Maldives 32 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Maldives 32 in 1988 was a significant moment in Fountaine Pajot's trajectory, building upon the success of earlier catamaran models like the Louisiane 37 and Casamance 43. Fountaine Pajot, founded by Jean-François Fountaine, had transitioned from building racing dinghies and monohull prototypes to focusing on series production catamarans in the mid-1980s, leveraging their expertise in foam-core sandwich construction. The Maldives 32, with its fiberglass foam core hull and deck, exemplifies this commitment to durable, lightweight construction methods.

Designed by Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, who had a long-standing collaboration with Fountaine Pajot, the Maldives 32 was crafted with the specific goal of providing high performance alongside comfort. The design aimed for a lightweight structure complemented by efficient sail plans, resulting in a vessel that felt nimble and responsive. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely detailed, the model appears to have been offered with different cabin configurations, with examples found featuring both three and four-cabin layouts, catering to diverse owner needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32 is recognized for its high-performance capabilities, attributed to its lightweight design and efficient sail plan. With a reported sail area of 592 square feet on a fractional sloop rig, coupled with a displacement of 6,614 pounds and a length overall of 32 feet, the boat is designed to be lively in varying wind conditions. The catamaran configuration, featuring a 17.42-foot beam and twin keels, inherently provides significant initial stability and a spacious platform. Owners and reviews consistently praise its stability and ability to handle well in various sea states, making it a reliable choice for both coastal and offshore passages. The design notes indicate it was conceived for single outboard auxiliary power, further emphasizing its ease of use and management.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length of 32 feet, the Maldives 32 leverages its catamaran form to offer surprisingly comfortable and versatile interior spaces. The design prioritizes maximizing interior volume, a hallmark of Fountaine Pajot's philosophy. Typical layouts, as seen in various charter and sales listings, often include multiple private cabins, with configurations ranging from three to four cabins, providing flexibility for families or charter operations.

While detailed headroom figures are not consistently available, the emphasis on comfort suggests adequate space for its size class. The interior finish, consistent with Fountaine Pajot's build quality, would generally involve a combination of fiberglass moldings and practical, durable materials, often incorporating wood trim for warmth. The wide beam allows for a spacious salon area, a functional galley, and multiple sleeping berths, creating a comfortable living environment for extended cruising. Storage is typically ample, distributed throughout the hulls and under settees, to accommodate the provisions and gear necessary for cruising life. The multihull design also naturally facilitates excellent ventilation through numerous hatches and portlights, contributing to a pleasant onboard atmosphere.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32 frequently highlight its robust construction and enduring appeal, noting that the boats were "built to last" both in terms of structural integrity and aesthetic design. The model is often described as offering a "perfect balance between performance, comfort, and ease of handling," making it a popular choice for both new and experienced catamaran sailors. Owners appreciate its stability and how well it manages different sea conditions, instilling confidence during passages. Many also praise its efficiency and comfort, particularly given its relatively compact size, allowing for comfortable liveaboard or extended cruising experiences at an accessible price point. While specific recurring issues are not prominently detailed in broad owner reviews, the overall sentiment points to a durable and well-regarded cruising platform.