At the 2014 boat shows, the 45ft range is the most popular catamarans right now. There are four production models on the market that seem to accommodate most families’ preferences. However, our clients have a hard time making a choice between them.
These sailing catamarans, even though similar in length, are different in significant ways, not only in look and styling but sail to power ratios, volume, and comfort. So, we have done a price and specifications comparison of the four most popular sailing catamaran models in the 45ft range, Bali 4.5, Helia 44, Lagoon 450, and Leopard 44.
This information below, should give catamaran buyers a clearer view of how these sailing catamarans compare. We have similarly spec’d out each of the four catamaran models and the price includes delivery to the US. The hot buttons for this type and size of catamarans are the forward cockpit, “sky-lounge” or sundeck, flush deck from aft cockpit to inside saloon area and aft cockpit extension. Based on this and the most important specifications, like displacement, sail area, length, etc., we made the chart below to get a good comparison of each catamaran’s features.
Bali 4.5 Catamaran by the Catana Group: 535,325 Euro | Lagoon 450 Catamaran: 502,474 Euro
Helia 44 by Fountaine Pajot: 515,940 Euro | Leopard 44 by Robertson & Caine: 448,262 Euro
*Based on 2014 Pricing
| COMPARISON CRITERIA | BALI 4.5 by CATANA | HELIA 44 by FOUNTAINE PAJOT | LAGOON 450 | LEOPARD 44 by ROBERTSON & CAINE |
| *Price Similarly Equipped | 535,325 Euro | 515,940 Euro | 502,474 Euro | 448,262 Euro |
| Length | 44.88ft | 43.5ft | 45.10ft | 42.7ft |
| Beam | 24.48ft | 24.3ft | 25.9ft | 23.9ft |
| Draft | 4ft | 3.80ft | 4.3ft | 4.2ft |
| Displacement | 11.6t | 10.8t | 15.5t | 12.62t |
| Sail Area | 151m2 | 115m2 | 134m2 | 123m2 |
| Engines standard / Upgrade | 40hp and 50hp | 40hp and 55hp | 40hp and 55hp | 29hp and 39hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 211 gal | 124.2 gal | 264 gal | 185 gal |
| Water Capacity | 211 gal | 198 gal | 185 gal | 206 gal |
| Self tacking Jib | Yes | No | No | No |
| Water maker | 200 liter/h | 60 liter/h or 180 liter/h | 100 liter/h | 63 liter/h |
| Refrigeration Capacity | 615 liter | 190 + 90=280 liter | 130+110=240 liter | 212 liter |
| Ventilation: | ||||
| Up/Down Window | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sliding Door | 2 | 2 | 2 | Hinged door |
| Deck Hatches | 6 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Hull Hatches | 14 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Forward Cockpit | Yes -10people | No | No | Yes -5 people |
| Aft Flush Cockpit | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Aft Cockpit Extension | Yes | No | NO | No |
| Fwd. Sundeck & Bimini | Yes | No | No | No |
| Sun Bed Capacity | 10 people | 4 people | 3 people | No |
| Stern Cockpit Table | 8 people | 8 people | 6 people | 6 people |
| Forward Cockpit Table | 8 people | No | No | 4 people |
*These prices are estimates only and should be negotiated with each independent dealer OR catamaran buyers can consult with Catamaran Guru to negotiate on their behalf.
4 thoughts on “Compare The Most Popular 45ft Production Sailing Catamarans”
How are the Power to Weight ratios calculated? These numbers don’t look right. For the Helia, for example, the sail area is 115m^2, whereas displacement is 10.5t. 115/10.5 = 10.95 (not 91). In all of my calculations, the FPs have better power to weight than lagoon or leopard.
I would like to thank Catamaran Guru forgiving an independent review with the pros and cons of each brand well done
You are welcome! It’s makes things a little easier for consumers when they are armed with all the facts!
Any chance of updating to include the Australian Seawind catamarans?