Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 vs Lagoon 46
Two near-neighbours in the 40–46 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
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.
The Lagoon 46 is a 46-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for family, couples. A proven family-friendly layout.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Isla 40 | Lagoon 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 40 ft (11.93 m) | 46 ft (13.99 m) |
| Beam | 6.65 m | 7.96 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 |
| Max guests | 8 | 8 |
| Year introduced | 2022 | 2017 |
| Best for | couples, small family, first time charter | family, couples |
| Standout amenity | AC, watermaker | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, US East Coast & Florida | Caribbean, Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $7,000 | $9,500 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $57,500 | $36,000 |
| 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 46 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 46 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 46's wider 7.96 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 46 starts at $9,500/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Isla 40 reach $57,500/week and the Lagoon 46 reach $36,000/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 Lagoon 46. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.
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.
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 46? ▾
Which is better for a family — Isla 40 or Lagoon 46? ▾
Which is better value — Isla 40 or Lagoon 46? ▾
Can the Isla 40 and Lagoon 46 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 40–46-foot Catamaran Comparisons
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