Lipari 41 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Fountaine Pajot, a French shipyard with a legacy dating back to 1976, the Lipari 41 benefits from the company's extensive experience in multihull construction. Fountaine Pajot, founded by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, transitioned from racing dinghies to become a world leader in cruising catamarans, consistently pushing boundaries in marine design and construction. Their manufacturing ethos, refined over decades, focuses on maximizing interior volume and light, creating vessels ideal for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles, characteristics clearly evident in the Lipari 41.

History and Design

The Lipari 41 commenced production in 2010, emerging from a design process that aimed to maximize space, storage, and comfort within its 39-foot length. The naval architects Joubert/Nivelt, working closely with Fountaine Pajot's design office, focused on delivering a cruising catamaran that balanced ease of handling with impressive living areas. This design philosophy aligns with Fountaine Pajot's broader strategy of producing cruising catamarans known for their balance of performance, comfort, and spaciousness. The vessel's shoal-draft design, featuring twin keels, prioritizes reduced maintenance and access to shallower anchorages, though it may result in slightly less windward performance compared to daggerboard-equipped boats. During its production run, Fountaine Pajot introduced an upgraded version known as the "Lipari 41 Evolution," which incorporated a host of design innovations and interior refinements, demonstrating the builder's commitment to continuous improvement and addressing evolving market demands. The hulls are constructed with Divinycell core above the waterline and solid laminate below, a signature Fountaine Pajot build technique for seaworthiness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 is generally considered a capable and responsive cruising catamaran. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.02, the Lipari 41 offers adequate power for comfortable cruising, suggesting a design that prioritizes ease of handling and comfort in varying conditions rather than outright speed. This ratio indicates a moderate sail plan for its displacement, allowing for manageable performance across a range of wind speeds. Its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of around 165.43 classifies it as a relatively light-displacement catamaran for its length, contributing to its ability to move efficiently through the water and achieve respectable cruising speeds.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Lipari 41 handles smoothly, with the autopilot effectively maintaining course even in choppy conditions. The helm station is ergonomically designed, providing good visibility and centralized controls for ease of maneuvering. Sail handling is streamlined by features like a targa top, which allows for convenient access to the boom for stowing the mainsail in a stackpack. While its fixed shoal-draft keels mean it may not point as high to windward as some racier designs, this is a deliberate trade-off for reduced maintenance and greater accessibility to shallow waters, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and island hopping.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 is a hallmark of its design, emphasizing spaciousness, natural light, and comfort. The layout is intelligently conceived to maximize livable volume and storage. The Lipari 41 is typically available in two primary configurations: a three-cabin "Owner's Version" or a four-cabin layout. In the highly popular Owner's Version, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a luxurious master suite, featuring a large cabin, ample storage, and a private, stylish bathroom. The port hull generally accommodates two double cabins with shared head and shower facilities.

Common features across layouts include a generously sized saloon and galley, situated on the same level as the cockpit, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The galley is well-equipped, and the saloon often includes a chart table with a sea view, enhancing the liveaboard experience. Interior finishes typically feature woodwork, such as Alpi tinted wild cherry tree, complemented by Wenge-colored parquet flooring, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Excellent visibility from within the saloon and ample natural light are consistently noted features. The design prioritizes comfort, with comfortable cabins and a significant amount of dedicated storage space, reported to be around 2100 liters. Ventilation is typically good, a crucial aspect for tropical cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 generally appreciate its comfortable interior, liveaboard readiness, and overall design optimized for cruising. Many find the catamaran to be a practical and enjoyable platform for extended voyages and family adventures. The "Evolution" upgrade, a preventative measure by Fountaine Pajot, was well-received by many owners, who found it enhanced an already excellent boat.

However, some owners participate in online forums to discuss minor issues or share maintenance tips. While overall feedback tends to be positive regarding the yacht's quality and charter experience, there can be variations in individual experiences, as with any boat, with some less favorable reviews occasionally surfacing. The sacrificial stub keels are a design feature appreciated for their role in protecting the hull in case of grounding. The community of Fountaine Pajot owners is generally active, providing a network for support and shared experiences.