Abstract
In 2023, the catamaran market was so diverse and complex that it was almost overwhelming—from Lagoon to Leopard to Fountaine Pajot, each brand claimed to be the best.I spent more than half a year closely examining over a dozen different models in person, attending boat shows, and taking several boats out for test sails.This post is neither an endorsement nor a bashing; it simply outlines the issues I personally encountered, the details that beginners are extremely prone to overlook, and why I ultimately chose that particular boat. It’s intended for the average buyer who’s currently torn between budget and model choices.
Author’s Note
I’m Tom, an amateur boat owner from Europe and the U.S. who has been cruising the Caribbean for five years. Previously, I sailed a monohull, exploring the Bahamas and the Leeward Islands. In 2021, I took the plunge and switched to a catamaran—and I’ve never looked back.Over the years, I’ve helped friends pick out boats and have switched boats twice myself—I’ve hit enough potholes to fill a book. This article is not sponsored by any brand; all opinions are based on hard-earned experience.
Why Did the Market Suddenly Get So Competitive in 2023?
To be precise, from 2021 through 2023, the catamaran market has seemed to have gone into a frenzy.
Just take a look at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida—row after row of brand-new boats gleaming in the sunlight, yet their prices are one more terrifying than the next.The Lagoon 46, which was priced at less than $500,000 in 2021, jumped straight to $560,000 and up by 2023. The Leopard 45 is even more extreme—with the addition of a few solar panels and minor upgrades, its price shot straight to $600,000.
But here’s the problem—while there are more boats, quality doesn’t necessarily keep pace.
A friend of mine took delivery of a Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 in early 2022 and discovered an oil leak in the steering gear on the very first day after delivery. The shipyard claimed this was “normal break-in,” but after three months of “break-in,” it was still leaking. This is not an isolated incident.I’ve spoken with at least five people who took delivery of their boats between 2022 and 2023, and nearly every one of them has experienced minor issues: water leaking through the portholes, blown-out inverters, strange odors coming from the freshwater system…
So, don’t be fooled by the shiny showrooms.
Three Major Brands, Three Different Approaches
Lagoon: The Big Brother, but a Bit Unreliable
The Lagoon 46 is one of the best-selling models of 2023, but to be honest, after my test sail, I was left feeling a bit disappointed.
Let’s start with the positives: the space is truly, genuinely vast. The salon area can seat about ten people, the kitchen countertop is much wider than the one in my own kitchen, and the view from the flybridge is excellent. and when you’re up there steering the boat, you can take in the entire anchorage at a glance. The amount of storage space is downright absurd—my friend, who sailed a Lagoon 46 in the South Pacific for two years, said he could fit enough groceries for a month’s worth of meals in the fridge.
But there are plenty of drawbacks, too.
The build quality feels rough. For the 2023 model, the interior uses more composite materials that feel like cheap furniture to the touch. On the boat I tested, the cabinet doors wouldn’t close properly, and the drawers wouldn’t slide back into place once pulled out.Second, its sailing performance is average. Lagoon’s hull is on the bulky side, resulting in extreme choppiness when sailing into the wind. On one occasion, during a short sail in 16-knot true wind, my wife got so seasick she was cursing.
Price: Starting at approximately $540,000 for the base model.
Who is it for: If you mainly stay in anchorages, prefer plenty of space, and don’t care much about the feel of the boat while sailing, then this boat is passable. However, you’ll have to accept its plastic-y feel.
Leopard: A hardcore performer, but a bit noisy
The Leopard 45 is extremely common in the Caribbean, largely because Leopard’s hull design is geared more toward performance.
The test boat was a 2023 Leopard 45, equipped with two Yanmar 5-7 horsepower diesel engines. The moment it started, something felt off—why was the noise so loud? Actual measurements showed cockpit noise at idle was 68 decibels—at least 5 decibels higher than the Lagoon 46. It gets even noisier while underway; you have to shout to carry on a conversation while cruising.
However, the Leopard’s sailing performance is truly excellent; it can handle a headwind angle of up to 35 degrees, which is quite impressive for a catamaran. With a shallow draft of at just 1.3 meters, allowing it to navigate freely in the shallow waters of the Bahamas. The steering feel is direct, the handling is precise, and it handles much like a large monohull sailboat.
But the problems are glaring: the interior is extremely spartan, and although the 2023 model added some soft padding, the overall feel is still akin to a “fishing boat with a bed.” The galley counter is cramped, the refrigerator’s fresh food compartment lacks depth, and storage space is scarce; for long voyages, you’ll need to install numerous additional shelves yourself.
Price-wise, the starting price is around $570,000, but the base configuration is very basic; if you add options, the price can easily exceed $600,000.
Who is it for? If you’re a hardcore sailor who loves performance and doesn’t mind noise or a spartan interior, then the Leopard is the right choice for you. However, be prepared for some ear-splitting noise.
Fountaine Pajot: French Romance, but a Bit High-Maintenance
This boat, the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45, boasts outstanding design; the interior is beautiful, resembling a floating vacation cottage.
The 2023 model features several new details: the kitchen island is made of brushed stainless steel, the sofas are upholstered in stain-resistant fabric, and the mattresses are perfectly firm—my wife saw it and immediately said, “This is the one.”
But here’s the catch—the quality is inconsistent.
The friend I mentioned earlier had an oil leak in the steering gear of his Elba 45 upon delivery, which took three repairs to resolve. Leaks around the portholes are a common issue, with rainwater seeping into the cabin walls through the gaps.Most outrageously, during one voyage, the inverter suddenly started smoking, causing everyone on board to jump in fright.
In terms of sailing performance, it’s fairly average; it can sail up to 40 degrees into the wind, which is slightly better than the Lagoon in this regard,though it falls short of the Leopard. The hull tends to be on the heavy side, resulting in relatively slow acceleration; however, it is very stable at cruising speed, making long voyages less tiring.
As for price, the starting price is roughly $520,000, but if you opt for higher-end specifications, the cost can easily exceed $600,000.
Who is it best suited for? If you prioritize quality of life and are willing to tolerate a few minor quirks, then this boat is an excellent choice. However, you must be mentally prepared for the fact that the frequency of repairs may be higher than you anticipate.
Some Common Issues with the 2023 Model
I’ve noticed a pattern: boats built after the pandemic tend to have more minor issues.
Due to supply chain disruptions, manufacturers began using alternative materials. On boats built between 2022 and 2023, many door hinges are made of plastic and break after just one or two years of use; the hoses in the freshwater system are of poor quality and tend to develop strange odors; additionally, the batteries, many of the factory-installed batteries are entry-level AGM models that need to be replaced after just two years.
Therefore, regardless of the brand you purchase, the first things to do after taking delivery of the boat are to replace the faucets, replace the batteries, and inspect all sealants. Do not blindly trust the shipyard’s claim that “everything was inspected before leaving the factory.”
What did I end up choosing?
To be honest, I agonized over it for half a year.
From the very beginning, I was leaning toward the Leopard 45, mainly because of its outstanding performance. However, on the day I test-drove it—a four-hour session—I experienced a ringing in my ears as I stepped off the boat.My wife said, “There are two options: either switch boats, or you’ll have to sail it alone.”
I then went to check out the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45, which certainly had some attractive features. However, my friend’s previous experiences, shared as a cautionary tale, made me feel a bit uneasy.
In the end, I chose the Lagoon 46—but made a lot of modifications.
Immediately after taking delivery, I replaced all the faucets on the boat—the factory ones had rusted within just three months. I swapped out the factory AGM batteries for a Victron lithium battery bank, as the AGM batteries were too heavy. I also installed two solar panels with a total power output of 800W.I replaced the mainsail with a thicker one; the factory-installed mainsail flapped violently when sailing into the wind. The total cost was about $80,000, but the results were remarkable—I can now cruise for a full week without needing to dock. Noise levels have also been reduced thanks to the soundproofing foam I added to the engine compartment.
After more than a year of operation, I’m generally satisfied. The space is quite spacious and living on board is quite comfortable. The sailing performance is admittedly rather average, but I’ve come to accept that—after all, a catamaran isn’t a race car, and comfort is more important.
Q: Which catamaran is the best buy in 2023?
There’s no single “correct” answer. For those seeking space and peace of mind, the Lagoon 46 is a good fit; for performance enthusiasts, the Leopard 45 is the right choice; and for those who prioritize aesthetics, the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is the ideal option.However, no matter which one you choose, you’ll have to tinker with it yourself after taking delivery—that’s just how it is.
Q: Is the Lagoon 46 really that bad upwind?
To be completely honest, it’s not good.I once tried sailing into a 20-knot true wind, but the boat’s speed was only 6 knots, and it was bouncing around violently. However, if you’re mainly sailing downwind or cruising, this isn’t an issue at all.
Q: Just how loud is the Leopard 45?
I conducted my own tests: it measured 68 decibels at idle and 75 decibels while cruising. For comparison, a normal conversation is 60 decibels, and a vacuum cleaner running is 70 decibels. Therefore, you must wear earplugs during long voyages.
Q: Has the quality of Fountaine Pajot improved over time?
I’ve heard that the 2024 model features improvements to the rudders and portholes, but I can’t confirm this. If you’re considering purchasing one, I recommend finding a dealer with a good reputation. Before taking delivery of the boat, have an independent surveyor inspect it.
Q: What can I get with a budget of $600,000?
You can purchase a model from these three with a mid-to-high-end specification, but remember to set aside $50,000 to $80,000 for upgrades and maintenance. Never put all your money into the purchase price of the boat; subsequent modifications are where the bulk of the expenses lie.