Best Catamaran Brands to Buy or Charter in 2024

When talking about spacious sailing, catamarans are what immediately come to the centre of the story. For many, catamarans are the best choice for spending quality time at sea. This is not surprising considering that catamarans provide incredible comfort, and the time spent on them is always relaxing. You'll have to agree that catamarans give off that floating apartment vibe and never make it the least bit difficult to carry out everyday activities like cooking in the large kitchen, reading a book on a forward sundeck, or relaxing on the spacious flybridge. There are also benefits related to boat performance, so the best catamarans are the ones that are known for being easy to manoeuvre and incredibly stable.

When we talk about the best catamaran brands, the offer is very wide, and the market is quite dynamic. So, there are many great catamaran brands on the market right now whose design and performance are being worked on tirelessly, and we present to you some of the best.

Lagoon Catamarans – the tradition of excellence

Lagoon is a shipbuilder that has been continuously working on perfecting catamaran designs since 1984. It is a French brand whose appearance on the market marked a revolution in understanding the advantages of multihulls. The philosophy on which the brand is based consists of impeccable design and quality performance with a touch of French flair.

The reason why Lagoon enjoys such an excellent reputation for so long is that throughout all these years it has listened to the wishes of its customers and fully adapted its products to them. Although their primary occupation is sailing catamarans, they also have two models of power catamarans on offer.

Main characteristics of the Lagoon catamarans

Lagoon has been involved in efforts to make their catamarans more environmentally friendly, exploring options like hybrid propulsion systems and sustainable materials. Also, these catamarans typically feature large cockpits and deck spaces, perfect for outdoor living, entertaining, and enjoying the scenery while underway.

Lagoon 40

The Lagoon 40 is a remarkable sailing catamaran known for its combination of style, performance, and comfort. With a length overall of 11,74 meters, this vessel offers ample space for both relaxation and adventure. Also, this catamaran has an upwind sail area of 80 square meters, and the number of berths varies from 4 to 12, or from 4 to 6 cabins. In 2021, this catamaran won the Oceanway China Yacht Award for best sailing catamaran. A VPLP hull, an augmented sail plan, and centralized deck hardware enable incredible cruising ease. Large windows in the hull create a bright atmosphere on board and ensure that you are in a natural environment in every moment.

Book Lagoon 40.

Bali Catamarans – rule-breaking brand

In the last few years, Bali Catamarans have become a real hit on the world's seas, and all eyes are on them. These catamarans will not leave any sea and sailing lover indifferent. Perfect aesthetics, maximum comfort, and a panoramic view from every corner of the boat make these catamarans somewhat poetic. Bali catamarans are created at the French Catana shipyard, and perhaps that is the reason why they are so refined and unique. Every inch of these boats is meticulously designed and brought to perfection. There is no idling, and pleasure is guaranteed wherever you are on the boat.

Bali Catamaran characteristics

The Bali Catamaran line is often called revolutionary due to the use of innovative ideas never before used in this sector. One of the more special technologies is the natural ventilation system. The main features of the Bali catamaran are the famous tilting "Bali door", the rigid foredeck platform, the immediate access to the cockpit from the saloon, flybridge

Bali 4.6.

If you thought it couldn't get any better, we present to you the best of the best. Bali 4.6 cannot hide its origin and Bali DNA, in which comfort and spaciousness are woven. The aft cockpit and salon become one large area, with a unique door connecting them. Even when new elegant materials are added, this catamaran becomes a whole package. Bali 4.6 is available in three versions: with 3, 4, 5, and up to 5 + 2 cabin layouts. Fully sufficient, with an 800L water tank, 800L fuel tank, and a water maker, the Bali 4.6 is suitable for all sailors who appreciate comfort and space. 

One of the standout features of the Bali 4.6 is its open-concept design. The saloon and cockpit are seamlessly integrated into a single, large living space. The Bali 4.6 typically offers an impressive owners' suite in one of the hulls, providing luxurious accommodations with ample space, natural light, and a private bathroom. The Bali 4.6 typically includes a hydraulic swim platform at the aft. This platform is ideal for easy access to the water, swimming, and launching water sports equipment. A forward cockpit, additional outdoor seating and lounging area at the bow of the catamaran provide an alternative social space, perfect for relaxing in privacy or enjoying a drink with a view.

Book Bali 4.6.

Fountaine Pajot - performance and sustainability

This French shipbuilding brand produced its first sailing catamaran in 1983 and its first motor catamaran in 1998. What adorns the models of this brand are their innovative design, top performance, and ease of life on board. Also, they are particularly proud of their sustainable development and environmental protection. Considering this, they try to include as many renewable energy sources as possible in their catamarans. Their eco-cruising and smart cruising concepts significantly reduce the environmental impact of ships.

Fountaine Pajot advantages

All Fountaine Pajot catamarans allow very easy boarding and disembarking, as well as unhindered movement around the boat during sailing. Also, the decks are very spacious and allow for a very pleasant stay on board. What is also important to emphasize is the excellent performance on board as well as the simple and easy manoeuvring in the port. 

Higher speeds are achievable in tough conditions due to Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts' semi-displacement hull design.

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40

The Isla 40 features an open and airy layout, with a well-appointed saloon and galley that seamlessly connect to the cockpit, creating a perfect indoor-outdoor flow. Its contemporary design and high-quality finishes create a welcoming and modern atmosphere. The standard Isla 40 measures approximately 11.73 meters (38 feet 6 inches). The Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 is an access model, serving as a flagship in its category for the renowned Fountaine Pajot brand. It is known for its distinctive inverted bows, which not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to improved performance and sea-keeping abilities. This catamaran is celebrated for its blend of comfort, performance, and innovative design, making it a popular choice for sailors and cruisers.

Book Fountaine Pajot Isla 40.

Leopard – wild and powerful

Leopard Catamarans was established in 2000 in South Africa through a partnership with builder Robertson and Caine and has been raising the bar in catamaran design and performance ever since. At first glance, it can be seen that these are very luxurious ships that satisfy even the most demanding wishes of customers. The South African signature is inscribed at the core of these catamarans, so they seem very exotic,  powerful, and wild and provide a sense of security.

Specifics of Leopard catamarans

Leopard's sailing catamarans between 42 and 58 feet are large enough to have a lot of space to rest and enjoy sailing. On the other hand, power catamarans between 50 and 53 feet offer a new dimension of luxury in navigation Stepped hulls and strong rigging with a folding genoa are ideal for delivering top performance in all wind conditions. Also, the sheltered helm station is designed so the boat can be steered with one hand, and we all know that's a big flex in the sailing world.

Leopard 45

The Leopard 45 catamaran offers a variety of cabin configurations, with options for either three or four cabins, accommodating different group sizes and preferences. Each cabin includes its own ensuite toilet, ensuring privacy and convenience for all passengers. With a generous number of berths available, the Leopard 45 can comfortably sleep up to 12 people, making it ideal for family vacations or group charters.

This model made its debut in 2017, marking a significant addition to the Leopard Catamarans lineup. Notably, the Leopard 45 received acclaim in the sailing world, winning the prestigious Boat of the Year award, a testament to its outstanding design and performance. Additionally, the Leopard 45 offers several layout options, catering to various needs and preferences, whether for chartering, cruising, or living aboard, making it a versatile and highly sought-after catamaran in the sailing community.

Book Leopard 45.

Nautitech - built to withstand the rigours of the sea

Since 1994, Nautitech Catamarans has been writing their shipbuilding story in Rochefort, which was previously a naval base and dockyard. The philosophy of this famous catamaran brand is that navigation must be at the heart of a multihull's DNA. A feature of all Nautitech models is that they are incredibly good both when sailing and when at rest. Superb comfort, strong construction, and incredible performance—these catamarans have it all.

An elegant and inviting living space is the highlight of every model. Also, what Nautitech takes great care of is quality, strong construction, and solid materials, so that the safety of the catamaran is never in doubt. Hull shape, length, weight, and sail area are things that are paid a lot of attention to achieve excellent performance and great buoyance.

Nautitech 44 Open

The Nautitech 44 Open is a new, magnificent sailing catamaran celebrated for its spaciousness, performance, and open-concept design. Featuring two helm stations, this vessel offers optimal control and flexibility while cruising. Its open-concept layout seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor areas, providing a spacious and inviting atmosphere for all onboard activities. With sleek hull lines and an optimized hydrodynamic bottom, the Nautitech 44 Open boasts exceptional performance and efficiency, making it a true sailor's delight. Additionally, its lower main sheet track location enhances stability and responsiveness under sail, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water. Overall, the Nautitech 44 Open is a versatile and stylish catamaran that combines luxury, functionality, and excellent handling for sailors and charter enthusiasts.

Find out more.

Sunreef - attention to detail

Sunreef Yachts is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. What is very interesting is that every Sunreef catamaran, yacht, and superyacht is custom-made. Therefore, uniqueness is the main feature of these catamarans.

The visionary and driving force behind the Sunreef Yachts shipyard is Francis Lapp - the company’s Founder and President. He founded the shipyard in Gdańsk, a city with a long shipbuilding tradition, with the vision of creating luxurious and comfortable catamarans that would satisfy all the wishes of its customers.

In 2003, Sunreef Yacht started the era of luxury catamarans and presented to the world its first 74-foot catamaran with a flybridge. This started a revolution in the creation and construction of luxury ships and prompted a change in the multi-hull design philosophy.

Sunreef Yachts models

Today, Sunreef Yacht has a large number of models of power yachts, sailing yachts, and eco yachts in offer. Equipped with the world’s first and only composite-integrated solar panel system and using the industry’s lightest batteries. Due to this,  the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans provide the best autonomy and energy efficiency for environmentally conscious luxury cruising.

When it comes to sailing catamarans, they all have a unique style and exceptional comfort in common.

Sunreef 50

The Sunreef 50 is a luxurious sailing catamaran known for its elegant design and exceptional craftsmanship.  This catamaran offers an impressive sail area, often exceeding 1,600 square feet coupled with advanced rigging and sail handling systems for excellent performance under sail. The Sunreef 50 can accommodate up to 10 guests on board, making it suitable for small groups or families looking for a luxurious sailing experience. A large flybridge with the main helm enables multiple outdoor spaces for relaxation and navigation. The Sunreef 50 catamaran features a saloon that opens onto a bow terrace, providing a seamless connection between the interior and exterior living spaces. There is also the hydraulic aft platform that can be lowered into the water, providing easy and convenient access to the sea.

Book Sunreef 50.

Which catamaran should I choose?

Chartering can be very interesting and challenging. There are simply too many things you want your boat to satisfy in order to experience complete pleasure at sea. Fortunately, in the last few years, the competition in the catamaran market has increased significantly, and they have been brought to perfection. In view of the above, we have no doubt that everyone can find a catamaran according to their wishes and needs, with which they will spoil themselves.

Here are five main criteria to keep in mind when selecting a catamaran:

• Size and capacity
• Budget
• Intended use
• Sailing performance
• Design and layout.
  
  We hope this article has helped you in discovering a catamaran brand for your next sailing adventure. On our blog we have plenty more useful articles covering a wide range of topics related to sailing in Croatia, so check it out!