Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Excess 12 vs Leopard 50
Two near-neighbours in the 41–50 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
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.
The Leopard 50 is a 50-foot 5-cabin catamaran launched in 2019. Best for large group, family, performance. A proven family-friendly layout.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Excess 12 | Leopard 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 41 ft (12.45 m) | 50 ft (15.43 m) |
| Beam | 6.74 m | 8.06 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 4 + 1 | 5 + 2 |
| Max guests | 8 | 10 |
| Year introduced | 2022 | 2019 |
| Best for | performance, modern lovers, couples | large group, family, performance |
| Standout amenity | AC, generator | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida | Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $57,500 | $57,500 |
| 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 Leopard 50 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 (Excess 12) vs 5 (Leopard 50) guest cabins. If you need 5 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Leopard 50 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
- Amenities & kit. Excess 12 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy. Leopard 50 adds ice maker.
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 Leopard 50's wider 8.06 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 Leopard 50 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Excess 12 reach $57,500/week and the Leopard 50 reach $57,500/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?
Both boats work for families — compare cabin configs in our detail pages and we'll help you pick the better-fitting layout.
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.
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 Leopard 50? ▾
Which is better for a family — Excess 12 or Leopard 50? ▾
Which is better value — Excess 12 or Leopard 50? ▾
Can the Excess 12 and Leopard 50 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 41–50-foot Catamaran Comparisons
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