Neel trimarans - caveat emptor

[neel tri exp]

I ordered a NEEL 45 trimaran in late december of 2014 and took delivery of the boat in the fall of 2015. I've created this thread to share my NEEL trimaran experience with the sailing community and those considering becoming a part of the community (buying a boat). I am currently sailing the caribbean (not on my NEEL) and have internet access only when I can find it. I will add posts to this thread to outline my experience with NEEL and the NEEL 45 I purchased. I will attempt to answer all reasonable questions forum members have regarding the neel 45 I purchased and the experiences I had with NEEL - negotiation, order, build, repair, etc.

[neel tri exp]

probably, like most of you, I spent a fair amount of time contemplating purchasing my own boat and then even more time researching boat types, configurations, builders, etc.

I also attended many boat shows, visited a few factories and sailed an array of boats.

probably like most of you, I decided upon purchasing a multihull. Primarily, because I thought that my guests and I would enjoy a multihull more overall. Comfort, speed, safety, privacy and lots usable space - living,lounging & storage. all of importance.

I had pretty much narrowed down my list to catana, fountaine pajot and lagoon and then came across a NEEL trimaran at the boat show in la rochelle. eric bruNEEL was aboard and gave me the tour and the associated sales pitch. Have to admit, I was intrigued. It was an innovative design.

- simple and efficient sail plan
- light boat (quick)
- trimaran efficiency
- trimaran safety
- see the neel trimaran website for the pitch - it's good (well crafted and clever)

I was asking eric bruNEEL questions that occurred to me as I stood and admired the boat. A couple friends of mine who were attending the show with me saw me standing on the NEEL and came aboard and together, literally carried me off the boat whilst shaking their heads side to side (no). They had been aboard the NEEL earlier in the day. They are both lifetime sailors and racers.

in retrospect, I should have heeded their tacit advice

...tbc

[Bleemus]

Perhaps you should change title to Disgruntled Owner Bitch Fest?

[simonthepom]

Intrigued... they look like an awesome boat, keen to hear what went wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[snort]

So, what's the scoop?

[astarte]

so what's the story? what happened to your boat?

[weavis]

whist we have deep sympathy for the owner of the Neel, given that legal proceedings may ensue, we do not feel that CF is the place to discuss this matter.
Closing the thread.