Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Lipari 41 is characterized by its predictable handling and a relatively high bridge deck clearance, which significantly mitigates the "slamming" effect common in smaller catamarans when encountering head seas. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the cruising spectrum, the boat remains responsive in light-to-moderate air. According to editorial testing by Sail Magazine, the vessel demonstrates a surprising degree of agility for a cruising multihull, capable of reaching speeds in the 8-to-9 knot range on a broad reach in 15 knots of true wind.

The helm station is positioned on the starboard side, elevated halfway between the cockpit and the coachroof. This "mid-height" arrangement provides excellent visibility of all four corners of the boat, a critical feature for shorthanded docking. While the Lipari 41 utilizes fixed keels rather than daggerboards, which limits its upwind pointing ability to roughly 45 to 50 degrees of apparent wind, the tradeoff is a shallower draft of only 3.7 feet, allowing access to thin-water anchorages. The sail plan is easily managed via a single-line reefing system led back to the winch cluster at the helm, a setup praised in technical reviews for its safety in heavy weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Lipari 41 was a significant departure from previous Fountaine Pajot models, emphasizing light and ventilation through large panoramic windows. The model was offered in two primary configurations: the "Maestro" owner’s version and the "Quatuor" charter version. The Maestro layout dedicates the entire starboard hull to the owner, featuring a large aft berth, a desk/vanity area amidships, and an expansive head with a separate shower stall forward. The Quatuor version provides four double cabins and two heads, maximizing the hull’s volume for larger groups.

A hallmark of the Lipari design is the "one-level living" concept. The galley is positioned aft in the saloon, serving both the interior dining table and the cockpit through a large sliding door. This layout ensures the cook remains part of the social activity in both areas. In the Evolution variant, the galley was redesigned with more contemporary cabinetry and improved storage solutions. As noted by Cruising World, the use of light-colored Alpi wood veneers and wide hull ports helps eliminate the "claustrophobic" feel often found in the hulls of older catamaran designs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Lipari 41 with a focus on its specific construction and mechanical history. While the resin infusion process significantly reduced the risk of hull osmosis compared to the preceding Lavezzi 40, there are several areas requiring technical scrutiny:

• Bulkhead Tabbing: Like many mass-produced catamarans of this era, the Lipari 41 can experience movement in the bulkheads if driven hard in heavy seas. Inspectors should look for cracking in the gelcoat or gaps in the bonding where the bulkheads meet the hull sides, particularly under the forward berths.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: Most units were equipped with Volvo Penta D1-30 engines. The rubber seals (diaphragms) on the saildrives have a recommended replacement interval of seven years. Given the age of the Lipari fleet, these should be checked for age-related perishing.
• Acrylic Window Crazing: The large forward-facing saloon windows are subject to significant UV exposure. Over time, these can develop fine cracks (crazing) or leaks if the sealant has degraded.
• Bimini Support Structure: In early models, the stainless steel framework for the cockpit bimini was sometimes found to have insufficient lateral bracing. Check for stress fractures at the mounting points on the deck.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Lipari 41 are supported by a robust network of Fountaine Pajot enthusiasts. The Fountaine Pajot Owners Association is a prominent resource for technical documentation and shared maintenance experiences. While primarily a digital community, it provides a centralized repository for hull-specific modifications and rigging specifications that are often difficult to source from the factory.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 remains a highly sought-after model on the brokerage market because it balances manageable dimensions with true blue-water capability. It is an ideal platform for a couple or a small family looking to transition from monohulls to the stability and space of a multihull without the intimidating scale of a 45+ foot vessel.

Pros

• Excellent bridge deck clearance for a 40-foot catamaran, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
• The "Maestro" layout offers a level of owner privacy rarely found in boats under 42 feet.
• Efficient resin-infused construction provides a favorable strength-to-weight ratio.
• The mid-height helm station offers a superior compromise between visibility and social connectivity.

Cons

• Upwind performance is hampered by fixed keels and a relatively conservative rig.
• Standard engine rooms can be tight for maintenance on the Volvo Penta blocks.
• Interior joinery, while modern, may show wear and tear more quickly than high-end custom builds.