Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Leopard 48
Two near-neighbours in the 38–48 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
The Lucia 40 is a 38-foot 3-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for couples, small family, first time charter. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.
The Leopard 48 is a 48-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2018. Best for performance, family, large group. A proven family-friendly layout.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Lucia 40 | Leopard 48 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 38 ft (11.73 m) | 48 ft (14.65 m) |
| Beam | 6.5 m | 7.65 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 3 + 1 | 4 + 2 |
| Max guests | 6 | 8 |
| Year introduced | 2017 | 2018 |
| Best for | couples, small family, first time charter | performance, family, large group |
| Standout amenity | AC, watermaker | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida | Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South America & Galápagos |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $8,000 | $7,000 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $22,500 | $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 Lucia 40 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Leopard 48 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 3 (Lucia 40) vs 4 (Leopard 48) guest cabins. If you need 4 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Leopard 48 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
- Amenities & kit. Lucia 40 comes with AC, watermaker, dinghy, solar. Leopard 48 adds generator.
Performance Differences
Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Leopard 48.
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 Leopard 48's wider 7.65 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 Lucia 40 starts at $8,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Leopard 48 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Lucia 40 reach $22,500/week and the Leopard 48 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 Leopard 48. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.
Choose the Leopard 48. It was designed with sailing performance in mind — the helm feels more responsive and you'll enjoy being on the wind.
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 Lucia 40 bigger than the Leopard 48? ▾
Which is better for a family — Lucia 40 or Leopard 48? ▾
Which is better value — Lucia 40 or Leopard 48? ▾
Can the Lucia 40 and Leopard 48 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 38–48-foot Catamaran Comparisons
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