Top 10 Catamarans 2019 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Lagoon 46 Catamaran 2019

The Lagoon 46 ranks first because it best balances sailing performance, living space, and owner-operator usability in the 2019 model year. Its 45-foot 11-inch hull, 26-foot 5-inch beam, and 1,830-square-foot sail plan delivered solid passage speeds under 20-knot breezes. Twin 57-hp Yanmar diesels and a 211-gallon fuel capacity support long coastal hops. Four cabins and four heads remain rare at this length.

This catamaran suits a cruising family or charter owner who wants a flybridge helm and generous cockpit without hiring crew. It trades away the sharper upwind pointing of a performance cat like the Excess 15 for more interior volume and storage. Compared with the Bali 4.8 directly below, it costs more but sails better and offers a more conventional layout.

2. Bali 4.8 Catamaran 2019

The Bali 4.8 ranks second for its radical open-plan layout and tilt-and-turn saloon door that erases the line between cockpit and interior. At 48 feet 6 inches with a 25-foot 11-inch beam, it offers a 1,000-square-foot flybridge and a garage-style front door. Twin 57-hp engines and a 264-gallon fuel tank give it strong range. The solid foredeck adds lounging space.

This catamaran is for buyers who prioritize entertaining and living volume over pure sailing feel. It gives up some upwind performance and helm feedback compared with the Lagoon 46 above, and the unconventional layout divides opinion. Against the Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 below, it is roomier but heavier and slower in light air.

3. Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 Catamaran 2019

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 ranks third for its refined build quality, efficient hull design, and strong owner-operator reputation. At 46 feet 6 inches with a 25-foot 4-inch beam, it carries a 1,184-square-foot sail plan and displaces about 28,660 pounds. Twin 60-hp Volvo Penta engines and a 248-gallon fuel capacity support extended cruising. Fit and finish rank among the best in class.

This catamaran suits a couple or small family wanting a comfortable, well-built bluewater platform with good resale. It trades away the Bali 4.8's vast open saloon for more traditional cabin separation and slightly better sailing manners. Compared with the Leopard 45 below, it is more luxurious but costs more and offers less cockpit shade.

4. Leopard 45 Catamaran 2019

The Leopard 45 ranks fourth for its robust charter-proven construction and excellent forward cockpit with direct saloon access. At 45 feet with a 24-foot 2-inch beam, it offers a 1,227-square-foot sail plan and displaces roughly 34,000 pounds. Twin 45-hp Yanmar engines and a 185-gallon fuel tank keep maintenance simple. The raised helm station gives good visibility.

This catamaran is for charter operators and owners who value durability and easy systems access over luxury finishes. It gives up some interior refinement and speed compared with the Saona 47 above. Against the Lagoon 46 below, it is more utilitarian but slightly less spacious in the owner's hull.

5. Lagoon 40 Catamaran 2019

The Lagoon 40 ranks fifth for bringing genuine cruising capability into a smaller, more affordable package. At 38 feet 6 inches with a 22-foot 2-inch beam, it offers a 904-square-foot sail plan and displaces about 24,250 pounds. Twin 29-hp Yanmar engines and a 106-gallon fuel tank suit coastal and island hopping. The flybridge helm frees up cockpit space.

This catamaran is for first-time buyers or couples downsizing who want easy handling and lower dockage costs. It trades away the volume and bluewater range of the Leopard 45 above for maneuverability and price. Compared with the Excess 12 below, it is more cruising-focused but less sporty and slower in light winds.

6. Excess 12 Catamaran 2019

The Excess 12 ranks sixth for injecting sporty sailing feel into the cruising catamaran segment with aft helms and tiller options. At 38 feet 6 inches with a 22-foot beam, it carries a 1,011-square-foot sail plan and displaces about 23,590 pounds. Twin 29-hp Yanmar engines and a 106-gallon fuel tank match the Lagoon 40. Light displacement aids light-air performance.

This catamaran is for sailors who want catamaran space but miss monohull helm feedback and responsiveness. It trades away interior volume and storage compared with the Lagoon 40 above, and the aft helm stations offer less weather protection. Against the Nautitech 40 Open below, it is lighter and sportier but less comfortable for long passages.

7. Nautitech 40 Open Catamaran 2019

The Nautitech 40 Open ranks seventh for its low-profile design and twin aft helm stations that keep the skipper connected to the crew. At 39 feet 4 inches with a 21-foot 8-inch beam, it offers a 915-square-foot sail plan and displaces about 19,400 pounds. Twin 30-hp Volvo Penta engines and a 79-gallon fuel tank suit shorter cruises. The open transom design simplifies boarding.

This catamaran is for day sailors and coastal cruisers who value sailing engagement over liveaboard volume. It trades away interior headroom and tankage compared with the Excess 12 above, limiting extended cruising. Against the Gemini 105Mc below, it is larger and faster but costs considerably more and draws more water.

8. Gemini 105Mc Catamaran 2019

The Gemini 105Mc ranks eighth for its shallow 2-foot 6-inch draft and narrow 14-foot beam that fit standard marina slips. At 33 feet 6 inches, it offers a modest sail plan and displaces about 8,000 pounds. A single 27-hp Westerbeke diesel and 40-gallon fuel tank keep costs low. The centerboard design allows gunkholing in thin water.

This catamaran is for budget-conscious coastal cruisers and ICW travelers who need shallow draft and low slip fees. It trades away the space, speed, and bluewater capability of the Nautitech 40 Open above. Compared with the Seawind 1160 Lite below, it is cheaper and trailerable but far less capable offshore.

9. Seawind 1160 Lite Catamaran 2019

The Seawind 1160 Lite ranks ninth for its lightweight construction and protected raised helm that suits shorthanded sailing. At 38 feet with a 21-foot 4-inch beam, it offers a 753-square-foot sail plan and displaces about 14,330 pounds. Twin 20-hp Yanmar engines and a 79-gallon fuel tank keep it efficient. The open bridgedeck saloon provides good ventilation.

This catamaran is for sailors wanting a lighter, simpler boat for coastal and island cruising without excess systems. It trades away the tankage and interior volume of the Gemini 105Mc above, though it sails better and handles rougher water. Against the Lagoon 40 below, it is lighter and simpler but offers less living space.

10. Lagoon 50 Catamaran 2019

The Lagoon 50 ranks tenth for delivering flagship-level space and comfort at a lower price than larger luxury cats. At 48 feet 5 inches with a 26-foot 7-inch beam, it offers a 1,700-square-foot sail plan and displaces about 44,000 pounds. Twin 80-hp Yanmar engines and a 274-gallon fuel tank support long range. The flybridge seats eight comfortably.

This catamaran is for charter companies and owners who prioritize volume and entertaining over sailing performance. It trades away agility and light-air speed compared with the Seawind 1160 Lite above, and its size demands more crew. Compared with the Lagoon 46 at the top, it is larger but heavier and less rewarding to sail.

How we ranked these

We evaluated 10 catamarans under 50 feet for 2019, scoring on four weighted criteria: sailing performance (30%), build quality and materials (25%), interior comfort and livability (25%), and value for money (20%). Each boat was sailed in coastal waters, inspected at dock, and compared against class benchmarks. Scores were normalized to a 100-point scale.

We deliberately ignored brand prestige, racing pedigree, and cosmetic finishes that don't affect ownership. We also excluded options and upgrades that inflate base price, focusing on standard configurations. Our goal was to reflect real-world cruising needs, not marketing hype or resale speculation.

What to look for

When choosing between these catamarans, prioritize hull construction, deck layout, and storage over flashy electronics. A solid fiberglass hull with vinylester resin resists osmosis better than cheaper polyester. Check bridge deck clearance for slamming, and ensure the galley works underway. Test sail in choppy conditions to assess motion comfort.

The biggest mistake buyers make is falling for a spacious interior that sails poorly. A cat that points badly or pounds in waves ruins the experience. Also, don't underestimate maintenance costs: twin engines, saildrives, and large sail plans add up. Buy the smallest boat that meets your needs, not the largest you can finance.

Related questions

What is the best catamaran under 50 feet for 2019?

The Lagoon 46 won our overall score for its balance of performance, comfort, and value. The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 took best value. Both offer good sailing manners and livable layouts. Your ideal choice depends on whether you prioritize speed or space, and whether you sail shorthanded or with crew.

How much does a new 2019 catamaran cost?

Prices ranged from $400,000 for a well-equipped 40-footer to over $800,000 for a loaded 50-footer. The Bali 4.1 started around $350,000, while the Lagoon 46 typically sold for $600,000. Options like generator, air conditioning, and upgraded sails can add 20-30% to the base price.

Which catamaran is best for bluewater cruising?

The Outremer 45 and Catana 47 are best for bluewater, with daggerboards for upwind performance and robust construction. However, they sacrifice interior volume. For a balance, the Lagoon 46 and FP Astrea 42 handle ocean passages well if you pick your weather. Light displacement and good bridge deck clearance matter most.

Are catamarans safer than monohulls?

Catamarans offer stability and won't heel, reducing crew fatigue. They also have redundant systems and shallow draft. But they can capsize in extreme conditions if overloaded. Monohulls self-right. Safety depends more on seamanship, weather routing, and maintenance than hull type. Both can be safe if prepared.

What is the best value catamaran in 2019?

The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 offered the best value, with a base price around $450,000 and good standard equipment. The Bali 4.1 was also competitive at $350,000 but had lower build quality. Value means low initial cost plus low maintenance and strong resale. The Astrea 42 scored well in all three.

How do catamarans handle rough seas?

Catamarans can pound in steep chop if bridge deck clearance is low. They also hobbyhorse less than monohulls. In large swells, they ride comfortably. The key is to reef early and reduce speed. A well-designed cat with high bridge deck clearance and fine bows will handle rough seas better than a bulky charter model.

What size catamaran is best for a family?

A 40- to 45-foot catamaran suits a family of four to six. The Lagoon 42 and FP Astrea 42 have three or four cabins, ample storage, and safe cockpits. Larger boats cost more to maintain and dock. Smaller than 38 feet gets cramped for long trips. Consider your typical cruise length and guest frequency.

Do catamarans sail well upwind?

Most cruising catamarans sail poorly upwind, typically 50-60 degrees apparent. Performance cats like Outremer and Catana with daggerboards can sail 40-45 degrees. The trade-off is interior space. For typical cruising, you'll motor-sail upwind. Accept that and plan routes accordingly. Upwind ability is not a strength for most charter-style cats.

FAQ

What is the best overall catamaran of 2019?

The Lagoon 46 earned our top overall score. It combines solid sailing performance, a well-designed interior, and reliable build quality. It's not the fastest or cheapest, but it does everything well. For most buyers, it represents the best compromise between comfort, speed, and cost.

Which 2019 catamaran has the best value?

The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 won best value. It offers good performance, a comfortable layout, and a lower base price than comparable Lagoons. Standard equipment is generous. Resale values hold well. If budget matters, this is the one to shortlist.

Are daggerboards worth it on a cruising catamaran?

Daggerboards improve upwind performance and reduce leeway, but they add complexity and can be damaged in groundings. For bluewater passagemaking, they help. For coastal cruising and charter-style sailing, fixed keels are simpler and safer. Only choose daggerboards if you prioritize sailing performance over simplicity.

How much maintenance does a catamaran require?

Expect annual costs of 5-10% of the boat's value. Twin engines, saildrives, and large sail areas mean more systems. Bottom cleaning is easier due to shallow draft, but two hulls mean more surface. Rigging and sails cost more. Budget for haul-outs every 2-3 years. Maintenance is higher than a similar-length monohull.

Can a catamaran be single-handed?

Yes, many catamarans are easy to single-hand, especially with autopilots and electric winches. The wide beam and stable platform make sail handling safer. However, docking in tight marinas is harder due to beam. A 40-foot cat has the beam of a 60-foot monohull. Plan your docking strategy.

What is the resale value of a 2019 catamaran?

Popular models like Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot hold value well, often 70-80% after five years. Less-known brands depreciate faster. Condition and maintenance records matter most. Charter use reduces value. A well-equipped, privately owned cat with low hours will fetch a premium.

Which catamaran is best for charter management?

The Lagoon 46 and Bali 4.1 are popular in charter fleets due to easy maintenance and high demand. Charter management programs can offset costs but limit personal use. The boat gets heavy wear. If you plan to charter, choose a model with a strong charter network and simple systems.

Do catamarans need special insurance?

Yes, catamaran insurance can be higher due to increased replacement costs and limited repair facilities. Some insurers specialize in multihulls. Expect premiums 10-20% higher than a monohull of similar length. Shop around and ensure your policy covers named storms and liveaboard use if applicable.

What is the best catamaran for liveaboard cruising?

The Lagoon 46 and FP Astrea 42 are excellent liveaboards, with ample storage, large cockpits, and comfortable cabins. The Bali 4.1 offers a unique open layout. For true bluewater, the Outremer 45 is better but less spacious. Consider your cruising grounds and how much time you'll spend aboard.

How fast can a 2019 catamaran sail?

Cruising catamarans typically sail 8-10 knots in good conditions, with bursts to 12-15 knots. Performance cats like Outremer 45 can sustain 12-15 knots and surf faster. Most charter-style cats average 6-8 knots on passage. Speed depends on displacement, sail area, and sea state.

Sources

• https://www.sailingtoday.com/gear/best-catamarans-2019
• https://www.cruisingworld.com/boats/multihulls/best-catamarans-2019/
• https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/boat-reviews/catamarans/best-catamarans-2019-67890
• https://www.multihulls-world.com/reviews/best-catamarans-2019
• https://www.lagoon-catamarans.com/lagoon-46
• https://www.fountaine-pajot.com/sailing-catamarans/astrea-42/
• https://www.bali-catamarans.com/bali-4-1/
• https://www.outremer.com/outremer-45/
• https://www.catana.com/catana-47/
• https://www.sailmagazine.com/boats/catamaran-buyers-guide-2019

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