Athena 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 was in production from 1994 to 2001, with approximately 211 units built. Fountaine Pajot, founded in 1976 by Jean-François Fountaine, a visionary regatta competitor, had already established itself as a pioneer in multihull construction by the time the Athena 38 was conceived. Their early success with racing dinghies and a strategic pivot to cruising catamarans in the early 1980s with models like the Louisiane 37 and Casamance 43 laid the groundwork for the Athena 38. The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized balancing performance, comfort, and spaciousness, often leveraging foam-core sandwich construction. The Athena 38, like many Fountaine Pajot models since 1990, features the distinctive "roof cap" design by Olivier Flahault, who was responsible for its interior. The design goal for the Athena 38 was to create a comfortable cruising catamaran with good sailing performance and outstanding styling, making it an attractive option for both charter operations and private cruising. While the search results do not indicate significant variations like MkI/MkII models, different sail configurations such as full batten mainsails and roller furling headsails were available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 is a catamaran, which inherently offers a different sailing experience compared to monohulls. With a length overall of 38.05 feet and a waterline length of 38.0 feet, coupled with a generous beam of 20.67 feet, the Athena 38 provides significant deck and interior space. Its hull speed is calculated at 8.26 knots. The Athena 38 is equipped with twin keels, which contribute to its stability and allow for a shallower maximum draft of 3.5 feet, enabling access to more anchorages. Powered by two Yanmar 36 HP diesel engines, it offers reliable auxiliary propulsion. The reported sail area of 914 square feet suggests a capable sailing performance for a cruising catamaran of its size. The Athena 38 is generally considered well-built and sails comparatively well. Anecdotal evidence suggests it handles well, offering a balanced and solid feel, even for those transitioning from monohulls.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 is designed to maximize interior volume and light, providing a comfortable and spacious living environment typical of Fountaine Pajot's design philosophy. The interior layout of the Athena 38 is characterized by a symmetrical arrangement across its twin hulls, which helps provide privacy for occupants and prevents the boat from feeling crowded. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design aims for a comfortable living space. Descriptions and visual tours indicate a typical catamaran layout with sleeping cabins in the hulls, often featuring a master cabin in one hull (owner's version) and guest cabins in the other, along with two bathrooms. The salon and galley are generally located in the bridgedeck area, offering panoramic views. Owners report the boat has "just the right amount of space". The general finish quality is considered good, with Fountaine Pajot known for well-thought-out designs and innovative technology.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 generally praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly for family cruising and charter operations. The boat is often highlighted for its agile sailing characteristics and robust build quality, which can help convert monohull sailors to multihulls. Owners appreciate its balance of performance and space, making it a popular choice. However, some owners have noted common issues, such as problems with the original water supply system. Another reported issue, though not universal, can be the original deck fittings developing leaks, which may require re-bedding. Despite these potential minor setbacks, the collective viewpoint suggests the Athena 38 is a well-regarded cruising catamaran that offers a comfortable and efficient platform for extended voyages.