Sailing Performance & Handling
The Lipari 41 is characterized by its predictable and forgiving handling, typical of a cruising multihull with fixed keels. Unlike the more daggerboard-dependent performance cats, the FP 41 relies on a balanced sail plan featuring a large roach mainsail and a slightly overlapping genoa. With a displacement-to-length ratio designed for stability, it handles heavy weather with a "sea-kindly" motion that minimizes the jerky, high-frequency pitching often found in smaller catamarans. Editorial tests by Sail Magazine noted that the boat performs admirably in moderate breezes, easily reaching speeds of 7 to 8 knots on a reach, though like most fixed-keel cats, its tacking angles are wider than a comparable monohull. The helm station is located at a semi-raised position on the starboard side, offering excellent visibility over the coachroof while maintaining a physical connection to the cockpit—a design choice that facilitates short-handed sailing.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Fountaine Pajot offered the Lipari 41 in two primary configurations: the "Maestro" owner’s version and the "Quatuor" charter version. The Maestro layout dedicates the entire starboard hull to a private suite, featuring a queen-sized berth, a dedicated desk/dressing area, and a large head with a separate shower in the bow. The Quatuor version utilizes both hulls for four double cabins and two heads, maximizing guest capacity. A hallmark of this model is the seamless transition between the cockpit and the saloon, which are on a single level. The galley is oriented upward and aft, allowing the cook to serve guests in the cockpit through a sliding window. In the later "Evolution" update, Fountaine Pajot improved the cockpit seating and integrated the galley more fluidly with the interior furniture, using lighter wood veneers to enhance the sense of space.
Popular Mentions & Media
While the Lipari 41 has not been the primary subject of a major cinematic production, it has a significant footprint in the cruising community. It is a frequent choice for long-term "live-aboard" YouTube vloggers and was a featured "Boat of the Year" nominee in several major nautical publications upon its release. Its reputation was further solidified by its presence in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), where it is often cited as a reliable entry-level blue-water catamaran for families crossing from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Lipari 41 should focus their inspections on several areas common to the FP builds of this era:
- Escape Hatch Integrity: Earlier hulls were equipped with Goiot escape hatches located near the waterline in the hulls. These should be inspected for frame corrosion or seal failure, as they have been the subject of industry-wide recalls and safety bulletins.
- Engine Access & Seals: The engine rooms are accessed via the aft transoms. Review the condition of the saildrive bellows; these typically require replacement every seven years per manufacturer recommendations.
- Bulkhead Tabbing: Like many production catamarans, the Lipari can experience minor creaking or movement in the interior cabinetry. Inspect the tabbing where the bulkheads meet the hull in the forward cabins to ensure there is no structural separation.
- Bimini Support: The fiberglass hardtop bimini is a heavy structure. Check the stainless steel supports and the points where the bimini connects to the coachroof for stress cracks or hardware backing failure.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Lipari 41 are supported by the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association, an active international group that shares technical data and maintenance tips. While the manufacturer does not maintain a public legacy wiki, they provide comprehensive digital archives for parts and original blueprints to verified owners through their dealer network.
The Verdict
The Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 remains one of the most balanced 40-foot catamarans on the used market, offering a blend of French design flair and robust blue-water capability.
Pros:
- Excellent bridge-deck clearance, reducing "slamming" in choppy seas.
- Efficient single-level indoor/outdoor living space.
- Reliable performance in moderate to heavy winds compared to lighter "charter-only" models.
Cons:
- The semi-raised helm offers less protection from the elements than a fully enclosed station.
- Engine room access can be tight for major mechanical repairs.
- Fixed keels limit upwind performance compared to performance-oriented catamarans.
