Neel 47 Trimaran Review 2021 | Our Search For The Perfect Multihull/Catamaran
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Here is our review of the New Neel 47 Trimaran. This lightweight and fast cruiser should tick all the boxes as a stable, bluewater cruiser.
The review is solely based on what we could see on the day. It is NOT a professional opinion, simply our observations and what we were able to film on the day.
As we state in the video, we accept that this boat was not show ready and could have been shown in a better condition. We have also stated that we will happily go and review another Neel trimaran to see what a "show ready" boat should look like. We are also happy to hear from Neel and Neel owners to try and redress what we observed at the show. This we believe is the best opportunity we can give the brand to show how they can shine. If you are considering buying one of these, please go and have a look at the boat yourself and form your own opinions.
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---------------------™Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose - OFFICIAL---------------------
UPDATE 2ND AUGUST 2019
After some back & forth over the internet yesterday, we went to visit the Neel factory and Neel 47, Hull 6. The boat was ready to be shipped to Japan, so had passed final inspection. The mast and spars were unstepped, but we got to see a boat that they were ready to release.
These are our thoughts on Neel 47, Hull 6 and our visit.
1. Firstly thank you to Barbara and Elodie (coms. manager and the wife of the CEO) for taking the time to show us around. They were very gracious to talk to us. They were also very kind and showed us the factory and the facilities.
2. They wouldn’t let us film the factory or conduct a formal interview. That’s fair enough, most companies don't.
3. They were very kind to show us hull no 6 of the Neel 47 range, which is shipping to Japan tomorrow. We filmed this.
4. They have addressed the issues with the steps in the hulls. They are now metal and welded. Still no toilets in the outer hulls as standard. These are an optional extras, although i cant see where they would be placed. This leaves one toilet as standard for a 6 berth boat.
5. Unfortunately the fit out was as poor in places as we previously saw. There was even more mastic in holes than last time. They stated that their focus was providing their customers with the " the trimaran experience", and that in the future they may turn their focus to a better finish.
6. Regarding the boat we viewed at LGM. Neel state that that was a prototype. This we accept. However the prototype was sold and so is now in private ownership. Possibly something lost in translation, but we would simply call this hull number 1.
7. We hoped to be able to put out another video to address the shortcomings in the first video. However, doubling down on these issues of build quality and fit out is possibly not going to do Neel any favours.
All in all my impressions were that Neel are a company that are trying to innovate and push the boundaries for sailors. The concept is fantastic, but the execution needs work. Both Elodie and Barbara stated that as the boat evolves, they hope the fit will change. We genuinely hope it does.
Nr. 5 is an absolute killer - no serious manufacturer can say basically "we want our customers to get their boats fast and we want their money, we don´t care how the quality is" that is how companies go out of business with that kind of attitude. I know i would never accept that kind of build quality.
Nr. 6 i call bullshit on NEEL for that very dumb excuse.
Thank you so much for this update (and mentioning it on the live stream). Super useful.
Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose I also appreciate this update and you mentioning it in the live stream.
Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose - I thought at the time that Terysa’s comment was absolutely spot-on and it was about manufacturing methods/ processes and implementation and nothing to do with rushing to get the boat ready. For what it’s worth I thought your comments on the original review were an honest and objective assessment and while the manufacturer might not like them I saw little they could generally disagree with in your comments
@Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose - Obviously, Neel has quality control issues but if the boat was not your cup of tea why include a Trimaran at all, unless it was to promote your channel at the builder's expense. The boat business is tough enough without UA-camrs enthusiastically dogging a builders boat displayed at a show that they invested lots of money in. I'm curious, did you ask permission to shoot your video onboard their boat at their display?
This review, actually, adds credibility to the others so far. If the product doesn't cut the mustard, you are not intimidated to say so. Well done. And, NO, the design doesn't spin my wheels either...
It's a good thing the life raft is so easy to get to, because you're going to need it.
Life raft will probably be of better build quality...unless it's made by the same people then I'd just buy a couple of noodles and trust me life with those.
I hope they don't make life rafts...
This video would send me running anywhere else to find a boat in this price range that is better built. I learned a long time ago that a quick build just to make a show is much worse than missing the show altogether. Keep looking and you will find your dream boat.
yeah once you hook up the dinghy to the crane and get it out of the way so you can get to the life raft. pretty bad placement, it should be on one of the sides .
We are very happy owners of a Neel 47. The boat is perfect for us, a couple living full-time aboard. She's easy to handle, fast and fun to sail, responsive and safe in stormy conditions. The spacious one-level living area with master bedroom is comfortable and convenient, especially when on anchor, on long crossings and in warm weather. Our two adult children love having their own private hull including a head (standard) when sailing with us. Looking at price, speed, comfort and safety, this boat hits the sweet spot for us.
Thank you Simone. Can you also please share with us your views on build quality, any warranty issues you have had, and how they were dealt with.
@@sailingrubyrose The Neel 47 is a new kind of boat and for some reason people are very opinionated about it. That's why I wanted to share our experience as actual owners of one. We were initially hesitant to buy a Neel because of all the bad online reviews, but at the same time we really liked the setup and specs. We've sailed a lot on a J122, and learned quickly there aren't a lot of performance multihulls under $800k. So we decided to give the Neel a try ourselves. We sailed hull #12 for two days and had her hauled out for an inspection. The report came back showing an above average build quality and Neel committed to taking care of some minor issues. So we jumped on it and haven't looked back.
Our boat has sailed across the Atlantic in bad weather, up and down the East Coast in 30-plus winds, and we're currently cruising in the Bahamas since January, all without experiencing any major problems or breakdowns. She's quiet and handles all conditions very well.
The winches, blocks, clutches, soft links etc are Antal, known for its high quality. All lines and ropes are Dyneema, the instruments B&G. The electrical system is very well organized, and all cables are labeled with the page number of the manual.
For the best sailing performance the boat is kept as light as possible so you won't find any heavy hardwood cabinets or table tops. It's a trade-off. We personally prefer a light boat that sails well, above one that looks and feels very luxurious but is heavier. We encounter so many sailors that motor 80% of the time because there's not enough wind for their super comfortable but heavy boats, and sailing upwind is frustrating. There's no good or bad here, just a choice everyone has to make for themselves.
So far we're happy with the support we've received from Neel. They are responsive and all issues that came up under warranty so far have or are being taken care of without any hassle.
In our experience the Neel 47 is well-built, fun to sail and comfortable to live aboard full time. It holds up well in all conditions and if something comes up under warranty, Neel takes care of it. Next week we'll get our B&G wind sensor replaced as the current one failed. Overall we are really enjoying our boat.
We the NEEL community agree.
The bedroom on top is so awesome looks like an awesome boat....Love this trimaran congratulations
Flipping through the glowing, GLOWING, online reviews in Sail, CruisersForum etc., it's obvious how much trust you can put in their reviews compared to real world feedback. Thanks you guys!
I like the Neel trimaran concept. Another yard needs to be building it.
I agree, if they want to save money they should move to Asia.....
Surely it would be better not to turn up to the boat show than present somthing that's falling to bits
There’s a lot of reports from owners of production NEELs being low quality and the company not caring about it once delivered.
just for shits and giggles you should post a question on their facebook about the rumors regarding quality control. They don't respond, just remove the question.
I can't agree more.
Agreed. Bad business model if you’d rather be present at a show than worry about what you’re presenting at a show. It should be your best not your ‘who cares’ catastrophes.
Carl Thor -from NY?
I for one really appreciate the effort and thought you put into these reviews. The other reviews you have done have, in my opinion, built a level of trust and credibility that is now inherent in your work. You are fair, thorough, and articulate the basis for your scores very well. This is valuable when the inevitable happens, and you are put in a position to have to be honest when it is unpleasant...as was the case here.
I was anticipating the "we rushed it" statement, but one has to wonder if they are willing to display a vessel with so many blatantly obvious problems at a Boat Show, what is acceptable in the areas that are unseen by the customer...under the sole, behind the bulkheads, etc.
Frankly, I would never allow a product like this out of the shop with my name on it in the first place, let alone send it to a show where it is going to have to stand up to competition. That is just nuts....and it speaks of a deeply flawed culture in the business.
Not good when we are talking about something that floats...and is supposed to be a blue water vessel.
Looking forward to seeing what the future brings for you two. My wife and I have been together since high school, married almost 40 years. It is clear you to have the same magic working that we do...
and to add, from what I gather Neel does not have a CE rating for their Boats. Most all builders that claim Blue Water also show a CE rating of A. Neel only sends you to ICCN's web site - no mention of Neel at this web site either.
Finally! I've been looking for a review of the new NEEL line for a while. They originally had quality issues that the claimed to have addressed. Clearly not the case. Thanks for the blunt honesty here.
No problem my friend
just to say i own neel 45 #1 the original rush job 7 years before the 47 and i love it...sometimes a bad finish on a great boat does not make it a bad boat
It is truly refreshing to see an absolute honest boat review! Please keep it up these are some of the best boat reviews out there.
Hope you guys didn't make a decision yet.... Show'd my wife your vids and she said last night... "You know that couple on YT looking for a cruising cat that is a world explorer type.... Remember that catamaran we saw in Annapolis that was setup by the new owner so he could sail around the world twice without needing spares... " So I'm to tell you Royal Cape Yachts. Look into them. Really top notch catamarans and they are custom built to your needs and spec. You pick and choose every single part. Though I'm sure they are gonna fetch a penny cause the one in Naptown that was on display was $980k built but did come with a 10yr warranty and overnight parts. I think it had a diesel polishing system, dual water makers, 4kw solar, twin engines, a work room with a spare part for every single system on board mechanical and electrical. Honestly there was nothing you wouldn't need and plenty of it. Speedwise they are better than production charter condo's but the size... I think they start at 50'.
Me... I'd prefer something proven. Something older and depreciated. But I can be cheap and picky. So the new stuff I'm not a fan of... I'll buy a boat with it broken and thus discounted off the price so I can replace with what I want. Typical build quality of a boat made after 2002.
Oh... And this Format of video... You get a job at Sail Mag??? This is TOP NOTCH!!!
Redemption If you’re speaking of the Royale Cape Majestic 530, I agree! Don’t care for a flybridge version but the one with the included hard dodger is my all time favorite! I am hoping it will be in Annapolis Boat show for Nick and Therysa to review.
The Royal Cape 53 is one of my favorites at the boat show. Ugly as sin, but the interior and included features just blew me away. Excellent build quality and excellent service.
Found an older smaller one. It's in Florida. Might be worth a look.
www.catamaransite.com/Royal-Cape-45-catamaran-for-sale-1.html
Redemption Damn, butt ugly she is.
Redemption If I had that much money to spend I would without hesitation get an Outremer.
Going out on a limb here: I don't think Neel will link this to their page?
LOL
Well guessing they already HAVE linked to this page - in INTERNAL top secret emails.
I was sailing a Neel 47 (maybe exactly this one?) in La Rochelle in March for ca. 3 hours on a sea trial. And hell it goes. 12+ knots SOG in really choppy waves and we had the 1st reef in main and foresail (sorry that I cant recall the wind speeds). It is easy and light to handle, also during gusts. Below the saloon is a huge storage room, where I could stand upright (I am 1.79m)and there was even enough space for a workshop after potentially fitting a washing machine, diving compressor, a wine storage, maybe another fridge, etc. I have never seen such a big storage in any other boat of this size. (We chartered a Lagoon 450 Fly, which offeres slightly more living space, but didnt have this kind of storage and you cant really call it sailing either). The engine room has a seperate access from the cockpit. Also there lots of space and all parts are easily accessible. The quality issues were also my deep concern and I complained a lot by then. Also the bow thruster system did not work that day, but I was told already before sailing, that this one was the working prototype and that the production boats will be on a completely different level. For the handrails I already have an after market solution, which will be fine. Also I would put much more solar on top, space is plenty.
Next year I will charter a Neel 45 for a week or two and later I want to charter a 47 too, as soon as it is available, but for sure none of hull numbers 1-10!
I missed out to have a look below all the other hatches in the cockpit and in the front, where also crew cabins can be fitted in.
I really hope, Neel will sort out those quality issues and I really cant wait to see more from later hulls.
Anyhow, I love this concept, since I first time saw @SailOceans with their Neel 50 prototype and hope for a decent quality to carry us around the world in a few years.
For me it was much more fun to sail than a big Cat and is on par with a fast cruising monohull, only it is much faster! ;-)
Cheers, great videos! Cant wait to see the next vid! Check a Neel 45, which are available for 350-450k€ 2nd hand now? Balance 451?
Jan W. I LOVE multihulls but wouldn’t trust anything that was built like crap.
867 5309
I fully Agree, but I had a good impression about the molds, the hull design and the general boat construction.
It features crash structures and the boat components (not joinery works!) themselves are good in my eyes. Engine, navigation system, water system etc. are from known brands and all parts are easily accessible like in no other boat I have seen before.
Lots of the older Neel 45 can be found everywhere around the world, so indeed they float even after several years. ;-)
As said, the boat I was on was called the prototype. I really love this concept, sailing was hell of a fun, space is huge,..
I only had a few design complaints like the guest toilets in the outer hulls which fold out, when needed. You would sit right below the entrance of the hull and everyone could look right down on you from outside, doing your private business and the person in bed is locked there for that time. But guest toilets are just mandatory in my eyes.
So I would summarize my thoughts like this:
Would I trust this boat to carry me and my family around the world? Yes!
But would I invest my money into the seen interior quality? No!
My schedule still gives me enough time to wait and monitor the development of quality and (2nd hand-) prices.
Even purchasing a run down 2nd hand model and outfitting it with new interiors of my choice might be an option.
But before really considering to buy, I will charter both, a Neel 45 and a Neel 47 for one or two weeks (besides other boats of my interest like Balance 451, Outremer 45, Outremer 49, Catana 47), compare all and make a final decision then.
Fair winds!
I love the way your wife looks at you. Such respect and depth to her love. That aside, this was a truly interesting review and I appreciate your take, honesty and carefully trodden path. Hopefully it helps the company improve and grow. Well done guys.
Thank you very much for this video! There is such a difference between the publicity in the media and the real thing, and I'm not talking only about the build ...quality - in lack of a better word - but especially the space in the side floats, and the one toilet for everybody on board. This video brings a lot of reality into it, so thank you for that.
Your format and honesty doing these reviews is truly first class. A prospective buyer of any boat could use this format to help with decision making. They make many (all?) of the so called professional reviews look like nothing more than cheap ads. Maybe there is a new career for you both????
Yeah and the beauty is that they have actually sailed across oceans and are aware of what really matters and as we saw on this video are telling it as it is. They don't rely on advertisement dollars from the manufacturers in their magazine to keep afloat. This series is the best review of the market for sailing yachts I have ever seen. Its just a pity about UA-cam language policy nowadays that we cant hear what he really thinks!!!!
100% agree! We viewed this exact boat at LGM and were shocked by how poor the quality was. No amount of "we were rushing explanations" can excuse some of the issues we saw. It was truly shocking, and it isn't a cheap boat either, the price is in line with other production boats in the same size.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love the concept of the Neel Tri. Fit and Finish is going to be an issue once you get underway, but for a show is inexcusable. Truly appreciate this!
Your review is totally justified. There are several UA-cam videos showing the subpar build quality of the Neel. I'm sure it will make 15 knots... right up until the outer hulls break off. The bridge deck on a tri must be really beefy to maintain the integrity of the vessel due to the physics involved when one hull submerges as the other one rises. And that adds weight so unless they are using all carbon fiber which would presumably make the boat even more expensive than it already is they sacrificed somewhere to shave the weight. I would not consider that boat without a good look at the scantlings. There is also the unusual motion of a tri in a seaway that takes some getting used to. It's difficult to explain, but you will immediately recognize it. Big tris are absolutely magic on any point of sail abaft the beam, but they must be built to take the stresses..
Still a relevant and spot on review. Thanks again for being honest in your review and not commercially driven like others.
The liferaft is not accessible by navigation because it is below the tender. You must first "drop" the tender to access it.
Came back to watch this after watching your Livestream. I have to say we came away with the exact same impressions of Neel's build quality after seeing the one in Annapolis 2018. It's sad because I love the idea of a fast cruising Trimaran, but another company needs to come around and do it right.
Cheers guys! Will you be in Annapolis this year? If so, we’ll see you there 😊
@@sailingrubyrose, we'll be there from the 10th-14th. See you guys at the show!
Congratulations for your objective and franchise!!
I’m deeply disappointed with the guts the builders had to present such unfinished boat!
Another fantastic review - love your review series and hope you do more of these in the future!
love it! Let them have it. This was not a surprising date for the boat show they knew about this well in advance. Love the reviews keep them coming.
That was a generous and very merciful review. I love the Nikki "BEEP"Keep up the good work.I thought Nick's head was going to explode
Thank you for the honest review - I feel like most UA-camrs are too scared to talk about the negative things but that's exactly what we need to hear before purchasing
Tanks for a fair review of the Neel 47.
I did watch another video some time ago that pointed out same kind of quality problems with the larger boats in their range. I was a bit skeptical to that video at that time. But not any more.
I believe in all fairness that Neel have to do a REAL effort to make a HUGE lift in the quality to make their boats suitable for ocean crossing. If not they will soon go down in the history as a big dream without any substance.
SO GLAD you guys reviewed this boat! Hopefully a high quality trimaran can be built in the future.
If I was the CEO of Neel , after watching this, people would be losing their job. A boat show is a place to shine and show off your product. This display is completely unacceptable.
You guys have the best multihull reviews on UA-cam. I really like the inclusion of safety details, something most other channels don’t talk about at all.
Thanks for such honest reports and not the "perfect OMG how wonderfull bla bla like others" the pics say enough - thanks for your very good job not only with this boat - thanks
Dang man. I Love the look of the Neel 47. Glad you guys actually put some stress on things to test it! Love your reviews
NEEL is going to have “posters” of you two at Annapolis! Here they come quick cast off lines........
I'm loving all your reviews, keep them coming! Sadly I'm too old to be in the market, but I'm finding it amazing to see what's available now ... I bought a 33-foot boat when I retired early 20 years ago, and of course, quickly learned the mistakes I made and bought a 44 in less than 2 years. At the time I never considered a Cat but with the solar technology now available I would have loved to had one and sailed around the world ... now I have to do it vis UA-cam. Good luck in your hunt! What I like about your reviews is they are from the point of a live-aboard, long-distance sailor.
The Neel boats look really good on paper, but you don't have to look too hard online to find lots of quality problems and horror stories. One boat literally had the transom fall off the boat during a crossing immediately after delivery. Combine that with what you witnessed here and it'll be a lot of years before I'd even take one for free. Its a brand new boat that looks like a rebuild project.
That was horrible. And that comes from a fan of the 51. This was shockingly bad. The problem I now have is the trust in the company...
Paul C I think it’s all of them, not THAT BAD I don’t think but all the experts will tell you they are really bad build quality.
my neel 45 is still going strong (and it was a rush job as it is hull 1)
boris politi And is the finish work and cabinetry total garbage like two other Neels I’ve seen?
Theres been some bad reviews for these trimarans. They build a bad product. Thanks for saving people money with your honesty. Time for them to be held accountable for poor craftsmanship.
Thank You both for sharing! I appreciate the honest personal opinions, and perception based on your experience .
you two do some of the best reviews I have watched. neel as a company either should've brought something else or nothing at all to bring something that shows so badly can only hurt the company over all of its lines
Was very interested in this boat until I saw the finish on this boat. So bad. Love you guys reviews. Really enjoying these reviews. Love the honesty of these reviews.
Knowing how concerned you are about build quality this was laughable. I'm really enjoying your reviews. I like the system you are using to rate each major feature of the boats.
As we mentioned in the video and in the description, this is simply our opinion based on what we saw on the day. We are not professionals, just prospective clients. We heard after viewing the Neel 47 that the boat wasn't ready for the show, but they chose to show it anyway. As such we accept that the product we reviewed may not have been in keeping with the standards that Neel are used to maintaining.
We would be very happy to revisit this Neel , or the Neel 51 or Neel 45 and review it again at a later date. This would provide opportunity for the boat to be presented in its best light. We have reached out to Neel in the video and are happy to accept their feedback and comments on this boat. We have said that we are happy to visit their factory, should our dates align. We will also happily update this review once we have further information.
This we believe is the fairest way for us to allow Neel to redress the problems we picked up while viewing this particular boat.
love your review videos re the neel look at past videos with regard to build quality and you will see that this is not a one-off event
Look also at their resale value, it’s miserable
Wow, Neel really should have just decided not to show this boat. I suspect they did more damage with a bad boat than they would have if they didn't have one there.
rjtumble I think they showed it because THAT is typical of all of their boats.
You sure aren't going to get any French wine from Neel for Christmas. Thanks for your honesty.
A pleasure mate. I’m still wracked with guilt for making that video, although I stand by my opinion
In my opinion, you guys were incredibly generous in your scoring here. If I enumerated everything I don't like about this boat, I would probably come off as unlikeable, so I won't. The only things I like about it are the thought put into the liferaft location (something I think is really important), the forward facing nav station, and the unusual ability to have the cabin adjacent to the saloon (although I despise that one side of the bed is up against a wall when there is room for a different arrangement). I won't comment on the poor build quality, assuming that most problems are because they "rushed" it, but the thing I always come back to is, if they didn't put more thought and care into something like securely fastening the steps you will use ten times a day, how much did they put into the stuff I can't see?
This seems like a boat targeted at owners who spend mostly weekends and vacations onboard with lots of guests. It doesn't look like a boat I would want to cross an ocean in OR live in a marina for a year. And that's ok. It's just a different market.
We are not used to Nick being diplomatic but this his understatement of the year:
See point 7: ...“However, doubling down on these issues of build quality and fit out is possibly not going to do Neel any favours.”
We understand that very well…
I was excited to see my first Neel Tri. I like the concept. The build quality I also took issue with. I would like to be sailing one 20kts though!
Kudos for you for sticking with continuing the video. I would have walked away... Good, potentially life saving info!
Your reviews gained some credibility with me after I saw this one. Thanks for ‘keeping it real’ and calling this builder out. An overall issue with offshore cruising trimarans is that there’s far less competition in the space as compared to catamarans. So builders aren’t held to account to the same degree as your average catamaran builder. No way around that fact.
I have looked at Neel as well. Yesterday there are flaws in the finishing. But the space in the machine room and in the technical room is just outstanding. The results in ARC are showing it’s seaworthiness….
I had the same impression when I visited the boat. One thing what you overlooked, there is toilets in the outer hulls, retractable 😉
After the 47 I went on the 51 and it looked much better actually. Though to bring such a wreck to a boat show is inexplicable!
I was really considering a neel but I think this video changed my mind. We saw it at the show and my wife didn't like it straight off so we didn't spend much time on it.
Sorry to hear that mate. I hope Neel realise that they’re not capitalising on their potential and making the best of the trimaran design. Hopefully that changes sometime soon.
Jeez was on my boat to consider list. After your review...its no longer! Thanks, saved me a trip to inspect a boat from Neel.
Nice cameo appearance by Nikki Wynn. That was awesome!
I've learned so much from these. Thank you for your honesty. This is something that you're trusting your life with and is a once in a lifetime investment for most. Be brutal.
I totally agree with your assessment on the Neel 47, and having seen others Neels it seems the build quality is throughout.
Beyond that, having a single engine seems a big step backwards compared to a Cat's twins. Having the safety by redundancy of twins and the ability to conserve fuel by running one diesel vs two is a major disadvantage.
On the plus side, I really like the vertical salon window sides. It increases living space, improves vision, reduces glare and doesn't really hurt aerodynamics. A step forward would be outward canted windows to mimic top trawler designs..
It's the review I was expecting...given their reputation. I believe that boat speaks volumes about the company. To allow that boat in such deplorable condition tells me they don't care. I can't imagine one boat was sold after a walk thru. I predict they go out of businesses or sell the business in the near future.
Love watching you guys you reviews are honest well thought out and truly enjoy watching them keep up the good work thanks for sharing and keep on sailor
I'd be interested to see your thoughts on the neel 51. And great job looking at boats as actual live aboards.
thanks for not sugar coating your review....
Hey I know you guys probably aren't interested but I would love to see you review the silent yacht. I know you probably want to haul lines and hang sales but I'm so interested to see how the quality and the safety of the silent yacht lives up to the other catamarans y'all are taking a look at.
That boat is really a joke, unnaceptable!! Good work guys, love your reviews ;) Could you please review the Xquisite X5 cat, I'm in love with it, looks amazing !!!!!!
Bravo. The boat marketing industry is refusing to tell the truth about Neel boats and the poor quality built. You pointed it out.
i realy waiting fore your Majestic 530 review
i think you guys wil love it in many ways
THANK YOU.
I have been checking out the 51 and the 47 online - and kinda love the concept - but the design and finish seemed a bit borderline.. you might just have saved me a trip.
Sure would like to see if they CAN build a clean boat, but even IF they could, probably would always be wondering what about the stuff I don't see.. not something you want to find out in the middle of the atlantic really.
Agree about the guest accommodations on the 47. that probably will work great for charters in calm waters etc. the 51 feels a little more live-aboard.. but come back to rather mixed reviews even by owners. soooooooo
BTW. me thinks a take-away here is. Neel had issues with quality on the first boats maybe 5+ years ago... however that should have been ironed out by 2019 ish. that says a lot about internal processes.
Check out "Carry on Sailing" - he has a 51 and talks about the mods/repairs he had to do. he is very forgiving towards Neel
Thank you for this essential imformation yes you might soon need this life raft on a boat like this. Wonder how a company can survive like this.
Ho. Lee. Smokes. You weren't kidding. The poor build quality is even apparent via film. I will certainly be hopping onboard the Neel at Annapolis - purely to compare to this one. Thanks for sharing and see you soon!
Did you get aboard the Neel at Annapolis? What were your thoughts?
@@2212db We did not. But have since been on one that is out cruising and it was not impressive.
gesshh don't get near to them at the next Boat Show, LOL. You did a good review and the best from all you did, and the truth just came out. Just seeing these boats over UA-cam I always jump passed Neel as there quality doesn't look online good but know you just justified the truth.
If I had to really buy a Cat the only one would be a Outremer 5X. But still love a Albin Vega 27 or a Alberg 30.
If I am aloud to give my opinion You are a Monohull Sailer and stay with that, don't change because other have them. Take a Oyster or a Hallberg Rassy.
Greetings from Vienna
Many manufacturers end up rushing their boat for shows. My take would be that it's no surprise when a boat show is going to be scheduled. The lack of quality only goes to show not only poor quality, but poor planning and scheduling. Thanks for sharing...had no idea, but crossing Neel off the list.
This is your show... you can award zero... you can award negative one million if you wish. You make the rules.
One point because it is in fact still floating. 🤣
@@burddog0792 - ...For now!
I've heard the same quality control issues with the Neel 45. I don't like the layout of theither the 45 or 47, but I love the layout of the 51 and have heard great things about the quality of those boats. I wouldn't consider a 47, but would look seriously at the 51.
You gave this boat much better marks than I would have.
This reminds me of when I worked at a small bus factory. One of the buses was almost done, but still unfinished, when the buyer came to pick it up. I think it had about a day's work left. Everyone who could drop their tools without ruining something was re-assigned to that bus. We got it done in record time at /better/ than normal quality!
Show boats are supposed to be practically perfect in build.... totally agree with you on your comments about quality...also wasn't a big fan of the separate guest berths ( I have kids)... Seawind 1370 is looking really good to me .... thanks for your great reviews!
Loved the Nikki Beeeeep! Good job in the critique of the boat.
Susan and Tony here, We are looking forward to hopefully meeting you in Annapolis. Not sure if you will have any public time. It is quite a distance for us to come . But we are excited to meet you both and tip a pint if thats your thing. The video critiques are vary well done, you two exemplify professionalism in the making of them.
Awww thanks. We will be there for the whole show. Hope to catch up with everyone there who wants to say hi
love the use of Nikki Wynn for the bleep out
I’m glad I watched this.
I loved your review
This first video I seen from this channel and I love it and subscribed I hope to see other videos you made and I hope it’s as good quality As this
Thanks mate. We have 18 other catamaran reviews :)
Finally a Honest Review! You are being too forgiving. There is no excuse for presenting a "rush" job. I've watch two Neel owner's videos and both talk about ALL the modifications they have to do or had to do. The guy posting vids for his Neel51 showed us how he had to replace the hoses on the AC compressor because Neel did not use high pressure hoses. Had a leak in the AC line in the ceiling...A cleat simply fell off the boat...his radar fell off...it leaks at the mast...on and on. I watched Toby's review of the 47, at time stamp 2:00 he is standing at the owners cabin - that upper cabinet with sharp corners...imagine striking your temple on the corner there. Does Neel provide a body-bag with their boats? Seriously?
It's sad that such a boat with so much potential failed so miserably.
Using excuse “rushed to get ready for show” tells me to be very wary. You are displaying reputation and quality which Neel are obviously happy to set adrift. Theses boat shows are there to promote your line, quality of build + more. Mega fail
John Karner exact,y - any why the rush? Were they surprised by the boat show dates? No excuses
Loved the review made better with your experience. also it's never fun or easy to give a poor grade but it adds credibility to your other reviews. I agree, First the steps should be part of the mold not added as an after thought. The Helm needs additional design. Thanks again and best wishes for future sailing adventures.
A pleasure mate
Your reviews have been very enlightening. It is nice to see some one looking at the boats with a knowledgeable and critical eye. I would point out you didn't really talk about or show the heads on this one (unless I missed it). It would be great if maybe once a month or every other month you guys put a review together, including mono hulls and some of the newer used boats in this range that many of us are looking at. Like where would Nikki and Jason's boat score in your system, or your current boat?
I love this series, thanks for sharing. Such a shame, I really wanted to like this boat.
Thanks for the video. If I Were to buy a boat I think I would have you come along and really scrutinize the quality. Keep having fun I wish you good health and smooth sailing.
Excellent review I think. I was hoping you might cover Neel. Better yet is that you will continue in Annapolis with some of the other brands mentioned. So, as always...Thank you! SK in the UK.
If the boat yard "rushed this out" for a show where many potential customers see it what kind of build quality will you get on the one you order when that build is (as it inevitably will be) running late? Your being awfully kind to give this another look. that's more than I would do.
I've said it before, there are boat manufactures that seem to build a boat to just to show & sell at a boat show ... and this builder didn't even shine at that.
I've only sailed on a trimaran once, a Corsair 31. An afternoon of racing on a big lake, it was fast & fun. And it was a bit tippy. If you're looking for a stable boat at anchor , like a catamaran, I suspect the monotony of titter - tottering back & forth to each outside hull would be much worse than being on a monohull.
Unless you are compelled to see if the workmanship is any different just for the sake of being curious, consider spending your time on something more useful.
Thanks for the candid review.
Would like to see some follow-up video on how the fit and finish is currently...
Yeah, I’m not sure they will be inviting us back. The O’Kelly’s have a review of one on their channel (apparently)
I still love the NIKKI BEEPs.
The journalists of the European Yacht of the Year 2020 agree with you. They disqualified the NEEL 47, however nominated, for insufficient build quality. Neel obviously hasn't heard your criticism.
I hadn’t heard that. Do you have a link?
Awesome job RR ! Thank you
Fantastic, honest review, thank you :)
Was that "beep" provided by Niki ? Yes !
Have a look at carry on sailing, he has a new 51 Neel & very transparent about what works and what doesn't...
Had a quick look. Once again, I’m not sure that not bolting a cleat through properly, using the right length bolts is acceptable. That could easily create a situation where you end up in a whole load of strife.
Someone needs to oversee the work in a different way here.
Besides the terrible workmanship and assembly design, I wouldn't want to take this light boat on a blue water cruise in fear of a rough passage....the noise and slamming would drive me nuts and I feel much safer with a skegged rudder. A heavier boat may not be as fast but it would certainly be much more comfortable on a rough water cruise. I would also dread cleaning three hulls....that's six sides and three bottoms. I agreed with your assessment of this boat.... thank you again you two!!
great comments. Very courageous. Thank you
Well done, you MUST call it as you see it, thanks for doing so...
Thanks for doing the vid . Very helpful