Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Excess 12 vs Lagoon 46

Two near-neighbours in the 41–46 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

Get a Side-by-Side Quote Skip to Verdict

At a Glance

Excess

Excess 12

The Excess 12 is a 41-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2022. Best for performance, modern lovers, couples. A performance-leaning hull form for sailors who care how it feels on the helm.

Lagoon

Lagoon 46

The Lagoon 46 is a 46-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for family, couples. A proven family-friendly layout.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Excess 12	Lagoon 46
Length overall	41 ft (12.45 m)	46 ft (13.99 m)
Beam	6.74 m	7.96 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 1	4 + 2
Max guests	8	8
Year introduced	2022	2017
Best for	performance, modern lovers, couples	family, couples
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida	Caribbean, Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida
Indicative price (bareboat low season)	$7,000	$9,500
Indicative price (crewed peak season)	$57,500	$36,000
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 Excess 12 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Lagoon 46 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 symmetrical guest cabins. What differs is cabin shape — the Excess typically uses a forward-galley / island-berth layout, while Lagoon often offsets the galley aft. Worth seeing both layouts before deciding for a couples-only trip.
Amenities & kit. Excess 12 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy. Lagoon 46 adds a similar kit, with the same core list.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Excess 12.

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 Lagoon 46's wider 7.96 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 Excess 12 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Lagoon 46 starts at $9,500/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Excess 12 reach $57,500/week and the Lagoon 46 reach $36,000/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

Both boats work for families — compare cabin configs in our detail pages and we'll help you pick the better-fitting layout.

If you want performance / a sailing-feel boat

Choose the Excess 12. 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

Both are mainstream cruising layouts. For a true "luxury first" catamaran consider a Bali 5.4 or Sunreef 60 — but at very different price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Excess 12 bigger than the Lagoon 46? ▾

The Excess 12 is 41 ft (12.45 m) long with a 6.74 m beam, while the Lagoon 46 is 46 ft (13.99 m) with a 7.96 m beam. The Lagoon 46 is the longer boat, but the difference of 5 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Excess 12 or Lagoon 46? ▾

The Lagoon 46 is the stronger family pick — designed with family / couples in mind, with 4 guest cabins and a layout forgiving for kids new to sailing. The Excess 12 leans performance / modern lovers — fine for older families with sailing experience.

Which is better value — Excess 12 or Lagoon 46? ▾

The Excess 12 is the lower-priced option (starts around $7,000/week bareboat), with the Lagoon 46 starting around $9,500/week. The price difference of ~$2,500/week is usually worth it if you specifically want family; otherwise the Excess 12 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Excess 12 and Lagoon 46 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Excess 12: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida. Lagoon 46: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida. 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? ▾

Excess 12: 4 guest cabins + 1 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Lagoon 46: 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 41–46-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Excess 12 vs Excess 13 43 ft vs 41 ft · same brand Excess 12 vs Lagoon 42 42 ft vs 41 ft · same cabins Excess 12 vs Lagoon 40 41 ft vs 40 ft · 3 cabins Excess 12 vs Excess 14 47 ft vs 41 ft · same brand Excess 12 vs Lagoon 50 50 ft vs 41 ft · same cabins Excess 12 vs Excess 11 41 ft vs 37 ft · same brand

→ Excess 12 detail page → Lagoon 46 detail page → All comparisons

Decide Between Excess 12 & Lagoon 46

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

Get Both Quotes