features of new cats

Top Features to Look for When Buying a New Catamaran

June 25, 2025

Explore the best of Lagoon, Bali, Excess, and Fountaine Pajot models

Buying a brand-new catamaran is an exciting investment—especially when paired with the flexibility and financial advantages of Dream Yacht’s Ownership Programs. Whether you’re dreaming of personal cruising, charter income, or reducing the cost of yacht ownership, choosing the right catamaran makes all the difference.

Dream Yacht offers access to the world’s most respected brands, including BaliLagoonExcess, and Fountaine Pajot . Each brings unique features suited to different sailing styles, whether you’re prioritizing comfort, performance, or sustainability. Here’s what to consider when selecting your catamaran through our program.

Interior Bali 4.6
Bali 4.6 garage door saloon wall allows for expanded living space. Photo credit: Bali Catamarans

1. Smart Layouts & Living Space

Modern catamarans are designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living—perfect for both private cruising and charter appeal.

  • Bali Catamarans are known for their solid foredeck“garage door” saloon wall, and residential-style amenities including full-size fridges, making them a favorite among owners who want ultimate comfort and space. Explore the beautiful Bali 4.6 and see for yourself. 
  • Lagoon offers generous interiors with a focus on natural lightpanoramic windows, and versatile cabin layouts, making them highly desirable for both families and charter guests.
  • Fountaine Pajot emphasizes flow and elegance, offering expansive lounging areas, flybridges on larger models, and luxury finishes that enhance the onboard experience.
  • Excess Catamarans prioritize open-plan cockpits and modern styling, creating a casual, bright, and contemporary space that appeals to younger, sporty sailors.
Excess 14

With its agile handling and optimized design, the Excess 14 is a true performer on the water. Photo Credit: Excess

2. Performance Under Sail

Catamarans are known for stability and comfort, but performance is increasingly a deciding factor.

  • Excess catamarans offer a sportier helm setup, lighter displacement, and more responsive handling—great for owners who enjoy active sailing. Discover the Excess 14, a standout in performance. 
  • Fountaine Pajot designs strike a balanced profile, delivering strong sailing capabilities without sacrificing comfort—ideal for island hopping or coastal cruising.
  • Lagoon’s newer models feature optimized rigging and sail plans to improve upwind performance, especially in their 50+ foot models.
  • Bali, while more focused on comfort, still ensures easy sail handling with self-tacking jibs and well-thought-out helm stations for cruising ease.
Fountain Pajot

The Elba 45 is a perfect example of the current innovation in the industry. Photo Credit: Fountaine Pajot

3. Green Technology & Electric Propulsion

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a must-have for many yacht buyers. And some brands are leading the way. Dream Yacht is focused on sustainability and proud to partner with these brands, learn more about our environmental commitments here.

  • Fountaine Pajot offers Smart Electric propulsion on select models like the Aura 51. This fully electric system provides near-silent cruisingreduced emissions, and solar regeneration—perfect for eco-conscious sailors. Take a tour of the award winning Elba 45.
  • Lagoon is investing in hybrid options and sustainable materials, with large solar array support and water-saving innovations.
  • Bali features large roof space for solar, high-capacity water and fuel tanks, and efficient onboard systems ideal for energy independence.
  • Excess is developing electric solutions that maintain their performance-focused DNA, targeting sailors who want efficiency without compromising sailing feel.
Lagoon 43

The Lagoon 43 promises unforgettable sea moments with a versatile design that blends elegance and innovation—perfect for escapes, family adventures, or stylish gatherings. Photo credit: Lagoon Catamarans

4. Build Quality & Brand Identity

When you buy through Dream Yacht’s ownership programs, you get access to catamarans from world-renowned builders backed by strong service and resale value.

  • Lagoon is the world’s leading catamaran builder and part of the renowned Beneteau Group, which ensures consistent quality, reliable construction, and a global service network. Lagoon’s boats are designed by VPLP, the same naval architects behind America’s Cup winners, combining performance principles with cruising comfort. Their hulls are built using resin-infusion technology for optimal strength-to-weight ratio, and the interiors are crafted in partnership with Nauta Design, offering modern aesthetics with excellent ergonomics. With high resale value, robust charter appeal, and wide international recognition, Lagoon catamarans are a smart, future-proof choice—whether you’re sailing privately or listing with a global charter fleet like Dream Yacht. Discover why the Lagoon 43 is turning heads—its seamless design makes it one of the most sought-after yachts in its class.
  • Fountaine Pajot combines modern aesthetics with long-range comfort, building boats known for innovation, reliability, and high-end fit and finish.
  • Bali (Catana Group) disrupts tradition with unique design elements that deliver villa-like luxury on the water, perfect for charter guests and long-term cruisers alike.
  • Excess is Lagoon’s younger sibling—bringing a youthful, agile, and performance-driven take on cruising catamarans.

Tailored Ownership Programs

When you purchase a catamaran through Dream Yacht’s Ownership Program, you gain more than a boat—you unlock a smart path to ownership.

Choose from programs like:

Pick The Perfect Catamaran For Your Needs

Choosing the right catamaran is about finding the perfect balance of comfort, performance, innovation, and value for your intended lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to Lagoon’s proven versatility, Bali’s apartment-style layouts, Fountaine Pajot’s elegant innovation, or Excess’s sailing-first design, each brand offers compelling reasons to come aboard. Take time to sea trial, explore layout options, and envision your life on the water—it’s a journey worth every nautical mile. Explore options for viewing these yachts in person here. With Dream Yacht’s global reach, charter expertise, and tailored ownership options, buying a new Bali, Lagoon, Excess, or Fountaine Pajot model has never been easier—or smarter.

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