Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Maldives 32 behaves more like a large beach cat than a heavy cruising house. With a displacement of roughly 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg), the boat is exceptionally light for its length, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light air where modern, heavier cats often struggle. The helm is typically configured with twin tillers located at the aft end of each hull, providing a tactile connection to the rudders that is often lost in wheel-steered multihulls. This setup allows the helmsman to sit out on the deck for better visibility and a more "dinghy-like" feel.

The sail plan is generous, featuring a high-aspect fractional rig. According to historical technical data from the manufacturer’s heritage archives, the boat was designed to be easily managed by a couple, with all lines led aft to the cockpit. While it lacks the ultimate windward pointing ability of a deep-keeled monohull, its low-aspect fixed fins provide enough lateral resistance to maintain respectable tacking angles. The narrow hulls minimize drag, and in a stiff breeze on a reach, owners frequently report sustained speeds in the low teens. Because it was designed before the industry moved toward ultra-high-volume hulls, the Maldives 32 remains sensitive to weight; performance degrades noticeably if the boat is over-provisioned with heavy gear.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior layout of the Maldives 32 is a masterclass in spatial efficiency, though it favors "camping-style" cruising over luxury liveaboard standards. The central bridge deck houses a large U-shaped saloon with a panoramic 360-degree view, a feature that was revolutionary in the late 1980s. The galley is typically located in the port hull, while the starboard hull contains the head and navigation station.

Accommodation is surprisingly expansive for a 32-foot boat, traditionally configured with four dedicated cabins. Two double berths are located aft, utilizing the widest part of the hulls, while two smaller single "v-berths" are found forward. Because the hulls are relatively narrow to maintain performance, the cabins feel snug, but the sheer number of separate sleeping areas makes the boat a favorite for large families or groups of friends. Throughout its production run, Fountaine Pajot maintained a consistent layout, though later models saw improvements in the quality of the molded liners and woodwork. One notable variation found in some European models was the inclusion of a folding mast system, designed to allow the boat to navigate under low bridges in the French canal system.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Maldives 32 with a focus on structural integrity and weight management. While the foam-core construction is generally robust, it requires a specialized eye to ensure no delamination has occurred, particularly in areas of high stress or around deck hardware where moisture may have compromised the core.

• Window Seals: The iconic wrap-around plexiglass is a common failure point. Over decades, the seals can perish, leading to leaks that damage the interior liners. Check for "clouding" of the acrylic and evidence of water ingress around the saloon seating.
• Weight Sensitivity: Because these boats are often used for extended cruising, they are frequently overloaded. Inspect the bridge deck for stress cracks or signs of "panting" (flexing) that can occur if the boat has been driven hard while carrying too much weight.
• Outboard vs. Inboard: Most Maldives 32s were equipped with a single central outboard engine on a sled or twin small outboards. Verify the integrity of the lifting mechanism for the outboard, as these are prone to corrosion. Some rare versions were fitted with twin 9hp or 10hp diesel saildrives; these require a thorough inspection of the saildrive diaphragms and hull seals.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the tiller steering, any play in the rudder bearings is immediately felt. Check for excessive "clunking" or stiff movement, which may indicate that the composite bearings require replacement.

Community & Resources

The Maldives 32 enjoys a dedicated following among multihull enthusiasts who appreciate its "less is more" philosophy. While there is no longer a standalone official association, the Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club serves as a primary hub for owners of heritage models. Technical discussions and parts-sourcing advice are frequently found within the broader Fountaine Pajot Owners groups on social platforms and dedicated multihull forums.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32 remains one of the most successful entry-level cruising catamarans ever built. It offers a rare combination of sailing excitement and multi-cabin utility that is difficult to find in modern production boats, which have grown significantly heavier and more expensive. While it lacks the standing headroom of larger cats and requires disciplined packing, its ability to sail circles around much larger vessels makes it a "sailor’s catamaran."

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and high top speeds for its class.
• Four-cabin layout provides impressive sleeping capacity for a 32-footer.
• Shallow draft and beachable hulls offer access to secluded anchorages.
• Simple systems make it an affordable boat to maintain and operate.

Cons:

• Weight-sensitive; performance suffers significantly when heavily loaded.
• Interior volume is lower than modern 30-foot catamarans.
• The large plexiglass windows are prone to leaking and UV degradation.
• Limited bridge deck clearance can lead to "slamming" in choppy head seas.