Casamance 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Casamance 45 is widely regarded as one of the swiftest production cruising catamarans of its generation. Unlike many modern cats that rely on sheer volume, the Casamance features slender, high-aspect hulls that minimize drag. Early iterations, initially launched as the Casamance 43, featured pivoting centerboards, but the definitive 45-foot version transitioned to fixed fins to improve structural reliability and simplify handling.

With a light-ship displacement of approximately 6,000 to 7,500 kg and a generous sail area of nearly 100 square meters, the boat possesses a power-to-weight ratio that allows it to consistently outpace monohulls of similar length. Mahina Expeditions notes that these "stick-built" early Fountaine Pajots are lighter and often faster than their contemporaries. Owners frequently report cruising speeds of 10 to 12 knots in moderate breezes, with the ability to surge into the high teens during off-the-wind squalls. However, the low bridge-deck clearance—a trade-off for its aerodynamic profile—can lead to significant slamming in confused or head-on seas, a common characteristic of catamarans from this era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Casamance 45 is a study in 1980s maritime modernism. The "galley-down" or "semi-galley-up" configurations were common, though most hulls utilized a layout that kept the heavy appliances and food preparation areas low in the hulls to maintain a low center of gravity. The bridge deck is dedicated to a sprawling salon and a large navigation station, bathed in natural light from the 360-degree wrap-around windows.

The vessel was typically configured with four double cabins, two in each hull, making it a favorite for early offshore charter fleets and large cruising families. While the 45-foot hull provides ample length, the narrow beam of the individual hulls means the cabins feel more "ship-like" and constrained compared to modern wide-body catamarans. Interior materials often consisted of molded GRP modules accented with teak trim, which have proven durable but can show age through gelcoat crazing or "crazing" of the plexiglass windows.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Casamance 45 with a rigorous inspection protocol focused on its composite construction and aging systems:

• Rigging and Mast Section: There have been historical reports of rigging failures on early FP models. A thorough shroud and swage inspection is mandatory, especially if the boat still carries an original or older mast.
• Balsa and Foam Core Integrity: The decks often utilized balsa or foam cores. Moisture intrusion around stanchions, cleats, and the mast step can lead to significant delamination. High-signal areas for soft spots include the trampoline borders and the cockpit floor.
• Osmotic Blistering: Like many yachts built in the late 80s and early 90s, the hulls are prone to osmosis. Buyers should look for evidence of previous hull stripping or epoxy barrier coat treatments.
• Bridge Deck Clearance: Inspect the underside of the bridge deck for stress cracks or "spidering" in the gelcoat, which indicates a history of heavy slamming in rough seas.
• Engine Access: While the engine rooms located aft near the sugar scoops offer decent access, the sail-drive seals (if equipped with Volvo or Yanmar drives) must be checked for their 7-year replacement interval to prevent catastrophic flooding.

Community & Resources

The Fountaine Pajot brand benefits from a robust international community. Owners of older models like the Casamance often congregate through the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association, which provides a technical forum for sourcing obsolete parts and sharing refit strategies for vintage hulls.

The Verdict

The Casamance 45 is a classic performance catamaran that offers a visceral sailing experience rarely found in contemporary designs. It is a "sailor’s cat" that rewards those who value speed and sleek lines over the "floating apartment" feel of modern alternatives.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and top-end speed for a cruiser.
• Iconic, timeless aesthetic with panoramic visibility from the salon.
• Strong, relatively lightweight construction using vacuum-bagging techniques advanced for its time.

Cons:

• Low bridge-deck clearance results in slamming in choppy conditions.
• The aging plexiglass wrap-around windows are prone to leaking and UV degradation.
• Narrower hulls provide less interior volume than modern 45-foot catamarans.