Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Bali 4.2 vs Fountaine Pajot Astrea 51

Two near-neighbours in the 42–51 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

Get a Side-by-Side Quote Skip to Verdict

At a Glance

Bali

Bali 4.2

The Bali 4.2 is a 42-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2020. Best for open space lovers, first time charter, family. A proven family-friendly layout.

Fountaine Pajot

Astrea 51

The Astrea 51 is a 51-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2020. Best for family, luxury, performance. A proven family-friendly layout.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Bali 4.2	Astrea 51
Length overall	42 ft (12.81 m)	51 ft (15.55 m)
Beam	7.12 m	8.1 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	4 + 2
Max guests	8	8
Year introduced	2020	2020
Best for	open space lovers, first time charter, family	family, luxury, performance
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific	Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, South East Asia, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East
Indicative price (bareboat low season)	$7,000	$18,000
Indicative price (crewed peak season)	$57,500	$44,000
View full detail	View →	View →

Pricing data drawn from current-season bookings across BVI and Mediterranean bases. Updated quarterly.

Design & Comfort Differences

The two boats feel meaningfully different on board, even within the same nominal size class. Three specific differences worth knowing:

Saloon and deck space. The Bali 4.2 has a garage-door aft platform that opens the saloon directly to the sea; the Astrea 51 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon. The Bali 4.2 specifically targets open-space lovers — the indoor/outdoor flow is the headline feature.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 symmetrical guest cabins. What differs is cabin shape — the Bali typically uses a forward-galley / island-berth layout, while Fountaine Pajot often offsets the galley aft. Worth seeing both layouts before deciding for a couples-only trip.
Amenities & kit. Bali 4.2 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, garage door platform. Astrea 51 adds BBQ.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Astrea 51.

In light air (under 10 knots true wind), the heavier-displacement boat will feel slightly sluggish; in 15–20 knots trade-wind conditions both perform similarly. In big Med Meltemi/Mistral conditions (25+ knots) the Astrea 51's wider 8.1 m beam will initially feel more stable but pushes more water resistance.

For bareboat charters both behave predictably under sail and under power. We rarely see either one out-sail the other in normal charter conditions.

Price & Value

In current-season data, the Bali 4.2 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Astrea 51 starts at $18,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Bali 4.2 reach $57,500/week and the Astrea 51 reach $44,000/week.

For most charterers the price difference is small (~$500–$1,500/week) compared to the total trip cost — meaning amenities, layout and your destination matter more than sticker price when choosing between two boats this similar.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're a family with kids

Choose the Astrea 51. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.

If you want performance / a sailing-feel boat

Choose the Astrea 51. It was designed with sailing performance in mind — the helm feels more responsive and you'll enjoy being on the wind.

If you want luxury / open-space

Choose the Bali 4.2. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bali 4.2 bigger than the Astrea 51? ▾

The Bali 4.2 is 42 ft (12.81 m) long with a 7.12 m beam, while the Astrea 51 is 51 ft (15.55 m) with a 8.1 m beam. The Astrea 51 is the longer boat, but the difference of 9 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Bali 4.2 or Astrea 51? ▾

Both boats are well-suited to families. Bali 4.2 is best for open space lovers / first time charter; Astrea 51 leans toward family / luxury. The Bali 4.2 has more equal-sized cabins which is helpful for two- or three-generation trips. Talk to a 2Hulls expert about specific cabin configs.

Which is better value — Bali 4.2 or Astrea 51? ▾

The Bali 4.2 is the lower-priced option (starts around $7,000/week bareboat), with the Astrea 51 starting around $18,000/week. The price difference of ~$11,000/week is usually worth it if you specifically want family; otherwise the Bali 4.2 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Bali 4.2 and Astrea 51 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Bali 4.2: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific. Astrea 51: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, South East Asia, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East. Where they overlap (often the Caribbean + Mediterranean), they're both well-supported by local charter fleets and you can usually get a checkout sail either way.

How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾

Bali 4.2: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Astrea 51: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests. Both sleep the same number — your choice depends on layout and amenities.

Keep Comparing

More 42–51-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Bali 4.2 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 47 ft vs 42 ft · same cabins Bali 4.2 vs Bali 4.6 48 ft vs 42 ft · same brand Bali 4.2 vs Bali 4.4 44 ft vs 42 ft · same brand Bali 4.2 vs Bali 4.8 49 ft vs 42 ft · same brand Bali 4.2 vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 42 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Bali 4.2 vs Bali 5.4 54 ft vs 42 ft · same brand

→ Bali 4.2 detail page → Astrea 51 detail page → All comparisons

Decide Between Bali 4.2 & Astrea 51

We'll send current quotes and an honest recommendation. Free, takes 24 hours.

Get Both Quotes