The best catamaran brands for first-time buyers
Are you ready to take the plunge and buy a yacht? Many sailors choose catamarans over monohulls for their speed, stability, and spacious design. Catamarans glide effortlessly through the water and offer expansive layouts, making them ideal for couples, families, or anyone dreaming of long-term cruising or charter ownership.
Choosing a smaller catamaran for your first yacht offers the best of both worlds—manageable handling and long-term potential. With a more compact footprint, you’ll find docking, anchoring, and short-handed sailing significantly easier, helping to build your confidence as an owner-operator. These boats are agile enough for close-quarters maneuvering yet spacious enough to support family cruising, liveaboard life, or even charter income. And as your sailing ambitions grow, smaller models often retain strong resale value, making it easier to upgrade when the time is right. Starting small doesn’t mean limiting your experience—it means setting a solid foundation for it.
Before choosing the perfect catamaran, one of the most important decisions is the type and brand of sailing catamaran that best fits your lifestyle and sailing goals.
Why Choose a Sailing Catamaran?
Sailing catamarans offer numerous advantages for modern cruisers:
Cruising range: Ideal for longer passages and bluewater adventures.
Fuel efficiency: With the ability to sail, fuel usage drops dramatically.
Environmental impact: Sailing cats rely on wind power and are often built with eco-conscious materials and solar capabilities.
Comfort: Stable platforms at anchor and underway, plus generous living spaces, make for relaxed onboard living.
Best Catamaran Brands For First Time Buyers
Lagoon
Lagoon remains one of the most well-known names in the catamaran world. Designed by VPLP and backed by Groupe Beneteau, Lagoon catamarans are renowned for their luxurious interiors, strong construction, and reliable bluewater performance.
One of the most popular sailing catamarans on the market, the Lagoon 42 offers a harmonious blend of volume and maneuverability. It’s easy to sail shorthanded, thanks to a self-tacking jib and thoughtfully arranged helm. With a light, airy saloon and en-suite cabins, it’s equally suited to long weekends or months of liveaboard life.
Fountaine Pajot
Fountaine Pajot leads in sustainable sailing design, offering eco-conscious features and beautiful French styling. Their catamarans are known for combining performance, innovation, and comfortable onboard living.
The FP 41 is the newest model in the Fountaine Pajot lineup, replacing the Isla 40 as the go-to entry-level cruiser—and it’s already making waves. Sleek, spacious, and smartly designed, this 41-foot catamaran is ideal for first-time buyers seeking a modern layout with generous comfort and eco-forward features.
With multiple layout options (including an owner’s suite and up to four en-suite cabins), the FP 41 is perfect for couples, families, or charter use. The bright saloon connects seamlessly with the cockpit via wide sliding doors, and the coach roof sun lounges and integrated port-transom lounger create effortless spaces for relaxation. Performance is improved with a redesigned hull form, and optional electric propulsion systems offer quiet, sustainable cruising.
Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or long-term adventures, the FP 41 is a versatile, future-ready catamaran designed with new owners in mind.
View All Fountaine Pajot Catamarans
Bali
Bali, part of the Catana Group, has shaken up the sailing cat market with its bold innovations—most notably the “garage door” that transforms the saloon into a seamless open-air cockpit. Bali catamarans are loved for their space, storage, and comfort-forward layouts.
The Bali 4.2 delivers a fresh take on life aboard with wide-open living spaces, a forward cockpit with lounge and sunpads, and a full-sized fridge like you’d find at home. With impressive tankage, direct access between living areas, and light-filled interiors, it’s a superb model for those who prioritize comfort and autonomy while cruising.
View All Bali Catamaran Models
Excess
A younger brand under Groupe Beneteau, Excess appeals to sailors who want more feel at the helm. Designed for performance and sporty sailing, Excess catamarans are fun, responsive, and modern—with twin aft helms and powerful rigs.
The Excess 13 is ideal for those who want to enjoy the sensation of sailing without giving up the comfort of a cruising cat. With sleek lines, generous sail area, and a light, minimalist interior, this catamaran offers an ideal blend of performance and lifestyle. The helm stations are positioned for direct connection to the sails and sea—perfect for sailors looking for a more engaged experience.
View All Excess Catamaran Models
How to Choose the Right Catamaran for You
Here are a few key questions to guide your decision:
- Are you new to sailing? Start with manageable sizes
- Planning to cruise full-time? Look to models with larger living spaces
- Do you prefer performance or comfort—or both? Excess leans toward performance, while Lagoon and Bali focus on space and livability.
- How many people will you sail with? Choose layouts with the right number of cabins and heads for your crew size.
Let Us Help You Set Sail
Finding the right sailing catamaran can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to help. As a trusted global dealer for top brands, we offer expert guidance, tailored advice, and access to charter ownership programs that can help offset the cost of your new yacht.
Whether you’re ready to buy or just beginning your search, contact us today—or visit our blog for more insights into the world of sailing catamarans.
