Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 51 vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40
Two near-neighbours in the 40–51 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
The Astrea 51 is a 51-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2020. Best for family, luxury, performance. A proven family-friendly layout.
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 | Astrea 51 | Isla 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 51 ft (15.55 m) | 40 ft (11.93 m) |
| Beam | 8.1 m | 6.65 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 |
| Max guests | 8 | 8 |
| Year introduced | 2020 | 2022 |
| Best for | family, luxury, performance | couples, small family, first time charter |
| Standout amenity | AC, generator | AC, watermaker |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, South East Asia, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $18,000 | $7,000 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $44,000 | $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 Astrea 51 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Isla 40 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 symmetrical guest cabins. What differs is cabin shape — the Fountaine Pajot 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.
- Amenities & kit. Astrea 51 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, BBQ. Isla 40 adds a similar kit, with the same core list.
Performance Differences
Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Astrea 51.
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 Astrea 51's wider 8.1 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 Astrea 51 starts at $18,000/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 Astrea 51 reach $44,000/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?
Choose the Astrea 51. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.
Choose the Astrea 51. It was designed with sailing performance in mind — the helm feels more responsive and you'll enjoy being on the wind.
Choose the Astrea 51. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Astrea 51 bigger than the Isla 40? ▾
Which is better for a family — Astrea 51 or Isla 40? ▾
Which is better value — Astrea 51 or Isla 40? ▾
Can the Astrea 51 and Isla 40 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 40–51-foot Catamaran Comparisons
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