Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Excess 15 vs Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

Two near-neighbours in the 50–59 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

Samana 59

The Samana 59 is a 59-foot 5-cabin catamaran launched in 2020. Best for large group, luxury, owner investor. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Excess 15	Samana 59
Length overall	50 ft (15.2 m)	59 ft (17.97 m)
Beam	8.07 m	9.46 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	5 + 3
Max guests	8	10
Year introduced	2023	2020
Best for	performance, luxury, modern lovers	large group, luxury, owner investor
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean	Caribbean, Mediterranean, 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 15 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Samana 59 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 (Excess 15) vs 5 (Samana 59) guest cabins. If you need 5 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Samana 59 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
Amenities & kit. Excess 15 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, ice maker. Samana 59 adds BBQ, jacuzzi.

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 Samana 59's wider 9.46 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 Samana 59 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Excess 15 reach $57,500/week and the Samana 59 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 Samana 59? ▾

The Excess 15 is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a 8.07 m beam, while the Samana 59 is 59 ft (17.97 m) with a 9.46 m beam. The Samana 59 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 15 or Samana 59? ▾

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 Samana 59? ▾

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 Samana 59 gives you AC, generator, watermaker.

Can the Excess 15 and Samana 59 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Excess 15: Caribbean, Mediterranean. Samana 59: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos. 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. Samana 59: 5 guest cabins + 3 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 10 guests. The Samana 59 sleeps more; pick that one for larger groups.

Keep Comparing

More 50–59-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Excess 15 vs Fountaine Pajot Astrea 51 51 ft vs 50 ft · same cabins Excess 15 vs Excess 14 50 ft vs 47 ft · same brand Excess 15 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 50 ft vs 47 ft · same cabins Excess 15 vs Lagoon 55 55 ft vs 50 ft · same cabins Excess 15 vs Bali 5.4 54 ft vs 50 ft · 5 cabins Excess 15 vs Nautitech 52 52 ft vs 50 ft · 5 cabins

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