How to Choose the Right Sailing Catamaran for Charter by Size Class

How To Choose the Right Sailing Catamaran for a Charter?

Choosing a sailing catamaran for charter is not about picking a brand name. For experienced sailors, the decision comes down to how the boat handles under sail, how the helm is laid out, and how the platform behaves at anchor and underway.

Modern charter fleets offer dozens of sailing catamaran models that look similar on paper but feel very different offshore.

This guide breaks down the most common sailing catamarans for charter and explains what actually changes as boats move from 40 feet into the 50-plus range.

Are 40–45 Foot Sailing Catamarans Good for Chartering?

Efficient, responsive, and ideal for hands-on sailing

The 40 to 45 foot sailing catamaran remains the most common entry point into sailing catamaran charters. These boats are light enough to remain responsive while still offering enough space for comfortable cruising.

While this size class works well for many crews, most charterers eventually notice the limitations in storage, systems, and motion once they gain experience.

What Defines This Size Class

• Lower displacement relative to length
• Simpler sail plans and deck hardware
• Easier handling with smaller crews
• Best suited for 6 to 8 guests

Common Models and How They Sail

Sailing Catamaran Model	Helm and Sailing Feel	Deck Design	Interior Use	Skipper Perspective
Lagoon 40 / 42	Raised helm, conservative sail plan	Trampoline foredeck	High interior volume	Forgiving and stable
Leopard 40 / 42	Aft raised helm, direct feedback	Forward cockpit door	Efficient but tighter salon	More connected helm feel
Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 / Isla 40	Lighter displacement	Traditional trampoline	Clean layouts	Best balance of comfort and sail feel
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42	Raised helm with sunpad	Molded foredeck seating	Spacious cabins	Comfortable without excess bulk
Bali 4.2 / 4.4	Flybridge helm	Solid foredeck	Open salon layout	Comfort-first sailing catamaran

Best for:
Sailors who enjoy trimming sails, smaller crews, and shorter passages.

Why Do Experienced Charterers Prefer 46–50 Foot Sailing Catamarans?

The performance and comfort crossover

For many charterers, this size range represents the point where a sailing catamaran for charter stops feeling like a compromise and starts feeling purpose-built.

Boats in this class deliver noticeably better stability, onboard systems, and motion comfort while still sailing efficiently when properly trimmed.

What Changes at This Size

• Increased tankage and onboard systems
• Better helm protection
• More structured deck layouts
• Comfortable for 8 to 10 guests

Common Models and How They Sail

Sailing Catamaran Model	Helm and Sailing Feel	Deck Design	Interior Use	Skipper Perspective
Lagoon 46	Flybridge helm, well protected	Molded foredeck seating	Charter-friendly layouts	Comfortable watchkeeping
Lagoon 50	Flybridge helm with sunpad	Large lounging areas	High-volume interior	Stable cruising platform
Leopard 45 / 46	Aft raised helm	Forward cockpit access	Practical layouts	Predictable handling
Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 / Elba 45	Semi-protected helm	Clean deck lines	Balanced interiors	Lighter feel under sail
Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 / Tanna 47	Covered helm	Structured foredeck seating	Optional 5-cabin layouts	Capable long-range cruiser
Bali 4.6 / 4.8	Fully integrated flybridge	Solid foredeck	Wide-open salon	Exceptional airflow at anchor

Best for:
Experienced sailors, longer passages, and mixed-experience crews.

When Does a 50+ Foot Sailing Catamaran Make Sense for a Charter?

Designed for crewed charters and offshore comfort

Once a sailing catamaran exceeds 50 feet, priorities shift. These boats emphasize stability, onboard systems, and guest comfort over active sail trimming.

For many repeat charterers, this size class delivers the most relaxed and capable sailing catamaran charter experience.

Characteristics of Large Sailing Catamarans

• Higher displacement and reduced motion
• Advanced onboard systems including watermakers
• Designed for 10 to 12 guests
• Most often used for crewed charters

Common Models and How They Sail

Sailing Catamaran Model	Helm and Sailing Feel	Deck Design	Interior Use	Skipper Perspective
Lagoon 51 / 52	Flybridge helm with strong visibility	Full foredeck seating	Multiple cabin layouts	Extremely stable platform
Leopard 50	Raised helm	Hardtop foredeck seating	Functional charter interior	Predictable handling for size
Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 / Aura 51	Covered helm	Molded seating forward	Efficient weight balance	Best sailing manners in class
Bali 5.4	Integrated flybridge	Solid foredeck with tables	Massive salon	Best for crewed yacht charters

Best for:
Best for long itineraries and comfort-focused cruising.

Should You Charter a Sailing Catamaran or a Power Catamaran?

Understanding the difference

A sailing catamaran rewards trim, balance, and wind awareness. A power catamaran prioritizes speed, predictability, and schedule control.

Sailors who choose sailing catamarans for charter typically value:

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Quiet passages under sail
• A traditional offshore sailing experience

Power catamarans appeal to crews prioritizing distance, time efficiency, and minimal motion.

So, What Is the Best Sailing Catamaran for Charter?

There is no single best sailing catamaran. The right choice depends on how you sail, how many people you carry, and what you expect from your time underway.

Comparing sailing catamarans by size class clarifies tradeoffs far better than comparing brands alone. Understanding helm design, displacement, and deck layout leads to a better charter experience than any brochure ever will.

If you are deciding between specific sailing catamaran models or considering your next BVI yacht charter, a short conversation often answers what hours of research cannot.