Bahia 46 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46 began its production run in 1997, continuing for approximately a decade until 2007. During this era, Fountaine Pajot, founded by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, had firmly established itself as a leader in cruising multihulls, transitioning from racing dinghies and monohulls to focus on comfortable and spacious catamarans built with foam-core sandwich construction. The design team, including Joubert Nivelt and Olivier Flahault, aimed to create a vessel that prioritized innovation in both performance and aesthetics. The Bahia 46 notably adopted beamier hulls compared to some of Fountaine Pajot's earlier models, a characteristic that contributed to its increased interior volume. While specific "MkI vs. MkII" distinctions are not prevalent, variations in internal layout, such as dedicated owner's versions versus multi-cabin charter configurations, were common, allowing for flexibility in how owners utilized the vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its substantial volume, the Bahia 46 is widely praised for its exceptional sailing ability. It is considered a "well-canvassed" catamaran, boasting performance that often rivals more modern production multihulls. Owners frequently note its impressive speed and comfortable motion, with its long waterline contributing to reduced pitching compared to many monohulls. The Bahia 46 is equipped with a simple fractional headsail on a roller furler and a large, high-roach, full-batten mainsail, a common and efficient rig for cruising catamarans. For ease of operation, the boat features a single helm station, thoughtfully positioned aft in the cockpit for good protection and visibility. Instead of daggerboards, the Bahia 46 employs mini-keels, which, while potentially offering slightly less upwind performance than boards, provide added protection for the hull and contribute to the boat's inherent stability, a desirable trait for cruising. Furthermore, the Bahia 46's design ensures reasonable underwing clearance, a critical factor in catamarans to minimize wave-slapping in choppy conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46 is celebrated for its comfortable and generously proportioned interior, a hallmark of the builder's design philosophy emphasizing maximized volume and light., 7] The saloon is notably spacious and bright, serving as a central hub for living aboard. The galley is typically well-equipped, catering to extended cruising needs. While the specific configuration can vary, the Bahia 46 is frequently found in a four-double-cabin layout, with each cabin often featuring its own en-suite facilities, making it highly appealing for charter use or for large families and groups. Additionally, a popular private owner's version exists, which dedicates the entire starboard hull to a comprehensive owner's suite, providing enhanced privacy and space. The boat offers a significant amount of storage throughout, essential for long-term cruising. Overall, the quality of workmanship and the intelligent utilization of space within the Bahia 46 are consistently cited as impressive by those who experience the vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

The Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46 consistently receives positive feedback from its owners, skippers, and crews worldwide. Owners frequently highlight the catamaran's exceptional sailing performance and comfortable motion in a seaway as key strengths. The spaciousness and thoughtful layout of the interior are also highly valued, providing a comfortable living experience whether for short trips or extended voyages. The ample storage capacity further contributes to its appeal for serious cruisers. While specific recurring issues are not commonly cited, the general consensus points to the Bahia 46 as a well-built and reliable cruising platform that delivers on its promise of combining performance with liveaboard comfort. Its enduring popularity in both the private ownership and charter markets underscores its robust design and suitability for diverse sailing needs.