TOP 5 Best Yachts From 12 to 15 Meters (40-50 ft) in 2024

We are presenting topRik's 2023 selection of 12-15 m (40-50 ft) catamarans. Comparison of best vessels of this segment in terms of size, space, price, different cons and pros and many more!

 

Fountaine Pajot MY5

At the request of the shipyard Fountaine Pajot naval architect Daniel Andrieu and designers from Pierangelo Andreani Studio initially designed the MY5 marine catamaran exclusively as a power catamaran. Cat rightfully took its place in the line of motor yachts of the shipyard between MY 4.S and MY6. Like its older brother, MY5 (formerly MY 40) also collected a number of prestigious awards, one of which is “Best Multihull Motor Yacht” (up to 50 ft) by 2019 Asia Boating Awards.

It is a very stable boat, which makes it attractive for both family cruising and commercial cruising. The space of all decks is thoughtfully divided into zones of work, rest, and dining. Recreation options include the opportunity to sunbathe or swim with the whole family or in the company of friends - there is enough space for everyone.

Even the participants of the charter will comfortably accommodate on the foredeck area of 8 m², in the cockpit, saloon and flybridge of 16 m², not to mention the cabins.

It is from the bathing platform that the entrance to the cockpit opens from two sides: one is wide, through which you can load products, equipment and gear, the other is narrower.

In the cockpit there is just a huge L-shaped sofa, in front of which you can install an additional table assembled to organize a meal in the fresh air. This is convenient, since a wide entrance to the saloon opens from the cockpit, and the galley is located there immediately on the starboard side.

The cockpit also has excellent access to both engine rooms through large hatches. In the center there is a place for storing life rafts.

In addition to stability, the catamaran is as safe as possible for both adults and children: wide side decks, stairs and flybridge are equipped with grab bars, as well as railings, ladder steps are wide and covered with non-slip material.

On the foredeck is a beautiful C-shaped sunbathing area with two full-size reclining sun loungers. In the center of this living room, you see a trapdoor that opens up to a huge locker where fenders and water sports equipment can fit.

While we are still at the foredeck, pay attention to the anchor, which can be controlled from all decks, including control panels in the saloon and on the flybridge.

The photo above clearly shows the sunroof, which protects those who are on the flybridge from the sun. Here all passengers of the cat can freely sit. For this, comfortable sofas and poufs are provided. It is equipped with a bar, refrigerator, ice maker and barbecue.

The control panel is placed on a small elevation, from where an almost 360-degree view opens. The helmsman can see all parts of the floats, the port side is visible through the gangway leading to the flybridge. The helm of MY5 looks like a car steering wheel, the tilt of which is adjustable. Instrument panels and equipment control are displayed here: engine diagnostics, throttle, joystick, multifunctional marine display, etc.

This is the working area of the flybridge in addition to the lounge and dining area. But there are places for family members or friends so that the helmsman does not feel lonely. A very social decision.

The saloon is also conditionally divided into several zones. With wide sliding doors it can be combined with the cockpit, which significantly expands the usable area in addition to the 16 m² of the saloon itself.

At the starboard there is the kitchen area: you get a well-equipped galley with microwave or oven, gas hob and dishwasher. Opposite to it a large refrigerator with a freezer is installed. The seating area, or dining area, is slightly raised compared to the level of the galley. This opens up a wider view through panoramic windows around the perimeter.

A long sofa on the port side with upholstered seats, backs and poufs and an armchair make up the living room. And together with the table, which is transformed with the help of an electric drive, upholstered furniture makes up a dining area, where 6 people can freely accommodate, and actually even more if desired.

And here is the working area of the saloon - the skipper can climb down here in bad weather. It is equipped with a full-fledged control panel, exactly the same as on the flybridge. Although, the overview of the entire catamaran is not as good - the stern is not visible.

Let's start the description of MY5’s the cabins by saying that they are two meters high, which is unusual for a 40-foot boat. The master cabin is just a small apartment with all the amenities that start with a double queen-size island bed. The porthole opposite the bed exceeds its width and has an opening part, so that the inhabitants are provided with natural light and fresh air.

Before getting into the main cabin, to which the entire port side is given, you have to go through the foyer, where the main electrical switchboard and a spot for a washing machine are located. The master cabin is equipped with plenty of storage space too.

A separate huge bathroom with an open shower overlooking the sea and a separate closed toilet - a layout that is almost never found on cats of this size.

Depending on the choice of equipment, you can have MY5 with three or four cabins. In the case of a three-cabin configuration, the master cabin remains the same, and two cabins are equipped in the starboard float with a shared bathroom and a separate shower.

 

Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47

Sailing catamaran Tanna 47 from Fountaine Pajot replaced the Saona 47 - the new model in the old case proved to be so striking and effective that we gave it the fourth place in our rating.

To the left and to the right along the side there are entrance ladders with wide comfortable steps. Between them there can be a platform, which is an optional element. It can be used to carry a dinghy or as a bathing area.

The layout of the cockpit differs little from its predecessor. The table on the port side can accommodate 8-10 people. A couple more vacationers can be accommodated on a sunbed on the port side or on a long sofa along the transom.

A gas barbecue is very convenient on deck: you catch a fish and fry it right there, and the smells will be carried away by the wind. Of course, here you can fry not only fish, but also meat, vegetables, etc. Refrigerator and freezer are also an option, there are spots for them in the cockpit.

From the cockpit we rise to the helm station. From the control post you can enjoy an excellent overview of the entire catamaran, the nose of the left hull is slightly blocked, but you can navigate by the railing. And to see the stern, you will have to bend down, but this procedure does not cause discomfort.

The helm area and the sailing area on of Tanna 47 are separated, but the winches from are within easy reach, just behind the helm.

The panel contains all the tools, the readings of which are important for the helmsman, additional to throttle controls, chartplotter, etc. The stoppers of all three winches are brought to one point. Below is a pocket for sheets and halyards.

The sailing equipment includes the classic genoa - Fountaine Pajot did not follow the new fashion for automation here either.

On the flybridge, manipulations with the sails do not threaten anyone if at this time they are located on one of plentiful sofas or sunbeds. There is room for a table and extra seats.

In the bow there is a large compartment for the anchor chain, where fenders can also be stored. On top of the hatch of this compartment and next to it, you can place several mats and organize a natural solarium.

There are also few changes in the saloon: the usual rounding of furniture, a luxurious corner sofa, a side ottoman, a sliding table - everything is very stylish and beautifully lit. Two more large skylights have been added to the panoramic glazing of the cabin.

A small hatch above the stove acts as a hood. The galley is equipped with all kitchen utensils. There are several refrigerators in the cabin. Above one of them is a large chartplotter, and the usual place of the navigator practically does not exist in this version.

Three and four cabin versions are available. In the 3 cabin version, the master cabin is in the port float. The bed is really big, with access from three sides. In the transition to a full-fledged bathroom there is a wardrobe, shelves, work and dressing tables.

 

Aventura 14

The flagship of STGI Marine, the Aventura 14 motor catamaran holds the record for the number of cabins among 44-foot yachts - there are six of them. At the same time, the catamaran has seaworthy characteristics for long-distance, almost oceanic crossings at a maximum speed of 22 knots, which can be developed by the Yanmar 2x400 hp engines installed on it. At a cruising speed of 16 knots, the cruising range can reach 1,300 nautical miles.

But in the engine compartment of the yacht, you can put engines with a power of 550 hp, then the cat will develop a cruising speed of up to 18 knots, and a maximum speed of up to 27. In two tanks plus one additional tank Aventura 14 can carry 1.5 + 1.5 + 1 = whopping 4 tons of fuel.

Nova Luxe took a direct part in the creation of the vessel, offering to make it as environmentally friendly as possible. To do this, they have developed a powerful solar battery specifically for this model to be placed on the flybridge. Its capacity (more than 7 kW/h) will fully serve the needs of passengers. And additional electrical equipment will reduce the use of diesel engines on sunny days.

With such high performance, passengers and crew are provided with incredible comfort to work, rest and travel, which is the hallmark of the Aventura brand.

A very wide hydraulic platform at the stern accommodates several motorboats, rafts or jet skis. There is also a spacious aft garage for a pair of folding bikes or equipment for diving, hunting or fishing.

There is a table in the cockpit, which can comfortably accommodate up to 16 people on soft sofas and side benches or chairs. And since the saloon and cockpit are separated by wide sliding doors, you get a huge common space, which is also located on the same level.

Huge 26 m² flybridge has its own kitchen area, which includes a grill, sink and a compact refrigerator for drinks, ice cream and fruits. The dining area, that serves also as a relaxation area or a living room, includes a large table and sofas with backs, surrounding the table from 3 sides.

A huge space below the working area can be equipped with a solarium or a SPA with a jacuzzi, some place gym equipment there. Of course, with a jacuzzi filled with water, you cannot develop maximum speed, after all, the additional weight is almost 3 tons.

The working area includes a control post, as well as a comfortable seat in front of it for several people, the height of which is adjustable. The height of the steering wheel itself, made in the form of an automobile steering wheel, is regulated in the same way. The instrument panel displays the performance indicators of the equipment and its control elements, as well as a high-quality marine display with a chartplotter.

The spacious saloon with electric table for 12 people has a full galley with all the equipment, a large double-door refrigerator with a large freezer, a wine cabinet, a microwave, a dishwasher and a washing machine, etc.

The working area is a control post, the dashboard of which is located behind the steering wheel and to the right of it. All the controls of the Aventura 14 are placed here – the automation of the yacht’s management is so advanced, that this vessel can be considered a “smart yacht” by analogy with a “smart home”.

In general, the motorboat seems as comfortable as a compact mansion on the water can be. This feeling intensifies when you go below deck and find that you can straighten up freely, straighten your shoulders, and there is still enough space above your head.

We have already said that the cat is designed for 6 cabins if you are going to use it for charters. But if you are looking to buy an Aventura 14 catamaran for personal use, you will definitely choose the option with a master cabin and 2, 3 or 4 guest cabins, depending on the composition of the family and the number of close friends you can invite on a cruise.

The master cabin will then take up the entire float and house a huge island double bed, table, sofa, lots of closets, shelves and hidden lockers. Of course, a separate bathroom with a rain shower, toilet and a furnished hallway.

Private bathrooms in guest cabins differ from the master cabin only in size.

Every time you look at the new premises of Aventura 14, you really can’t tell whether you are cruising on a 44-foot power catamaran or picking a new house for permanent residence.

 

Excess 15

Of course, when ranking the best catamarans up to 15 meters in length, we could not help but place the Excess 15 fully electric cruising sailing catamaran in second place. This is a new brand of catamarans from Beneteau-Lagoon-Janneau, focused on performance, while having all the properties of a cruising catamaran, full habitability and build quality from a major manufacturer.

The catamaran is equipped with electric engines instead of diesel ones. It has become a kind of research laboratory used to study the effect of installing electric motors on serial yachts.

The boat has a very spacious saloon with open access to the cockpit through wide sliding doors. In this case, one of the tables in the L-shaped galley can serve as a bar in the cockpit. This allows you to combine two zones into a single space for organizing mass entertainment with refreshments and dancing.

In the saloon, a large soft sofa goes around the table on three sides, where up to 12 people can fit. The galley is equipped with all the most necessary kitchen equipment - stove, oven, refrigerator, etc. Around the entire perimeter of the cabin there is glazing that provides excellent visibility and natural light, and opening transoms in them provide natural ventilation.

The cockpit also has barbecue facilities and a fridge for drinks and ice cream. In the cockpit there are sofas with backs, one of which goes around the table on both sides, the other is on the transom, and the sofa opposite the table has a spacious locker.

Drop-down seats in front of the helms and a small bimini over the helmsman's head have already become a hallmark of this range. The helms with a control panel are located in the cockpit on both sides of the catamaran. The panel contains the tools to manage the equipment, in particular, electric motors, as well as control drives for some equipment and devices such as an autopilot and a thruster.

To the left and right of the steering wheels is the engine control knob. Near the steering wheels there are manual or electric winches, at the choice of the buyer. Above the cabin and part of the cockpit there is a retractable roof - also a trademark of the line. An automatic jib is included as standard.

An excellent view opens up from the helmsman's seat, in particular, due to the fact that the saloon is completely glazed and through it the bow of the catamaran is perfectly visible. When maneuvering, the helmsman does not have to crouch or stretch his neck - he has a full view of both floats both in the stern and in the bow.

Naval architects and designers abandoned the idea of flybridge. But on the foredeck, you can equip a large sunbathing area using a deck and two trampolines.

You get fairly roomy, but not overbearing, guest cabins fore and aft of the same float, each with its own porthole, large double bed and bathroom.

The master cabin completely occupies one of the hulls and is divided into bedroom, living room and bath areas. In the recreation area you will find a large island double bed, two portholes, shelves. Further in the corridor there are cupboards, sofas, several tables. And in the other part there is a huge bathroom that contains everything that is required for hygiene and water procedures: a shower, a washbasin, a latrine, etc.

If desired, you can choose a package for 4 cabins or with a separate cabin for the skipper in the bow of the vessel.

Under the engines, Excess 14 goes very quietly. And when sailing, the electric catamaran can recuperate water energy.

 

Fountaine Pajot MY6

The MY6 (formerly MY44) motor cruising catamaran is still one of the world leaders in the 13.4 m (44 ft) double hull boat market. Shipyard Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts received all the most prestigious awards for this cat, including “Best Multihull Power Yacht”, “European Power Boat of the Year” and “Best Passagemaker”.

Daniel Andrieu and Pierangelo Andreani once again demonstrated their engineering and creative potential, as a result of which the catamaran received excellent seaworthiness and unique living spaces.

The yacht is stable with a good draft (1.3 m), behaves confidently even at a speed of 25 knots.

With a length of 13.6 m and a beam of 6.5 m, there are 3 or 4 double cabins with three bathrooms, a spacious cockpit, company cabins, a flybridge, a foredeck solarium and a bathing platform. At the same time, as is customary in Fountaine Pajot’s catamarans, the entire space is divided into zones - working, relaxing, dining, kitchen, etc.

In the bow there are several spacious lockers where fenders and ropes can be stored. Anchor and anchor winch can be controlled using a remote control or from one of the control stations located in the saloon and on the flybridge.

Foredeck is transformed into a great place for a vacation - a sunbathing area or an evening bar - with reclining loungers and a portable table with recesses for bottles and glasses.

We climb the flybridge stairs with railings and wide steps. Here the distribution of zones is thought out to the smallest detail. Recreation area is also a dining area, with comfortable sofas and a large built-in table, a refrigerator for drinks and ice cream.

Another very large folding sofa - a real rookery - is located on the port side. Friends or family members resting here will brighten up the skipper's stay at the helm, which has the shape of a steering wheel.

The working area is located on the starboard side, directly opposite this huge sofa. The control post is equipped with a very comfortable wide chair.

The control panel contains all the main instruments, as well as the controls for all helmsman actions, and a multifunctional marine display. The height of the steering wheel is adjustable. Management is simplified using the joystick.

All this splendor is protected by a sun-protection curtain on the roof, which can be moved if you want to sunbathe.

The same control post is located in the cabin. Huge portholes located around the perimeter provide natural light and excellent visibility. The portholes have opening parts that allow you to ventilate the cabin.

Incredibly large space, although filled with excellent upholstered furniture, leaves a lot of room for free movement. At the table-transformer, 10 people can fit without constraining each other. This table, if desired, can easily be converted into a coffee, dining or even an extra bed.

Corners of the table and galley furniture are rounded for safety. The galley is located on the port side - despite its compactness, it has all the necessary kitchen equipment, including a stove, refrigerator, etc.

As you can see in the top photo, a wide sliding door opens from the saloon to the cockpit. This combines them into a single space, which allows you to throw grand parties with a large number of guests, turning one of the galley tables into a bar counter.

In the cockpit there is a comfortable soft sofa with lockers under the seats; a portable table can be placed here.

There is also a locker with a life raft, a gas cylinder and necks for refueling the tanks. Fresh water is connected to the shower in the cockpit.

Under the cockpit hatches there is a capacious engine compartment, which provides free access to engines and other technical equipment.

Using the wide steps from the cockpit you get to stationary platform, a real personal beach spot with an area of 9 m². The cockpit floor and platform are covered with natural teak.

Maestro version includes a master suite that is completely dedicated to the owner. Surprisingly spacious, it has a real island bed, a table, an extra sofa and wardrobes for storing clothes and other things.

A huge porthole with a "window" provides the cabin with fresh air and natural light. The height of all the rooms of the catamaran MY6 is striking - even a regular cabin’s ceiling is at least 2 meters high.

The master cabin has a private bathroom and toilet. Two double guest cabins located in another float are also provided with separate bathrooms with toilets.

There is a choice of 4-cabin charter version, two in each float, with shared bathrooms for each couple.

The MY6 power catamaran is designed exclusively for IPS systems and has a cruising range of up to 1,000 miles. Safety and comfort on long journeys are provided for both passengers and crew of this magnificent vessel.

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