Catamarans are more than just boats; they are floating homes, luxury retreats, and adventure vessels all rolled into one. With their stability, spacious layouts, and fuel efficiency, they have become a top choice for both private owners and yacht charter companies alike. Whether you’re in the market to buy a catamaran or looking to charter one in 2025, it’s essential to know which brands are leading the way in design, innovation, comfort, and performance.
This ultimate guide reveals the best catamaran brands to buy or charter in 2025, complete with standout models, brand history, performance insights, pros and cons, unique features, user scenarios, and expert recommendations.
Why Catamarans Are the Future of Yachting
Before we dive into the top brands, let’s highlight what makes catamarans the go-to vessels for modern sailors:
Stability: Thanks to their twin-hull design, catamarans are significantly more stable than monohulls. Great for families and those prone to seasickness.
Space: More room above and below deck. Ideal for group charters or luxury cruising.
Shallow Draft: Catamarans can anchor closer to shorelines, giving you better access to beaches and coves.
Fuel Efficiency: Reduced drag means less fuel usage for motor cruising.
1. Lagoon Catamarans – The Icon of Comfort and Innovation
Country: France
Founded: 1984
Best For: Luxury charters, liveaboards, families
🌍 Brand Overview
Lagoon is the world’s most recognized catamaran brand. Founded as a subsidiary of Jeanneau and later acquired by Beneteau Group, Lagoon has grown to become a global leader in both private and charter markets. Designed in collaboration with naval architects VPLP and styled by Nauta Design, Lagoon catamarans offer luxury, functionality, and space in perfect balance.
★ Lagoon 51
Massive flybridge with cushioned lounge
Solar panel integration (up to 2.7 kW)
Wide transom stairs for beach-club feel
3 to 6 cabin layouts for flexible chartering
⚓ Other Notable Models
Lagoon 40 – Compact, budget-friendly and great for couples or small groups
Lagoon 46 – The sweet spot between space and performance
Lagoon 55 – High-end, luxury cruising with all the upgrades
✅ Pros
Widely available for charter
Spacious interiors and luxury finish
Excellent global support network
❌ Cons
Less agile than performance-focused brands
Larger models may have higher maintenance costs
2. Bali Catamarans – Open Space Redefined
Country: France
Shipyard: Catana Group
Best For: Entertaining, innovative design lovers
🌍 Brand Overview
Launched in 2014 by Catana Group, Bali Catamarans shook the market with their radically open-concept design. They eliminated traditional boundaries between saloon and cockpit, and removed the forward trampoline, replacing it with a solid lounging deck.
★ Bali 4.6
No forward trampoline – replaced by a solid sundeck
Refrigerators up to 615L – just like home
Garage-style lifting door connects saloon and cockpit
3 to 5 cabin options, plus skipper cabin space
⚓ Other Notable Models
Bali 4.2 – Great for smaller charters
Bali 4.8 – Ultra-spacious, ideal for luxury charters
Bali 5.4 – Perfect for large families or group getaways
✅ Pros
Open-plan living with panoramic views
Huge refrigeration and storage options
Great natural ventilation
❌ Cons
Solid foredeck adds weight and affects sailing performance
Less traditional sailing feel
3. Fountaine Pajot – Performance Meets Eco-Luxury
Country: France
Founded: 1976
Best For: Eco-conscious sailors, cruising couples
🌍 Brand Overview
Fountaine Pajot has been building cruising catamarans since the 1980s, and it has developed a strong identity around innovation and sustainability. Their models balance sailing performance, luxurious interiors, and forward-thinking eco-options.
★ Isla 40
Inverted bows and dynamic lines for speed
Roomy saloon with panoramic windows
Multiple cabin options (up to 4 + crew)
Eco features: optional solar panels, watermaker-ready
⚓ Other Notable Models
Elba 45 – A best-seller with exceptional charter appeal
Aura 51 – A revolutionary design for sustainable cruising
Tanna 47 – Sophisticated layout and sailing power
✅ Pros
Eco-cruising capabilities
Elegant, modern interiors
Excellent performance across models
❌ Cons
Slightly more expensive than mainstream brands
Smaller global fleet compared to Lagoon
4. Leopard Catamarans – Robust, Ready, Refined
Country: South Africa
Founded: 2000 (by Robertson & Caine)
Best For: Bluewater cruising, long-range chartering
🌍 Brand Overview
Built tough for ocean passages, Leopard Catamarans have earned their reputation through partnerships with global charter companies like Sunsail and The Moorings. These boats are made for serious cruising, often with bluewater in mind.
★ Leopard 46 Powercat
Optional electric motors + solar regeneration
Expansive flybridge with helm and lounging
4-panel sliding door connects salon and aft deck
3 or 4 cabin versions
⚓ Other Notable Models
Leopard 42 – Great handling and visibility
Leopard 50 – Award-winning flybridge model
Leopard 53 PC – Flagship motor yacht
✅ Pros
Durable and safe for long-distance sailing
Excellent performance and speed
Practical design for liveaboards
❌ Cons
Less avant-garde than French competitors
Interiors more functional than luxurious
5. Nautitech – Sailor’s Choice
Country: Germany (built in France)
Founded: 1994
Best For: True sailors, performance seekers
🌍 Brand Overview
With an emphasis on performance sailing, Nautitech Catamarans provide a more traditional sailing experience. These boats are popular among owner-operators and sailing purists.
★ Nautitech 48 Open
Balanced performance with modern comforts
Seamless cockpit-salon integration
3 to 5 cabin layouts
High-quality finishes and materials
⚓ Other Notable Models
Nautitech 44 Open – Compact but performance-focused
Nautitech 40 Open – Aimed at couples and small groups
✅ Pros
True sailing feel
Excellent helm feedback and visibility
Understated luxury
❌ Cons
Fewer charter fleet options
Less space than Bali or Lagoon models
6. Windelo – The Sustainable Sailing Revolution
Country: France
Founded: 2020
Best For: Green sailing, innovative design lovers
🌍 Brand Overview
Windelo is a young but fast-growing shipyard pioneering eco-composite construction and electric propulsion systems. Their boats are built with sustainability and performance in mind.
★ Windelo 54 Sport
Hybrid electric/diesel propulsion
Modular interior design with panoramic views
Top-tier sailing performance
Green composite materials
⚓ Other Notable Models
Windelo 50 Adventure – Ideal for extended voyages
Windelo 60 Explorer – Built for long-distance ocean crossings
✅ Pros
Extremely low carbon footprint
Innovative use of materials
Fast and responsive
❌ Cons
Limited availability
Premium pricing due to custom builds
Buying vs Chartering a Catamaran in 2025: What’s Right for You?
🔑 Buying a Catamaran
Best for: Frequent sailors, liveaboards, long-term planners
Pros: Full control, potential for charter income, personalization
Cons: High upfront cost, ongoing maintenance, depreciation
🔑 Chartering a Catamaran
Best for: Vacationers, seasonal adventurers, newcomers
Pros: No maintenance, pay-as-you-go, flexibility in destinations
Cons: Availability issues in peak season, recurring costs over time
Best Catamarans for Different Types of Travelers
👨👩👧👦 Families
Lagoon 51 – Safe, spacious, and easy to manage
Bali 4.6 – Open living space and large fridges for families
💑 Couples
Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 – Compact luxury and privacy
Nautitech 44 Open – For those who love to sail
🧭 Solo Adventurers or Digital Nomads
Leopard 42 – Great visibility and manageability
Windelo 50 Adventure – Sustainability meets autonomy
FAQ: Your Catamaran Questions Answered
❓ Which catamaran brand is best for chartering in Croatia?
Lagoon, Bali, and Fountaine Pajot dominate the Croatian charter market thanks to their reliable build, spacious layouts, and global support.
❓ How much does it cost to charter a catamaran in Croatia?
Prices range from €3,000 to €15,000+ per week depending on the size, season, and services (bareboat vs crewed).
❓ Can I charter an electric or hybrid catamaran?
Yes! Brands like Leopard, Windelo, and Fountaine Pajot offer hybrid or electric propulsion systems.
❓ What’s the best time to sail Croatia?
The sailing season runs from May to October, with July and August being peak months.
Where to Charter These Catamarans in Croatia
Croatia is one of the best destinations in the world for catamaran chartering. At SkipperCity, we offer a full range of catamarans from all leading brands, departing from top sailing hubs like:
Split – Split Yacht Charter
Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik Yacht Charter
Šibenik – Sibenik Yacht Charter
Zadar – Zadar Yacht Charter
We offer bareboat, skippered, and crewed charters, with full flexibility on routes, services, and support.
Final Thoughts: Set Sail in 2025 with Confidence
Whether you’re investing in your first catamaran or planning an unforgettable holiday, choosing the right brand is key. With market leaders like Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, Nautitech, and eco-innovators like Windelo, you’re spoilt for choice in 2025.
Every sailor is different—some want luxury, others speed, and many want sustainability. Luckily, today’s catamaran market caters to all.
Ready to explore the Adriatic aboard one of these incredible catamarans?
👉 Get a Quote Today and make 2025 your year of unforgettable adventures on the sea.