Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Fountaine Pajot tasked Berret-Raccoupeau with bringing big-boat allure to a smaller footprint, and the result is a 40-foot catamaran that is actually larger than the Lipari 41 it replaced, with a more spacious cockpit, more interior volume, and larger windows all around anchor. The hulls and structure follow the trend that lighter is better: the boat's all-up unloaded displacement is 19,621 pounds, and it is comparatively lightweight, coming in under 20,000 pounds. Construction is a PVC foam-core sandwich with vacuum-laminated outer skins, while the deck and cabinhouse are fabricated via resin transfer moulding with both sides sprayed in gelcoat for a finished look from every angle. Fixed keels eliminate the need for daggerboards. Numerous design components—from the shape of the bows to the raked salon windows to the distribution of weight—indicate a boat intended to sail in waves anchor.

Rig and Handling

The stock sail plan includes a full-batten square-top main and a 110% genoa, delivering just over 1,000 square feet of sail area between the two. The rig uses swept spreaders and no backstay, with diamond stays doing much of the heavy lifting, and a long boom that yields plenty of power but makes the rig less high-aspect than some rivals. A mainsheet traveler runs almost the entire beam and is anchored to the composite bimini that shelters the cockpit. Both sails trim to three winches, one of them electric, immediately in front of the raised helm. Test sailors found the boat performed admirably on all points of sail anchor, with palpable acceleration when a puff hit, adequate power at 55° apparent, and way kept to about 30° apparent. Steering is a traditional cable-based system; the builder chose not to ease the wheel with hydraulics, a passagemaking optimization since cable is easier to repair underway than hydraulic.

Accommodations

The Lucia 40's cockpit is massive, with a portside L-shaped dinette that seats up to eight and additional transom and starboard lounge seating; it is almost the size of the Helia 44's cockpit. A swanky bow sun deck and weather-protected helm canvas round out the outdoor living. Inside, the saloon sits on the same level as the cockpit, with glass doors opening to an L-shaped galley to port, Vitrifrigo fridge drawers to starboard, a dedicated nav station sharing the L-settee seat with six, and a breezeway to the cockpit for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Four layout options span three- or four-cabin Maestro and Quatuor versions. The Maestro's starboard hull is a master suite with walk-around island bed, small desk, and a toilet in its own compartment so the shower and sink can be used independently; the tester called its stand-alone shower the largest seen on a boat under 40 feet. Bow spaces are given to stowage rather than berths, and big bow compartments add further capacity.

Known Issues

Visibility from the helm is good forward to starboard but a challenge toward the port forward corner and absent to either transom without looking under the bimini. The electric winch switches are awkwardly tucked by the engine throttle handles, inconvenient for anyone working the winches outboard. In the saloon, a skylight brings light but there is no opening hatch above, and the horizontal portlight may heat the interior without adding a breeze. Countertop space and galley stowage are limited, though soft-close drawers are plentiful. The master suite shower has no door separating it from the cabin.

Refits and Ownership

Engine access is a strong point: compartments sit out of the living quarters, with excellent 360° reach via aft-deck hatches in each hull and spacious machinery rooms. Standard power is twin 20hp Volvo Penta diesels, with an optional upgrade to 30hp Yanmars or two 30hp units; the port engine room can take an optional Northern Light genset. A bowsprit and flying-sail gear were fitted to the test boat as upgrades, and an optional sun pad lounge spans the cabinhouse front above lockers housing the water tank, Quick vertical windlass, and stowage.

The Verdict

The Lucia 40 is a thoughtfully packaged small cat that punches above its length: genuine passagemaking bones, easy engine service, and a bright, open social layout. Its helm blind spots and a few galley compromises are the price of the compact hulls, but for a family cruiser it balances volume and performance uncommonly well.

Pros