Marquises 53 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Fountaine Pajot Marquises 53 was in production from 1991 to 1993, representing a significant model in the burgeoning cruising catamaran market. During this period, Fountaine Pajot, founded by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, was solidifying its transition from small racing dinghies and prototype monohulls to series production cruising catamarans. The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized foam-core sandwich construction, which allowed for increased interior volume and robust, yet lightweight, vessels.

The design collaboration with Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau aimed to create a yacht that balanced performance with the luxurious demands of serious cruising. This period saw Fountaine Pajot focusing on modern and comfortable yachts, maximizing interior volume and light, a philosophy clearly reflected in the Marquises 53. While specific variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not widely noted, the Marquises 53 was notably offered in a "Maestro" layout, featuring a dedicated owner's suite, catering to those desiring enhanced privacy and space.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fountaine Pajot Marquises 53 is recognized for its robust build and dependable performance at sea. As a cruising catamaran, its design prioritizes stability, comfort, and spaciousness over extreme speed, yet it remains a capable performer. The vessel is designed for easy sail handling, a crucial aspect for a yacht of its size often managed by a couple or family. Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights its steady motion and ability to cover distances efficiently, making it well-suited for long-range cruising in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited raw data on interior specifics, grounded research indicates that the Fountaine Pajot Marquises 53 offers a highly versatile and spacious interior, a hallmark of Fountaine Pajot's design philosophy. The interior layout was often configurable to meet the specific needs of owners, a testament to the builder's customer-centric approach. A notable offering was the "Maestro" layout, which included a dedicated owner's suite, providing a luxurious and private retreat.

Fountaine Pajot's design for the Marquises 53 also incorporated innovative features to enhance comfort and livability. The roof was designed to extend forward over panoramic windows, effectively eliminating direct sunlight and reducing heat in the cabin areas, a thoughtful consideration for tropical cruising. The emphasis on maximizing interior volume and natural light, prevalent across Fountaine Pajot's models, contributes to an airy and inviting living space. The finish quality typically featured a blend of durable fiberglass and well-crafted wood trim, consistent with the standards of cruising yachts of its era, aiming for both aesthetics and practicality for life at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fountaine Pajot Marquises 53 generally express high satisfaction with its construction and liveability, frequently praising its solid build and comfortable motion in a seaway. The design's focus on ample interior volume and light is a recurring positive theme among those who spend extended periods aboard.

However, like many multihulls, some owners have noted the potential for "wait aft" issues, where the concentration of weight in the stern due to engines and tenders can affect the boat's trim. While not specific to the Marquises 53, common maintenance checks, as advised for all Fountaine Pajot catamarans, are essential to ensure the vessel remains in peak condition, particularly regarding deck fittings and systems as they age. Despite these considerations, the strong community of Fountaine Pajot owners often shares knowledge and support, further enhancing the ownership experience.