Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Lagoon 42

Two near-neighbours in the 40–42 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.

Lagoon

Lagoon 42

The Lagoon 42 is a 42-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2016. Best for couples, small family, first time charter. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Isla 40	Lagoon 42
Length overall	40 ft (11.93 m)	42 ft (12.8 m)
Beam	6.65 m	7.7 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	4 + 2
Max guests	8	8
Year introduced	2022	2016
Best for	couples, small family, first time charter	couples, small family, first time charter
Standout amenity	AC, watermaker	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida
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 Isla 40 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Lagoon 42 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 Lagoon often offsets the galley aft. Worth seeing both layouts before deciding for a couples-only trip.
Amenities & kit. Isla 40 comes with AC, watermaker, dinghy, solar. Lagoon 42 adds generator.

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 Lagoon 42's wider 7.7 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 Lagoon 42 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Isla 40 reach $57,500/week and the Lagoon 42 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

Both are mainstream cruising layouts. For a true "luxury first" catamaran consider a Bali 5.4 or Sunreef 60 — but at very different price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Isla 40 bigger than the Lagoon 42? ▾

The Isla 40 is 40 ft (11.93 m) long with a 6.65 m beam, while the Lagoon 42 is 42 ft (12.8 m) with a 7.7 m beam. The Lagoon 42 is the longer boat, but the difference of 2 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Isla 40 or Lagoon 42? ▾

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 Lagoon 42? ▾

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 Lagoon 42 gives you AC, generator, watermaker.

Can the Isla 40 and Lagoon 42 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Isla 40: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida. Lagoon 42: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, 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? ▾

Isla 40: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Lagoon 42: 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

More 40–42-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Lagoon 40 40 ft vs 40 ft · 3 cabins Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 40 ft vs 38 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Lagoon 46 46 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 47 ft vs 40 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Excess 12 41 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Lagoon 50 50 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins

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