Fidji 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Fidji 39 is widely regarded as a "sailor’s catamaran," reflecting the performance-oriented philosophy of Jean-François Fountaine. With a displacement-to-length ratio significantly lower than current "condo-maran" designs, the Fidji 39 exhibits a level of responsiveness and light-air agility that is rare in the 40-foot cruising class today. The Joubert/Nivelt hull design features slim, semi-asymmetric hulls and fixed fins rather than centerboards, a choice made to simplify maintenance while maintaining acceptable windward performance.

Under sail, the boat benefits from a relatively high power-to-weight ratio. According to historical technical data from the Fountaine Pajot Heritage archives, the yacht was designed to handle offshore conditions with a low center of gravity. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well and avoids the "hobby-horsing" motion prevalent in cats with excessive weight in the ends. However, because the hulls are narrower than modern designs, the Fidji 39 is more sensitive to overloading; excessive cruising gear can quickly degrade its ability to bridge waves and maintain its 8-to-10 knot cruising speeds. The steering is typically described as light, though the cable-and-quadrant systems of this era require regular tensioning to maintain that tactile feedback.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Fidji 39 reflects a transition from the utilitarian "camping" style of early multihulls to the structured luxury of the 1990s. The most common configuration is the four-cabin, two-head layout, which was popular in the Mediterranean and Caribbean charter fleets of the late 80s. In this arrangement, each hull contains two double berths—one forward and one aft—with a shared head compartment located amidships.

The bridgedeck saloon is characterized by the 360-degree visibility that became a hallmark of the brand, though the windows are more steeply raked than on modern models to reduce windage. A significant variation exists in the galley placement; while most units feature the "galley-up" design integrated into the saloon to maximize social interaction, some early hulls utilized a galley-down arrangement to free up space for a larger lounging area. The materials used during this era relied heavily on molded fiberglass liners and wood veneers. While these surfaces are durable, the headroom—typically around 6'2" to 6'3"—is slightly less than what is found on the Fidji's successor, the Athena 38.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For a vessel of this vintage, the primary concern is the integrity of the foam-core sandwich construction. Potential buyers should perform a rigorous "tap test" or use a moisture meter on the decks and hull sides to identify areas of delamination, particularly around stanchion bases and deck fittings where water may have compromised the core.

A known technical area for inspection is the rudder assembly. The Fidji 39 uses stainless steel rudder stocks that can be susceptible to crevice corrosion if the seals have been neglected. Additionally, the original window seals on these older models are prone to UV degradation and leaking; re-bedding the large acrylic panels is a labor-intensive but necessary maintenance task for many hulls. Finally, the saildrive diaphragms for the twin engines—typically Yanmar or Volvo Penta units—must be checked for age, as a failure in these seals can be catastrophic for a multihull.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Fidji 39 often find technical support through the broader Fountaine Pajot community. The Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club serves as an official touchpoint for owners, providing access to historical documentation and brand events. Technical discussions and hull-specific modifications are frequently documented by long-term cruisers within the Fountaine Pajot Owners group on various maritime networking platforms, where the Fidji is celebrated for its longevity and "easy to fix" systems compared to modern, digitally integrated yachts.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Fidji 39 is an ideal choice for the experienced sailor who prioritizes sea-kindliness and sailing sensation over maximum interior volume. While it lacks the massive "island" berths and walk-around decks of a 21st-century catamaran, it offers a level of performance and structural simplicity that makes it a formidable blue-water cruiser.

Pros

• Superior Performance: Lighter and faster than most modern cruising catamarans of similar length.
• Robust Construction: The foam-core sandwich method provides excellent stiffness and thermal insulation.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Low-profile design with classic lines that have aged better than many boxy contemporaries.

Cons

• Payload Sensitivity: Performance drops off significantly when loaded with heavy cruising equipment or oversized dinghies.
• Aging Systems: Older hulls often require significant electrical and plumbing refits to meet modern standards.
• Headroom/Volume: Interior spaces feel tighter compared to the "wide-body" designs of the 2010s and beyond.