Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Lagoon 42 vs Leopard 45

Two near-neighbours in the 42–45 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

Get a Side-by-Side Quote Skip to Verdict

At a Glance

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.

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	Lagoon 42	Leopard 45
Length overall	42 ft (12.8 m)	45 ft (13.72 m)
Beam	7.7 m	7.35 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	4 + 2
Max guests	8	8
Year introduced	2016	2017
Best for	couples, small family, first time charter	performance, couples, small groups
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida	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 Lagoon 42 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Leopard 45 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 symmetrical guest cabins. What differs is cabin shape — the Lagoon typically uses a forward-galley / island-berth layout, while Leopard often offsets the galley aft. Worth seeing both layouts before deciding for a couples-only trip.
Amenities & kit. Lagoon 42 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, dinghy. Leopard 45 adds solar.

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 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 Lagoon 42 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 Lagoon 42 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

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 Lagoon 42 bigger than the Leopard 45? ▾

The Lagoon 42 is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a 7.7 m beam, while the Leopard 45 is 45 ft (13.72 m) with a 7.35 m beam. The Leopard 45 is the longer boat, but the difference of 3 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Lagoon 42 or Leopard 45? ▾

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 — Lagoon 42 or Leopard 45? ▾

The Lagoon 42 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 Lagoon 42 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Lagoon 42 and Leopard 45 charter in the same destinations? ▾

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

Lagoon 42: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Leopard 45: 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 42–45-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Lagoon 42 vs Leopard 42 42 ft vs 42 ft · same cabins Lagoon 42 vs Lagoon 46 46 ft vs 42 ft · same brand Lagoon 42 vs Lagoon 40 42 ft vs 40 ft · same brand Lagoon 42 vs Leopard 40 42 ft vs 40 ft · same cabins Lagoon 42 vs Leopard 48 48 ft vs 42 ft · same cabins Lagoon 42 vs Lagoon 50 50 ft vs 42 ft · same brand

→ Lagoon 42 detail page → Leopard 45 detail page → All comparisons

Decide Between Lagoon 42 & Leopard 45

We'll send current quotes and an honest recommendation. Free, takes 24 hours.

Get Both Quotes