Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Lagoon 65 vs Leopard 40
Two near-neighbours in the 40–65 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
The Lagoon 65 is a 65-foot 5-cabin catamaran launched in 2021. Best for luxury, large group, owner investor. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.
The Leopard 40 is a 40-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2018. Best for performance, couples, small family. A performance-leaning hull form for sailors who care how it feels on the helm.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Lagoon 65 | Leopard 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 65 ft (19.8 m) | 40 ft (11.99 m) |
| Beam | 10.2 m | 6.79 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 5 + 3 | 4 + 2 |
| Max guests | 10 | 8 |
| Year introduced | 2021 | 2018 |
| Best for | luxury, large group, owner investor | performance, couples, small family |
| Standout amenity | AC, generator | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South Pacific, South East Asia, South America & Galápagos | Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mexico & Central America, 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.
What Would Each Boat Actually Cost You?
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 65 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Leopard 40 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 5 (Lagoon 65) vs 4 (Leopard 40) guest cabins. If you need 5 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Lagoon 65 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
- Amenities & kit. Lagoon 65 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, bow thruster, ice maker, jacuzzi. Leopard 40 adds a similar kit, with the same core list. The Lagoon 65 has a bow thruster — easier docking in tight Med slips.
Performance Differences
Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the Leopard 40.
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 65's wider 10.2 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 65 starts at $7,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Leopard 40 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Lagoon 65 reach $57,500/week and the Leopard 40 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?
Both boats work for families — compare cabin configs in our detail pages and we'll help you pick the better-fitting layout.
Choose the Leopard 40. It was designed with sailing performance in mind — the helm feels more responsive and you'll enjoy being on the wind.
Choose the Lagoon 65. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lagoon 65 bigger than the Leopard 40? ▾
Which is better for a family — Lagoon 65 or Leopard 40? ▾
Which is better value — Lagoon 65 or Leopard 40? ▾
Can the Lagoon 65 and Leopard 40 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
More 40–65-foot Catamaran Comparisons
Decide Between Lagoon 65 & Leopard 40
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