50-foot cruising catamarans: These five models showcase the trends in this class

​Bali 5.2

The Bali 5.2 focuses above all on space and versatility. Particularly striking is the unusually wide range of layout options available within the very spacious hulls. Configurations featuring three, four, five or even six double cabins, each with its own bathroom, are possible. In addition, smaller skipper’s cabins with their own toilet can be fitted in the bow areas. This represents an exceptionally spacious layout for this size class.

Another characteristic feature of the model is the ‘Bali principle’, with a functionally integrated cockpit and saloon area. The interior and exterior flow seamlessly into one another without a traditional cabin bulkhead. Added to this is the fixed foredeck instead of a trampoline, which is used as a large forward cockpit with seating and sunbathing areas. The catamaran also creates additional living space on the flybridge, whilst the centrally positioned helm keeps all the important trim lines within easy reach.

With a hull length of 15.32 metres, a beam of 8.16 metres and an unladen weight of 19.1 tonnes, the Bali 5.2 is clearly positioned as a large living and cruising catamaran. It is available from 1,134,070 euros.

​Neel 52

• Read the full review of the Neel 52 here.

The Neel 52 It stands out from the crowd of traditional cruising catamarans because it is a trimaran. It is nevertheless relevant when considering large, comfort-oriented multihulls, as the design combines ample living space with the sailing characteristics of a trimaran. With this new model, the shipyard is adopting a completely new design as the successor to the Neel 51.

Its strength lies in the layout. The saloon feels like a single-level loft flat, complemented by a separate owner’s cabin and various fit-out options in the side hulls. These can accommodate additional double cabins, an office, a workshop or a utility room. Beneath the saloon, in the centre hull, there is a further area which can be used as a cabin or storage space as required.

Under sail, the Neel 52 is particularly lively on broad reaches. During testing, the boat achieved 6.4 knots in light winds with a large genoa; however, the turning angle remained rather modest at 120 degrees. It also features an easily accessible engine room and high-quality, sustainable construction using flax fibres, PET foam and cork in parts of the structure. With a base price of 1,612,450 euros, the Neel 52 is clearly positioned in the upper segment of the market.

Lagoon 51

• Read the full review of the Lagoon 51 here.

The Lagoon 51 is designed as a comfort-oriented cruising catamaran with a great deal of living space. The report describes it as a floating holiday home, with a strong focus on quality of life on board, a spacious interior and a large saloon. It is based on the hull of the former Lagoon 50, with redesigned swim platforms and a repositioned mast.

The redesign is primarily aimed at creating more interior space. The new mast position has allowed for a more open saloon layout. The result is a bright living area with panoramic views, an additional sofa and a full-sized dining table. Below deck, there is space for four to six cabins. In the owner’s version, a spacious suite occupies the entire starboard hull. The build quality and feel of the materials are above average for a mass-produced catamaran.

In terms of sailing performance, the Lagoon 51 delivers respectable figures for a boat so heavily geared towards comfort. During testing, it sailed at around 5.2 knots upwind in winds of ten to twelve knots, 6.5 knots on a broad reach and up to 7.4 knots running before the wind with a Code Zero. The limited visibility from the exposed helm on the flybridge and the separation of the helmsman from the crew in the cockpit remain points of concern. The catamaran’s base price is around 1.16 million euros, whilst the fully equipped version costs just under 1.3 million euros.

​Fountaine Pajot Aura 51

• You can read the review of the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 here.

The Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 combines a high standard of living with a unique technical feature. The focus is on the optional Smart Electric- a system through which the shipyard is introducing a more electrified propulsion system, complete with intelligent energy management. The system is powered by batteries, a generator, solar panels and energy recovery from the propellers whilst sailing.

In testing, the Aura 51, equipped with two 25-kW electric pods, demonstrated impressive performance under power and very direct responses when manoeuvring. The battery capacity is sufficient for up to four hours’ cruising at reduced power, whilst the generator significantly extends the range.

The Aura 51 also offers plenty of space as a houseboat. The saloon is open-plan and bright, featuring a large galley, an additional bar area and several layout options with four, five or six cabins. True to Fountaine Pajot’s design philosophy, the helm station and working area are separated on deck, allowing for the smooth organisation of sail handling and access to the flybridge. One drawback is the lack of feedback from the hydraulic steering system. The base price is 1,136,450 euros; the Smart Electric package is available at an additional cost.

Leopard 52

• Read the review here

The Leopard 52 It replaces the previous flagship, the Leopard 50, and remains true to Robertson and Caine’s range as a robustly built, mass-produced cruising catamaran from South Africa. A new feature is that the flybridge is now an integral part of the base boat, whilst below deck there are significantly more layout options available than on its predecessor. With three to six double cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom, the design is aimed at both private owners and the charter market.

During the test off Saint-Raphaël, the Leopard 52 sailed on a broad reach at 6.5 knots at 50 degrees to the true wind; with the Code Zero, just under 9 knots were possible on a half-wind course. Its lively manoeuvrability was also a positive feature, whilst the stiff steering with little feedback was less convincing. Among its major strengths are the high-quality build, the very neatly organised technical systems and the attractive base price of just under 1.07 million euros gross, plus transport costs from South Africa.

​Conclusion

The current cruising catamarans demonstrate just how diverse the segment has become. The Bali 5.2 focuses on maximum interior customisation, the Leopard 52 on robust build quality and versatility, the Lagoon 51 on living comfort, and the Aura 51 on technical innovation in propulsion. The Neel 52 rounds off the comparison as a distinct trimaran alternative offering plenty of space and a unique sailing experience. So, anyone looking for a multihull in this size range will now find very different answers to the same question: what is the best way to live and travel comfortably on the water over the long term?

As of 2026, you can read about how the prices shown are defined here!