Solis Guide to: The differences between Catamaran models

L46Mavilu Cropped

Why should I charter a Catamaran?

In recent years catamarans have become an increasingly popular choice for charterers all over the world and we’re seeing increased availability across all of the areas where we arrange charters.

Catamarans offer our guests much more space, excellent spec and a smoother, more comfortable ride when compared to conventional mono-hull yachts. Amenities onboard are comparable to those you’d find in an apartment. Hire a catamaran and you’ll find you have spacious cabins with large double beds, fully equipped kitchens & en-suite toilet/ showers in each cabin.

What size of catamaran do you need?

Catamarans come in a range of different sizes starting at around 38ft in length. And will normally be rated for groups of 8 – 12 people, (including any crew). 

The size you choose will depend on your groups needs & budget. Generally speaking models in the 38 – 46ft range will have 4x double + 2x crew cabin layouts. But note that models 42ft or less are sometimes only suitable for groups of 6 adult guests, as the two forward cabins can be on the smaller side.

Catamarans that are 46ft+ will often have 5 or 6 guest cabins and are suitable for groups of 10 – 12. Once you start looking at boats this size you’d usually need to hire a skipper to join you for the week as they start to become a bit unwieldy for most bareboat charterers.

Of course if you’re looking for something more luxurious then you can always scale up! Catamarans 55ft+ offer increased comfort and will usually be manned by team of 3 or more. You’d usually have: Skipper, Chef and a Deckhand/ Stew as a minimum. If you’re considering a charter of this calibre then why not look at hiring our Lagoon 620 ‘Grace’.

What are the different Catamaran manufacturers?

Lagoon

LagoonCatamarans
From left to right: Lagoon 42, Lagoon 46 & Lagoon 55

Lagoon is the largest manufacturer of charter catamarans in the world. Their designs are popular because they strike the perfect balance between comfort, sail performance & cost. Their experience shows in their innovative use of space. Regardless of which model you choose to charter you’ll be surprised at how light and airy the interior spaces feel.

Sailing performance is really quite good. Emphasis is generally put on usability, for example self-tacking jibs are equipped on the majority of Lagoons allowing for easy single-handed sailing.

The cost to hire is usually quite reasonable and pricing usually falls somewhere in the mid-range compared to other catamarans in a similar class.

Lagoon set the benchmark for charter catamaran design. The 2026 Lagoon range includes: 40, 42, 43, 46, 51, 55, 60 & 77 models.

Fountaine Pajot

FPCatamarans
From left to right: Isla 40, Tanna 47 & Samana 59

Fountaine Pajot is 2nd only to Lagoon in the production of cruising catamarans. Renowned for their craftsmanship and blending of luxury with sailing performance. Their designs are favoured by charter guests looking for boats that offer something extra special. 

Sailing performance is a standout feature, with well-balanced rigs and efficient hull designs that deliver better performance than the other catamarans in this list.

Charter pricing for Fountaine Pajot catamarans typically sits in the mid-to-premium range, reflecting their upscale finishes and excellent performance. Whether you’re aboard the Isla 40, the stylish Tanna 47, or the flagship Alegria 80, you’ll experience a refined blend of comfort and capability.

The 2026 range includes: Isla 40, Astréa 42, Elba 45, Tanna 47, Aura 51, Samana 59, and Alegria 67 models.

Bali

BaliCatamarans
From left to right: Bali Catspace, Bali 4.2 & Bali 4.8

Bali catamarans have carved out a distinctive niche in the charter market by completely reimagining the way that space is utilised onboard. They did away with the conventional saloon/ cockpit area and turned it into one larger open plan space that opens to the rear, courtesy of a garage-style door. The result is a bright, airy atmosphere with panoramic views and great flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Solid foredecks and expansive flybridge areas give you plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. Which make Bali designs a great option for groups looking to travel in great comfort. But Bali do sacrifice a little on sailing performance as a result. In lighter conditions they’ll handle just fine, but if you come across stronger winds & waves then they won’t handle as well as other options in this list.

Charter pricing for Bali catamarans tends to be competitive, usually falling in the mid-range bracket, making them a popular choice for families and groups seeking comfort without compromising on style.

The 2026 line-up includes: Bali Catspace, Bali Catsmart, Bali 4.2, Bali 4.4, Bali 4.6, Bali 4.8, Bali 5.4, and the flagship Bali 5.2.

Excess

ExcessCatamarans
From left to right: Excess 11 & Excess 15

Excess catamarans are the newest manufacturer on the block, and we’re seeing them added to charter fleets across all of our destinations. They prioritise sailing performance and offering charter catamarans at prices that don’t break the bank.

Excess models feature sleek lines, responsive handling, and have a youthful energy that sets them apart from the crowd. Inside, they maintain a stylish, minimalist aesthetic and smart layouts that maximize space and natural light. While they lean toward performance, they don’t compromise on comfort and you’ll find ample space inside and out.

Charter pricing for Excess catamarans is typically competitive, making them a great choice for those who want to reap the benefits of sailing a catamaran at a more reasonable price.

The 2026 range includes models like the Excess 11, Excess 12, Excess 14, and Excess 15.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *