Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike many contemporary catamarans that rely heavily on their engines in anything under 12 knots of true wind, the Athena 38 is widely regarded for its ability to ghost along in light air. With a lightship displacement of approximately 12,125 lbs (5,500 kg), it possesses a favorable power-to-weight ratio when compared to later models like the Lavezzi 40. The vessel utilizes fixed low-aspect-ratio fins rather than centerboards, which simplifies maintenance and protects the saildrives and rudders during accidental groundings.

Under sail, the Athena 38 exhibits a nimble character. In editorial testing, such as those documented in Cruising World, the boat has been noted for its ability to tack through roughly 100 degrees, which is respectable for a cruising multihull of this vintage. The steering is generally light, though like most catamarans of this era with cable steering, it lacks the tactile feedback of a monohull. The high bridge deck clearance, a hallmark of Joubert/Nivelt designs, helps minimize the "slamming" or "pounding" in choppy head seas that often plagues smaller catamarans with lower clearances.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Athena 38 was revolutionary for its time, successfully fitting four double cabins and two heads into a 38-foot platform without making the hulls feel claustrophobic. The "galley-up" layout in the bridgedeck saloon became the blueprint for the industry, allowing the cook to remain part of the social activity while enjoying 360-degree views through the iconic wrap-around windows.

While the four-cabin "Quatuor" version was the standard for the charter industry, Fountaine Pajot did produce a more limited number of "Maestro" or owner versions, which dedicated one entire hull to a master suite with a larger head and desk area. The aesthetic of the interior reflects the mid-90s era, utilizing light-colored woods and molded fiberglass liners that are easy to clean but can feel less "warm" than the heavy joinery found on older monohulls. Headroom is generous for a 38-footer, hovering around 6’3” in the saloon and hulls, accommodating taller sailors who often struggle with the lower overheads of the Athena’s predecessor, the Fidji 39.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Athena 38 must account for the age of the fleet, as most hulls are now approaching three decades of service.

• Bulkhead Bonding: As with many early vacuum-bagged catamarans, it is critical to inspect the secondary bonding where the plywood bulkheads meet the hull. In high-mileage charter vessels, these joints can show signs of stress or movement.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Fountaine Pajot used isophthalic resins, early-to-mid 90s models have been known to develop hull blisters. A professional moisture survey of the hulls below the waterline is mandatory.
• Engine Access: The engines (typically Yanmar 2GM20 or 3GM30 units) are located under the aft cabin berths. This keeps the weight centered but makes routine maintenance—particularly changing impellers or working on saildrives—a cramped and difficult task that often leads to deferred maintenance by previous owners.
• Window Seals: The large acrylic windows are prone to crazing and seal failure over time. Replacing these is a labor-intensive process, as they are often curved and require specific structural adhesives.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: If the boat is still running original Yanmar saildrives, the rubber gaiters (diaphragms) must be checked for their manufacture date; these typically require replacement every 7-10 years to prevent catastrophic failure.

Community & Resources

The Athena 38 benefits from a robust legacy and a high volume of sister-ships. Owners often find technical support and community through the Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club, which serves as a central hub for the brand’s global community. Because the Athena 38 shares many design characteristics and components with the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42, parts availability and technical knowledge are generally high within the multihull cruising community.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 remains one of the most practical and seaworthy entry-level cruising catamarans on the used market. It appeals to those who prioritize sailing efficiency and simple systems over the sheer interior volume and "apartment-like" feel of modern 40-footers.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance for a cruising catamaran.
• Manageable size for a couple but enough cabins for a family.
• High bridge deck clearance reduces slamming in offshore conditions.
• Solid resale value due to the Fountaine Pajot brand pedigree.

Cons:

• Difficult engine access located under aft berths.
• Minimal storage for long-term liveaboard gear compared to 40+ footers.
• Aesthetic of the interior can feel dated compared to newer, more luxurious designs.
• Standard 4-cabin layout can feel crowded if used as a full-time residence.