bluewater-equipped 4-cabin plus 2 crew-cabin Neel 51 trimaran offered for sale in great condition and with just one private owner since new. The perfect solution for crossing oceans with speed and in comfort and enjoying a great all-round cruising platform.
FURTHER BROKER’S COMMENTS:
Originally supplied via the UK Neel dealer to her current and only owner and configured for safe, fast, and comfortable long-distance, liveaboard cruising, CARRY ON headed to the Med’ and the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic and passing through the Panama Canal to Baja California before returning via Bermuda to the Med’ in 2023.
Her specification highlights including:-
• GRP hull and synthetic teak cockpit and stern deck
• Furling genoa and staysail
• Incidence Dacron sail wardrobe
• Antal powered winches
• B&G electronics package with plotters, radar, pilot and AIS
• WiFi
• 4-cabin, 4-heads interior layout plus two crew cabin with further heads (6-cabin, 5-heads total)
• Reverse cycle air-conditioning/heating
• Diesel heating
• Satellite TV system
• LCD TV and computer screen
• Washing machine
• Electric heads
• Onan 11kW generator
• Reverse osmosis watermaker
• Mastervolt electrics with AGM service batteries
• Volvo 75hp engine with 3-balde propeller
• Inverter
• Bow thruster
• Bimini Top
• Exterior cockpit and flybridge covers
• Cockpit Speakers
• Deck Shower and deck washer
• Electric toilet
• LED lights
• Equipped galley with fridge and freezer
• Bluetooth Fusion Radio with sound speakers
• TV with DVB-T Antenna
• Solar panels
• Tender davits
• Tender and outboard
• Wetbar
REFIT HISTORY:
2024
• New antifouling
• New hull topside paint
• New topside polish
• New mainsail halyard Antal jammer
2023
• New sea cocks
• Generator rebuilt
• Engine complete overhauled new water pump
• Serviced every 3 months also for generator
• New panel e remote control
• New liquid display navigation computer monitor
• Trampoline net on the bow serviced and tensioned
• Rocna 47kg anchor with new swivel tackle
• New marine lines, fenders, asymmetric spinnaker
• New interior leather
• New master computer for navigation
• New watermaker low pression pump
• Dive compressor serviced
• New lacquered table
• New oven
• New house batteries
• New engine batteries
• New sealed hatches for bluewater cruising
• New refurbished sails
• Crew cabin refurbished
• Steering system completely redone
• Additional Cleat at starboard bow for mooring manoeuvre and reinforced the existing
• Ceramic rings (high quality reefing points with zero chafe)
• Rig inspection
• New shore power 50Amp cable with smart plug connection
2022
• New Navico Radar connection cables
• New thruster engine
• Running rigging dyneema and spectra changed over the years
• New autopilot
PRESS COMMENTS:
The 51 follows the successful Neel 45, one of which won the multihull class in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) a couple of years back. This is the fourth design for Neel by veteran mono- and multihull architects Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt. Neel founder Eric Bruneel, who spent many years on ocean-racing tris, is bullish about the advantages of three hulls for cruising: he posits that a catamaran’s peak righting moment is reached at a mere 12 degrees of heel, at which point sail area must be reduced. By contrast, a trimaran’s peak is at 27 degrees of heel. It’s certainly true that a tri is basically a monohull with floats and is typically sailed at a greater angle of heel than a cat.
On the Neel 51, weight is concentrated low down and amidships in the central hull. This limits pitching and equates to a softer, more comfortable motion in a seaway, especially going to windward—a weak point for many cruising cats. The Neel 51’s main hull carries pronounced rocker, so that the boat will come about easily, while the slender amas are toed out to improve directional stability—a daggerboard is not necessary.
Weight management is everything when you’re building performance-oriented boats, multihulls especially. Neel engaged a specialist company to analyse the loadings on all parts of the structure in various sea conditions in order to find out where weight savings could be made and which areas needed to be strengthened. The hull, deck and cabintop mouldings consist of PVC foam cores sandwiched between quadraxial fiberglass rovings and infused with isophthalic and vinylester resins. Interior bulkheads and most furniture are also foam sandwich constructions. The boat is packed with useful features, like the deep “basement” below the cabin sole in the centre hull that not only houses the engine, fuel and water tanks, batteries and all electrical ancillaries, but has room for a generator, watermaker, AC unit and things like spare anchors and rode, and much else. As any long-term cruiser will attest, this is an enviable selling point.
ON DECK
The Neel 51 gives the impression of massive beam but is in fact only 6in wider than a Lagoon 52. The wide deckhouse dominates the boat, though side decks are clear and sufficiently wide. An easy step up from the starboard hull takes you into the comfortable helm seat, from where the double headsail rig—a self-tacking jib set inside an overlapping genoa—is controlled by a mix of powered and manual Harken 52 winches. Reefing lines and sheets are all led here, with rope bags to contain the considerable spaghetti. Next to it is a large, cozy flybridge seating/lounging area, which in the absence of a forward cockpit will be the favoured place to hang out in a tradewind anchorage. Solar panels are inlaid into the cabintop.
The aft cockpit is a wide, shallow area protected by the hardtop. It is smaller than that of an equivalent-sized cat but can be cleverly integrated into the saloon by means of full-width sliding doors. These enable the saloon table and seating to be extended outdoors, creating a 12-place dining table and a large open-plan area. Neel calls this feature the “cockloon,” and in fair weather it will be a wonderful socializing platform. There are large lockers with over 6ft of headroom in the transoms of the amas for stowing fenders, water toys and other light gear—one owner specified a full-sized washing machine and dryer in the starboard locker. Between these and the basement, there is certainly no shortage of storage on this boat.
Trimarans have no need for the anchoring bridles employed to keep catamarans from sailing around their anchors—the breeze funneling between the amas and main hull tends to keep them facing into the wind. The anchor is set on a short sprit that keeps the hook and chain clear of the axe bow and also provides a tack point for downwind sails, backed up by a deep anchor locker and a 24-volt windlass. (The boat runs on 24V, aside from the navigation electronics.) Mooring cleats are large and well placed, and in keeping with the sporty nature of the boat, the lifelines are Dyneema.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Ah, where to begin? There is space to burn on this boat. Let’s start with the master suite, which is to starboard on the bridgedeck as you enter the boat—no need to go down any stairs to get to bed. A queen-size berth, plenty of locker space for clothes and belongings, a generously proportioned head/shower and a great view out through a picture window—what more could you want?
If you like the master cabin, you’ll love the big C-shaped galley, forward and to port on the bridgedeck. There’s loads of worktop area, as many drawers and shelves as you could wish for and a big two-drawer fridge/freezer. To starboard is a compact nav station from where you can steer the boat via autopilot with excellent visibility to three sides.
Neel’s standard trim is in neutral shades of gray, with trim in Alpi wood and flooring in a hardwearing polyester material. Owners can choose a limited range of other colors. Headroom throughout is around 6ft 6in. Even in the three storage compartments, it is well over 6ft.
UNDER SAIL
You only need to take a look at the knifelike entry on the Neel 51’s triple bows to figure out that speed is an integral part of the boat’s design brief. At rest, the amas kiss the water, but underway the windward hull is always clear, reducing drag. What was immediately apparent after we set sail out of Neel’s home port of La Rochelle, France, was just how easily driven the boat is: starting off in 6 to 7 knots of breeze, speed through the water matched that, and as the wind picked up to 10-11 knots true, so did the boatspeed—respectable performance indeed. Double-digit averages should be easily attainable in any sort of wind, and the boat should have no problem reeling off 200-plus-mile days as a matter of routine.
Also apparent was the boat’s excellent directional stability, which will make life easy for the autopilot. She tacked readily through 90 degrees and would have sailed closer to the wind were it not for us having to continually dodge around the other sailboats that congest the waters around La Rochelle.
UNDER POWER
No issues here—just one engine to take care of, a 75hp Volvo saildrive equipped with both 24-volt and 12-volt alternators to charge the AGM battery banks down in the basement. Engine access is excellent, and its compartment is well soundproofed. The boat will easily hit 9 knots under power with the standard Volvo folding propeller, but a more relaxed 7-knot cruising speed will still get you places reasonably quickly and with better fuel efficiency. I suspect most owners will opt for the bow thruster, as the boat is not as maneuverable under power in close quarters as a twin-engined catamaran.
CONCLUSION
Neel is now a well-established player in the multihull scene, and the more boats it builds, the more exposure the production trimaran concept gets. These are sophisticated, well-built boats and I suspect we will see a lot more of them on the water in years to come, for this combination of performance, spaciousness and seaworthiness presents a compelling argument for cruising on three hulls.
Sail Magazine
SPECIFICATION
CONSTRUCTION
RCD Status:
• It is our understanding that the yacht conforms with the essential safety requirements of Directive 94/25EC (Recreational Craft Directive) and is categorised A — "Ocean".
Hull, Deck & Superstructure Construction:
• PVC foam cores sandwiched between quadraxial fiberglass rovings infused with isophthalic and vinylester resins
• Black Antifouling - last applied in 2022
• White painted hulls
• Synthetic teak with grey caulking in the cockpit and on the stern walking area
• Foam sandwich Interior bulkheads
• Foam sandwich furniture
Keel & Rudder:
• Skeg on the centre hull
• Single spade rudder
MACHINERY
Engine & gearbox:
• 1 x Volvo Penta D2 75 4‐in line cylinder Diesel Engine producing 55 kW (75HP) @3000 rpm
• Fresh water engine cooling via raw water intake and heat exchanger
• reduction gearbox
• Fuel/water separators
• Extraction fan
Maintenance & Performance:
• Engine hours: 1,500 as of Autumn 2023
• Cruising speed: approx. 7-8 knots
• Maximum speed: approx. 10 knots
• Consumption: approximately 6l/h @1800 rpm and 10 l/h @2600 rpm
• Date of last engine service: February 2022 by Volvo official service
Propulsion & Steering:
• MaxPower 24vDC bowthruster
• Sail drive transmission
• Volvo penta 3-blades folding propeller
• Cable and chain steering system with spare cables
• Aluminium helm wheel
• Emergency steering tiller
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Voltage systems:
• 24vDC domestic system with 12vDC starting circuit and 240vAC via shore power, generator or inverter.
Battery Banks:
• 1x 24vDC Victron engine starter battery – 2018
• 1x 24vDC Victron generator starter battery – 2018
• 4x 24vDC Victron heavy duty AGM service batteries joined in parallel to supply 480Amph @ 24vDC– 2023
• 1x 24V with dedicated Victron battery and charger for the thrusters –2018
• Victron Phoenix Battery monitoring system
Generator
• Onan MDKBN 11kw 220vAC diesel generator
• Generator hours: approx. 950 as of Autumn 2022
• Fuel/water separators
• Generator serviced routinely.
• Generator dismounted as per routine maintenance schedule (video available)
• Generator hours: 20 as of Autumn 2023
• Date of last engine service: Summer 2023
Solar Panels:
• 15x supplying 2200W Solbian and Sunware Solar panels on the superstructure
• 4x Charge controllers
Battery Chargers:
• Mastervolt Chargemaster 24/100-3 100amp 24vDC automatic battery charger
Inverter:
• Mastervolt MASS Sine 24/5000 5kw inverter
Alternators:
• 24vDC engine-mounted alternator for charging service batteries
• 12vDC engine-mounted alternator for charging start batteries
Shorepower:
• 220vAC shore power system
• Ring-main with 220vAC sockets throughout yacht
• 220vAC shore power supply protected with differential breaker and distribution system
Other Electrical:
• Electrical control panel with thermal breakers
• 12V sockets, voltmeter, ampere meter and battery test at DC panel
• Battery level indicators
• Solenoid battery switches
PLUMBING & GAS SYSTEMS
Fresh Water:
• 24vDC pressure system water pump for fresh water supply
• Hot water supplied via engine cooling with calorifier or via 220vAC 120 litre Isotherm immersion heater element from shore power in well-insulated hot water tank
• Hot & cold pressurised water
Watermaker:
• Dessalator 220vAC reverse-osmosis watermaker producing approx. 220 litres per hour
Bilge Pumps:
• 7x 24vDC electric bilge pumps
• Bilge pump override switch at AC/DC panel
• 2x manual bilge pumps in cockpit
Black & Grey Water:
• The toilets discharge into 4x black water tanks, whose outboard discharge works through an electric macerator pump.
TANKAGE
Fuel:
• 1x fuel tanks made in aluminium in center hull midship
• Total fuel capacity approx. 616 liters (163 gal)
• Fuel tank gauge at chart table
• Filling of fuel tanks is through deck inlets
Fresh Water:
• The freshwater tanks are made in alumium (lined & buffled) and are provided with a hatch for inspection and cleaning
• Total water capacity approx. 600 liters (163 gal)
• Filling of water tanks is through deck inlet
• Water tank gauge at chart table
Holding Tanks:
• 4x 20 litres black water holding tanks in each bathroom
• 1x 20 litres black water holding tank in the skipper cabin
NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
Navigation equipment
• B&G H5000 navigation instrumentation system with transducers and repeaters
• B&G autopilot system
• B&G digital radar scanner mounted at lower spreader level
• B&G AIS system transceiver
• Steering compasses
Communications Equipment:
• B&G VHF system with DSC
• 4G router
• Radar
• Radar reflector
• Printer
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT
Galley:
• Isotherm 260 liters fridge
• Isotherm 90 liters freezer
• Bosch 4 burners electric hob
• Stove oven
• Microwave
• Double sink with water mixer tap
• Microwave
• Philips coffee machine
• Toaster
Entertainment
• High-performance stereo system
• LCD TV and Computer screen
Laundry:
• 220vAC 10kgs LG laundry machine
Heads:
• Electric freshwater heads
• 1x Bidet in the master cabin
• Hot & cold pressurised shower
Heating & Ventilation:
• Webasto 220vAC reverse-cycle air-conditioning system with 68,000 BTU combined output
• Webasto heater
• Independent fan coils for each cabin area with 2x fan coils for saloon area
• 6x Ventilator fans
Entertainment
• Fusion Bluetooth radio at chart table
• 2x Fusion Speakers in the saloon
• 2x Audio speakers in the cockpit
Lighting:
• LED interior lighting throughout including courtesy lighting
• LED navigation lights
ACCOMMODATION
Summary of Accommodation:
• Sleeps up to 10 in 6 cabins with 5 bathrooms
• 4x guest cabins, each with ensuite bathroom
• Skipper cabin with bathroom and shower in the aft starboard hull
• Crew cabin single berth in the forepeak port hull
• Sail locker in the in the forepeak starboard hull
• Adjustable foldable table in the saloon
• Forward U-shaped galley with space for the optional dishwasher
• Spacious navigation station with bucket seat
• Deck-level owner’s cabin with island double bed and ensuite bathroom
• Main hull’s bow cabin is reached by stairs near the navigation station
• Bow cabin has its own ensuite with separate shower
• Down in the starboard hull the aft double cabin has a semi-island bed
Accomodation finish
• Alpi clad cupboards
• Walnut furniture with leather covers
• Corian galley worktop
• Textile flooring
• Lacquered teak tables with epoxy
• Grey cloth upholstery
• Panelled headlining’s
• Retractable blinds for windows
DECK EQUIPMENT
Rig
• Deck stepped 7/8 aluminium mast
• 4x wired cable standing rigging – 2018 – Inspected 2023
• 2 swept-back (diamond) spreaders
• Fixed Bowsprit
• Square top mainsail
• Genoa furler
• Staysail with furler
• Upwind sail area: 171.5 m²
• Mainsail area: 97 m²
• Genoa area: 74.5 m²
• Staysail area:31 m²
Sails:
• Incidence Dacron Square top mainsail – 2018 – refurbished 2023
• Incidence Dacron Furling genoa with UV protection – 2018 – refurbished 2023
• Incidence Dacron Furling staysail with UV protection – 2018 – refurbished 2023
• Incidence storm jib - 2018 – refurbished 2023
Winches
• 2x Antal XT52 2-speed self-tailing powered winches
• 1x Antal XT52 2-speed self-tailing manual winch
• Antal topping lift line driver
General:
• 2x folding swimming ladder
• Cockpit folding table
• Exterior upholstery
• 2x stainless steel diving bathing ladder
• Tender davits
• Cool box
• Deck washer
• Stanchions in stainless steel,
• Stainless steel wire lifelines
• Flush deckhead hatches
• Large aft locker
• Adjustable height cockpit table, dropping to create a spacious lounge sofa
• Hot & cold pressurised freshwater cockpit shower
• Diving equipment
• Dive compressor
Anchoring & Mooring:
• 24V 1500W windlass with remote
• Rocna Stainless steel 45kg anchor
• Fortress 2nd Auminium anchor
• Italian Inox bow stainless steel protection for each hull
• Quick chain counter at chart table
• Digital chain counter
• Mooring kit
• 6x fender with fender cover
• 4x mooring lines
Awning and Covers
• Mainsail lazybag
• Cockpit table cover
• Dashboard and windscreen complete cover
• Cockpit and flybridge cover
• Fixed Bimini on steering wheel station
Tender & outboard:
• Highfield 3.5m tender - 2018
• Suzuki 20 fuel injection outboard – 2023
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
General note on safety equipment: Any safety equipment such as liferafts, Epirbs, fire extinguishers and flares etc. are usually personal to the current owner(s) and if being left on-board as part of the sale of a used vessel may require routine servicing, replacement, or changing to meet a new owners specific needs.
Lifesaving:
• 6x Fire Extinguisher
• 10 man liferaft 2018
• 10x Life jackets
• EPIRB
• MOB System
• Rig cutting system