Casamanche 45 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Fountaine Pajot, a company founded by visionary regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, the Casamanche 45 emerged from a shipyard that had already made a name for itself in high-performance sailing. The firm, which began with racing dinghies, pivoted to focus on cruising catamarans in the early 1980s, leveraging its expertise in foam-core sandwich construction to create vessels that prioritized comfort and spaciousness.

History and Design

The Fountaine Pajot Casamanche 45 was produced between 1985 and 1991, marking a key era in the builder's evolution toward becoming a dominant force in the multihull market. Following the success of their first series production catamaran, the Louisiane 37 in 1983, and the subsequent Casamance 43, the Casamanche 45 continued Fountaine Pajot's strategic shift. These early cruising catamarans, including the Casamance series, benefited from the naval architectural expertise of Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, who collaborated with Fountaine Pajot during this foundational period.

The design philosophy behind the Casamanche 45, consistent with Fountaine Pajot's growing reputation, emphasized balancing performance with enhanced interior volume and light for cruising. Notably, the Casamance 43, which preceded the 45, abandoned pivoting centerboards in favor of fixed fins, a design choice better suited for cruising and aimed at increasing interior space. It is likely the Casamanche 45 continued this design evolution, further refining the concept of a comfortable, volume-rich cruising catamaran. Built with a solid fiberglass hull and a fiberglass solid deck, the Casamanche 45 aimed for robust construction suitable for offshore adventures.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran with a length overall of 45.83 feet and a waterline length of 45.08 feet, the Fountaine Pajot Casamanche 45 is designed to offer a blend of stability and respectable cruising speeds. Its wide beam of 23 feet provides significant form stability, reducing heel and contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a reported sail area of 1,050 square feet and a displacement of 18,000 pounds, the Casamanche 45 is adequately powered for its size, allowing for efficient sailing in typical cruising conditions.

The twin-keel configuration, combined with a maximum draft of 4.25 feet, suggests good directional stability and the ability to access shallower anchorages. Powered by two 90 HP Volvo Penta diesel engines, the Casamanche 45 has a calculated hull speed of approximately 9.0 knots, indicating its potential for swift passages under power when winds are light or absent. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the Casamanche 45 are not readily available, Fountaine Pajot's general design ethos for its catamarans emphasizes ease of maneuvering and a balanced sail plan, allowing for comfortable and confident operation for its crew.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fountaine Pajot Casamanche 45, typical of cruising catamarans of its era, was designed to maximize interior space and provide ample comfort for its inhabitants. While specific headroom details for this model are not available in all documentation, Fountaine Pajot's overarching design philosophy has consistently focused on maximizing interior volume and light to enhance the liveaboard experience.

Catamarans of this size from the late 1980s generally feature multiple private cabins, often one in each hull, providing excellent privacy for multiple couples or a large family. A spacious main salon, typically situated across the bridge deck, would have offered panoramic views and served as the primary gathering area. The galley, often located in one hull or as part of the main salon, would have been well-equipped for preparing meals on extended cruises. Given its generous beam, the Casamanche 45 would have provided extensive storage throughout, including lockers, drawers, and under-berth spaces. Ventilation would likely be achieved through a combination of deck hatches and portlights, ensuring airflow in various climates. The use of materials would have reflected the standards of the time, likely incorporating a blend of fiberglass surfaces with warm wood trim to create a comfortable and functional living environment.