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Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Excess 15 vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40

Two near-neighbours in the 40–50 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

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At a Glance

Excess
Excess 15

The Excess 15 is a 50-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2023. Best for performance, luxury, modern lovers. A performance-leaning hull form for sailors who care how it feels on the helm.

Fountaine Pajot
Isla 40

The Isla 40 is a 40-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2022. Best for couples, small family, first time charter. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.

Quick Comparison

Spec Excess 15 Isla 40
Length overall 50 ft (15.2 m) 40 ft (11.93 m)
Beam 8.07 m 6.65 m
Cabins (guest + crew) 4 + 2 4 + 2
Max guests 8 8
Year introduced 2023 2022
Best for performance, luxury, modern lovers couples, small family, first time charter
Standout amenity AC, generator AC, watermaker
Charter regions Caribbean, Mediterranean Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida
Indicative price (bareboat low season) $7,000 $7,000
Indicative price (crewed peak season) $57,500 $57,500
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Pricing data drawn from current-season bookings across BVI and Mediterranean bases. Updated quarterly.

What Would Each Boat Actually Cost You?

Design & Comfort Differences

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

  1. Saloon and deck space. The Excess 15 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Isla 40 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
  2. 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 Fountaine Pajot often offsets the galley aft. Worth seeing both layouts before deciding for a couples-only trip.
  3. Amenities & kit. Excess 15 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, ice maker. Isla 40 adds a similar kit, with the same core list.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Excess 15.

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 15's wider 8.07 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 15 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Isla 40 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Excess 15 reach $57,500/week and the Isla 40 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?

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 15. 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 Excess 15. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Excess 15 bigger than the Isla 40? ▾
The Excess 15 is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a 8.07 m beam, while the Isla 40 is 40 ft (11.93 m) with a 6.65 m beam. The Excess 15 is the longer boat, but the difference of 10 ft may be marginal once you step on board.
Which is better for a family — Excess 15 or Isla 40? ▾
Neither boat is purpose-built for families; both lean performance / luxury. 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 15 or Isla 40? ▾
In our tracking, the two boats are priced within ~$0/week of each other at the low end, so value depends on which features you weight: the Excess 15 gives you AC, generator, watermaker; the Isla 40 gives you AC, watermaker, dinghy.
Can the Excess 15 and Isla 40 charter in the same destinations? ▾
Excess 15: Caribbean, Mediterranean. Isla 40: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, 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 15: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Isla 40: 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

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