Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Excess 14 vs Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Two near-neighbours in the 38–47 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

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At a Glance

Excess

Excess 14

The Excess 14 is a 47-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.

Fountaine Pajot

Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 is a 38-foot 3-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for couples, small family, first time charter. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Excess 14	Lucia 40
Length overall	47 ft (14.32 m)	38 ft (11.73 m)
Beam	7.85 m	6.5 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	3 + 1
Max guests	8	6
Year introduced	2022	2017
Best for	performance, modern lovers, couples	couples, small family, first time charter
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, watermaker
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Atlantic & Offshore	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida
Indicative price (bareboat low season)	$16,500	$8,000
Indicative price (crewed peak season)	$41,500	$22,500
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 14 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Lucia 40 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 (Excess 14) vs 3 (Lucia 40) guest cabins. If you need 4 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Excess 14 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
Amenities & kit. Excess 14 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy. Lucia 40 adds a similar kit, with the same core list.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Excess 14.

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 Excess 14's wider 7.85 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 14 starts at $16,500/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Lucia 40 starts at $8,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Excess 14 reach $41,500/week and the Lucia 40 reach $22,500/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?

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 14. 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 14 bigger than the Lucia 40? ▾

The Excess 14 is 47 ft (14.32 m) long with a 7.85 m beam, while the Lucia 40 is 38 ft (11.73 m) with a 6.5 m beam. The Excess 14 is the longer boat, but the difference of 9 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Excess 14 or Lucia 40? ▾

Neither boat is purpose-built for families; both lean performance / modern lovers. For family charters we typically point you toward the Bali 4.4, Lagoon 46, or Astrea 51. Speak to a 2Hulls expert for a specific recommendation.

Which is better value — Excess 14 or Lucia 40? ▾

The Lucia 40 is the lower-priced option (starts around $8,000/week bareboat), with the Excess 14 starting around $16,500/week. The price difference of ~$8,500/week is usually worth it if you specifically want performance; otherwise the Lucia 40 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Excess 14 and Lucia 40 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Excess 14: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Atlantic & Offshore. Lucia 40: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, 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 14: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Lucia 40: 3 guest cabins + 1 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 6 guests. The Excess 14 sleeps more; pick that one for larger groups.

Keep Comparing

More 38–47-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Excess 14 vs Excess 13 47 ft vs 43 ft · same brand Excess 14 vs Excess 12 47 ft vs 41 ft · same brand Excess 14 vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 47 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Excess 14 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 47 ft vs 47 ft · same cabins Excess 14 vs Excess 11 47 ft vs 37 ft · same brand Excess 14 vs Excess 15 50 ft vs 47 ft · same brand

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