Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Samana 59

Two near-neighbours in the 40–59 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

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At a Glance

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.

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	Isla 40	Samana 59
Length overall	40 ft (11.93 m)	59 ft (17.97 m)
Beam	6.65 m	9.46 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	5 + 3
Max guests	8	10
Year introduced	2022	2020
Best for	couples, small family, first time charter	large group, luxury, owner investor
Standout amenity	AC, watermaker	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida	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.

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:

Saloon and deck space. The Isla 40 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 (Isla 40) 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. Isla 40 comes with AC, watermaker, dinghy, solar. Samana 59 adds generator, ice maker, BBQ, jacuzzi.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the neither — these are cruising-first boats.

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 Isla 40 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 Isla 40 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

Neither boat is a true performance catamaran; both are cruiser-first. If sailing feel matters most, look at the Excess 14 or Nautitech 46 Open as alternatives.

If you want luxury / open-space

Choose the Samana 59. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Isla 40 bigger than the Samana 59? ▾

The Isla 40 is 40 ft (11.93 m) long with a 6.65 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 19 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Isla 40 or Samana 59? ▾

Neither boat is purpose-built for families; both lean couples / small family. 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 — Isla 40 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 Isla 40 gives you AC, watermaker, dinghy; the Samana 59 gives you AC, generator, watermaker.

Can the Isla 40 and Samana 59 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Isla 40: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida. 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? ▾

Isla 40: 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 40–59-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Astrea 51 51 ft vs 40 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 47 ft vs 40 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Lagoon 50 50 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Bali 4.8 49 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Leopard 50 50 ft vs 40 ft · 5 cabins Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Excess 15 50 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins

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