Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike the heavier, volume-centric catamarans that followed in later decades, the Lavezzi 40 is frequently praised for being a "sailor’s cat." With a relatively light displacement of approximately 6,000 kg and a generous upwind sail area of roughly 90 square meters, the boat is responsive and capable of maintaining impressive speeds in light to moderate air. An editorial test by Multihulls World highlighted the boat’s ability to comfortably make half the wind speed on almost all points of sail, a feat many modern cruising cats struggle to achieve.

Handling is characterized by its mechanical steering system, which provides significantly more feedback than the hydraulic systems found on larger vessels. The helm station is situated to port, elevated slightly to provide visibility while remaining integrated with the cockpit. According to reviews from Sail-World, the layout allows for single-handed operation, as the genoa winches are positioned to keep the cockpit clear of lines while remaining within reach of the helmsman. However, its light weight does mean it can be sensitive to over-loading; performance degrades significantly when the hulls are buried under heavy cruising gear and oversized ground tackle.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Lavezzi 40 was offered in two primary configurations: the "Maestro" owner’s version and the "Quatuor" charter version. In the Maestro layout, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a private suite, featuring a large aft berth, a midships desk or lounge area, and an expansive head/shower compartment in the bow. The Quatuor version provides four double cabins and two shared heads, making it a staple of early-2000s charter fleets.

The saloon is defined by its signature circular seating arrangement, which emphasizes social flow. A large sliding glass door and window create a seamless transition to the cockpit, a design choice meant to maximize ventilation—a necessity as the large panoramic windows can create a "greenhouse effect" in tropical climates. While the headroom is generous, some critics have noted that the forward cabins can feel somewhat cramped due to the narrow, high-performance hull entry. The use of white headliners and light timber finishes was a notable departure from the darker interiors of the 1990s, aimed at creating a brighter, more airy atmosphere.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Lavezzi 40 hasn't captured the same level of mainstream cinematic fame as larger yachts, it remains a frequent subject of long-term cruising documentation in the digital era. The vessel "Sanity" is a well-documented example on YouTube, showcasing the model's viability as a full-time liveaboard platform through years of Caribbean and coastal US cruising. The boat also marked a milestone for Fountaine Pajot, helping them secure the ISO 9001 v2000 Quality label for their production cycle during its launch era.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Lavezzi 40 with a specific list of technical areas for inspection, many of which stem from the early adoption of new manufacturing techniques:

• Osmosis Blistering: There are documented instances of gelcoat blistering in early hulls (pre-2006). While Fountaine Pajot transitioned to vinylester resins to combat this, a thorough moisture meter check and visual inspection of the hulls are mandatory during survey.
• Deck Crazing and Core Integrity: The balsa-cored decks on some units have shown signs of stress crazing, particularly around high-load areas like the windlass and shroud chainplates. Check for soft spots that may indicate water ingress into the core.
• Rudder Bearings and Post: Given the mechanical steering and the age of these vessels, rudder play is a common finding. Ensure the rudder posts and their seals are checked for wear and leakage.
• Saildrive Maintenance: Most units are powered by Volvo Penta or Yanmar engines with saildrives. These require specific attention to the rubber hull seals, which have a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval (typically every 7 years), and the aluminum housings, which are prone to galvanic corrosion if the anodes have been neglected.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Lavezzi 40 are generally supported by a broader Fountaine Pajot community rather than a model-specific association. The Fountaine Pajot Owners Group is a prominent resource for technical support and refit advice. Technical wikis and enthusiast pages often provide specific modifications for the Lavezzi, such as the addition of custom hardtop biminis to replace the original soft-top canvas, which many owners found insufficient for tropical sun protection.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Excellent power-to-weight ratio for a cruising catamaran.
• Low-maintenance "fin" keels allow for shallow-water exploration.
• Spacious, socially-oriented saloon and cockpit integration.
• High bridge deck clearance minimizes slamming in choppy seas.

Cons:

• Early models are prone to osmosis issues.
• Limited internal storage compared to more modern "floating apartment" designs.
• Forward cabins in the 4-cabin version are relatively narrow.
• Factory "sun visor" design can trap heat without adequate ventilation or AC.