Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Leopard 45

Two near-neighbours in the 45–59 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

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At a Glance

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.

Leopard

Leopard 45

The Leopard 45 is a 45-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for performance, couples, small groups. A performance-leaning hull form for sailors who care how it feels on the helm.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Samana 59	Leopard 45
Length overall	59 ft (17.97 m)	45 ft (13.72 m)
Beam	9.46 m	7.35 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	5 + 3	4 + 2
Max guests	10	8
Year introduced	2020	2017
Best for	large group, luxury, owner investor	performance, couples, small groups
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos	Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, US East Coast & Florida
Indicative price (bareboat low season)	$7,000	$13,500
Indicative price (crewed peak season)	$57,500	$34,500
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 Samana 59 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Leopard 45 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 5 (Samana 59) vs 4 (Leopard 45) 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. Samana 59 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, ice maker, BBQ, jacuzzi. Leopard 45 adds a similar kit, with the same core list.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Leopard 45.

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 Samana 59 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Leopard 45 starts at $13,500/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Samana 59 reach $57,500/week and the Leopard 45 reach $34,500/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

Choose the Leopard 45. 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 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 Samana 59 bigger than the Leopard 45? ▾

The Samana 59 is 59 ft (17.97 m) long with a 9.46 m beam, while the Leopard 45 is 45 ft (13.72 m) with a 7.35 m beam. The Samana 59 is the longer boat, but the difference of 14 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Samana 59 or Leopard 45? ▾

Neither boat is purpose-built for families; both lean large group / luxury. 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 — Samana 59 or Leopard 45? ▾

The Samana 59 is the lower-priced option (starts around $7,000/week bareboat), with the Leopard 45 starting around $13,500/week. The price difference of ~$6,500/week is usually worth it if you specifically want performance; otherwise the Samana 59 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Samana 59 and Leopard 45 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Samana 59: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos. Leopard 45: Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, 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? ▾

Samana 59: 5 guest cabins + 3 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 10 guests in standard charter config. Leopard 45: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests. The Samana 59 sleeps more; pick that one for larger groups.

Keep Comparing

More 45–59-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Fountaine Pajot Astrea 51 59 ft vs 51 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Leopard 50 59 ft vs 50 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Leopard 48 59 ft vs 48 ft · 4 cabins Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 59 ft vs 47 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Nautitech 52 59 ft vs 52 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 vs Lagoon 50 59 ft vs 50 ft · 4 cabins

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