Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 51 vs Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

Two near-neighbours in the 51–59 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

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At a Glance

Fountaine Pajot

Astrea 51

The Astrea 51 is a 51-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2020. Best for family, luxury, performance. A proven family-friendly layout.

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	Astrea 51	Samana 59
Length overall	51 ft (15.55 m)	59 ft (17.97 m)
Beam	8.1 m	9.46 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	5 + 3
Max guests	8	10
Year introduced	2020	2020
Best for	family, luxury, performance	large group, luxury, owner investor
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, South East Asia, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos
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 Samana 59 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 (Astrea 51) 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. Astrea 51 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, BBQ. Samana 59 adds ice maker, jacuzzi.

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 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 Astrea 51 starts at $18,000/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 Astrea 51 reach $44,000/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

Choose the Astrea 51. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.

If you want performance / a sailing-feel boat

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.

If you want luxury / open-space

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 Samana 59? ▾

The Astrea 51 is 51 ft (15.55 m) long with a 8.1 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 8 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Astrea 51 or Samana 59? ▾

The Astrea 51 is the stronger family pick — it was designed with family / luxury in mind, with 4 guest cabins and a layout that's forgiving for kids new to sailing. The Samana 59 leans large group / luxury — fine for older families with sailing experience.

Which is better value — Astrea 51 or Samana 59? ▾

The Samana 59 is the lower-priced option (starts around $7,000/week bareboat), with the Astrea 51 starting around $18,000/week. The price difference of ~$11,000/week is usually worth it if you specifically want family; otherwise the Samana 59 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Astrea 51 and Samana 59 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Astrea 51: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, South East Asia, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East. 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? ▾

Astrea 51: 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 51–59-foot Catamaran Comparisons

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

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