Following the M8 Cabin, the Barcelona shipyard presents its second new model this year, the M11 Cabin. The model that will complete the high-end range is already under construction: the M14. We embark on this eleven-and-a-half-meter cabin cruiser that blends design and functionality to test its performance.

The M11 Cabin

The new M11 Cabin maintains the concept and formal features of the rest of the models in the range from the shipyard founded 11 years ago in Port Ginesta by Andrés Cárdenas, whose first model was the striking expandable-hull motorsailer Nuva MS6. Today, far from those beginnings and with all the construction experience accumulated since 2015 expressed in each new unit — remember that each boat is entirely hand-laminated — the Nuva Yachts range includes seven models, including Open and Cabin, plus the M14, which is on the way.

All of them are characterized by a modern and clearly identifiable design, efficient hulls, and imaginative and ingenious solutions that differentiate them from their counterparts in length and design. This is clearly the case with the Nuva M11, which at hand. It’s elegant and the designers haven’t lacked ingenuity, both in taking advantage of every inch of the interior to offer truly generous volume and in providing surprising deck and living options. We’re specifically referring to two of these options.

Extendable Beam and Camper Cabin

On the one hand, the folding sides allow the beam to be extended from 2.99 m to 4.20 m — and therefore the available surface area outdoors — at the touch of a button, creating a spacious and functional platform for greater enjoyment at anchor, relaxing, or engaging in water activities. On the other hand, there’s the innovative concept of a camper cabin on deck. Located below the aft sunbathing area, it’s actually an exterior double bed with a pop-up roof.

This system, similar to that found on camper vans, allows the roof to be raised to create an open and airy environment, protected from the sun or rain. This provides greater versatility in the boat’s use for extended getaways, extending the overnight capacity to up to eight people. As if that weren’t enough, the Nuva M11 Cabin offers two sunbathing areas, located at the bow and stern, which are perfect spaces for relaxing and enjoying the sun. Ideal for sharing time with friends or simply unwinding.

Foredeck

The bow of the M11 Cabin is open, facilitating bow access, which is a welcome feature when mooring at the point. It also houses the flush anchor locker with the hanging anchor, another welcome feature when anchoring and limited hands are available. The surface of this part of the deck is flat, unobstructed, and spacious enough to create a sunbathing and relaxation area in front of the console.

Navigation

At the helm, the hull of the Nuva 11 Cabin, powered by two powerful 300-hp Mercury Verado engines, responds with agility and precision. The steering position is comfortable, with well-positioned controls and a full view of the surroundings. It takes just 4.5 seconds to plane at 12 knots, and in 17 seconds we accelerate the boat from zero to 32 knots, reaching a maximum speed of almost 40 knots.

These speeds clearly demonstrate the sporty nature and the power this boat is capable of delivering when an immediate response is required or sea conditions call for a quick move to the anchorage or the next port of call. Or to make the most of a stay in a cove before returning home.

After the test, we have no doubt that we are looking at one of the best proposals of this year, not only for its impeccable performance underway and the intelligence of its deck organization proposals, but also for the relationship between what is offered and what is paid for it — what the Anglo-Saxons call “value for money” — which is one of the most attractive on the market.

Features

Overall Length: 11.35 m

Hull Length: 9.99 m

Beam: 2.99 to 4.20 m

Fuel Capacity: 664 l

Water Capacity: 125 l

Holding Water: 52 l

CE Certification: B-C/13 people

Builder: Nuva Yachts

Price: €250,000 with two Mercury Verado 300 hp engines + taxes

Engine: Mercury Verado 300 hp / Type: V8 (32-valve DOHC) – Displacement: 4.6 l – Weight: 272 kg

Victoria Calderon