Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Despite its primary focus on luxury and volume, the Saba 50 remains a capable blue-water cruiser. The boat is typically rigged as a fractional sloop with a total sail area of approximately 1,518 square feet. A hallmark of its performance is the optional square-top mainsail, which provides additional power in light air—a necessity given the boat’s light-ship displacement of nearly 35,000 pounds. As noted in editorial testing by Sail Magazine, the Saba 50 demonstrates surprising agility for its size, capable of tacking through 90 degrees and maintaining steady speeds in the 8-to-10 knot range during favorable trade-wind conditions.

The handling characteristics are defined by a high bridge deck clearance, which significantly reduces "slamming" in choppy seas, a common complaint in older multihull designs. The steering station is positioned on a mid-level "semi-flybridge," which allows the helmsman to remain connected to the social action in the cockpit while maintaining excellent visibility of all four corners of the vessel. However, because the boom is mounted relatively high to accommodate the Lounge Deck, reefing and sail handling require more deliberate movement on the coachroof compared to the smaller Helia 44.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Saba 50 was a pioneer in the "multiple living zones" concept. It features three distinct social areas: the main aft cockpit, the forward cockpit (a recessed lounging area on the bow), and the upper Lounge Deck. The interior is characterized by the signature Fountaine Pajot 360-degree panoramic windows, which flood the saloon with natural light.

The model was offered in two primary configurations:

• Maestro Version: This "Owner" layout dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite, complete with a queen-sized island bed, a desk/vanity area, and an expansive head with a separate walk-in shower. The starboard hull typically contains three guest cabins, each with private en-suite heads.
• Quintet Version: Aimed primarily at the premium charter market, this layout features five double cabins plus a smaller crew cabin or a sixth double cabin in the peak.

Materially, the Saba 50 moved toward lighter cabinetry finishes and more sophisticated LED lighting schemes than its predecessor, the Salina 48. Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the smaller Helia 44 (now succeeded by the Elba 45) and the larger Ipanema 58. The Saba 50 has since been succeeded in the Fountaine Pajot lineup by the Aura 51, which further emphasizes the shipyard’s commitment to sustainable energy integration.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Saba 50 has gained a significant following in the luxury charter sector and among circumnavigators. It has been a frequent participant in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), where its ability to carry heavy blue-water payloads while maintaining double-digit speeds is often cited by participants. The model received the "Best Full-Size Multihull" award from Cruising World shortly after its debut, cementing its status as a benchmark in its class.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Saba 50 should focus their due diligence on areas specific to high-volume cruising catamarans:

1. Bulkhead Bonding: As with many production catamarans of this era, it is essential to inspect the secondary bonding of the main structural bulkheads to the hull, particularly in vessels that have spent years in heavy charter use.
2. Saildrive Maintenance: The Saba 50 is typically powered by twin Volvo Penta D2-75 engines. Prospective buyers should check the service history of the saildrive seals (which generally require replacement every 7 years) and look for evidence of corrosion on the aluminum casings.
3. Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are infused, certain areas of the deck may use balsa or foam coring. Use a moisture meter around the stanchion bases and the Lounge Deck furniture mounts to ensure no water ingress has occurred.
4. Standing Rigging Tension: Due to the wide beam and the stresses of a square-top main, the rigging on a Saba 50 requires frequent professional tuning. Check the chainplates for any signs of stress or movement in the surrounding fiberglass.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Saba 50 are supported by the Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club, an official organization that provides technical documentation and hosts owner rendezvous events worldwide. Technical discussions and hull-specific maintenance advice are often shared via the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association, which maintains a technical wiki and active community forums for resolving systems-related queries.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 remains one of the most successful 50-foot catamarans ever built, striking a difficult balance between massive interior volume and respectable sailing performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional Social Space: The triple-zone lounging concept (Aft, Forward, and Lounge Deck) is unrivaled in this size category.
• Bridge Deck Clearance: High clearance minimizes slamming and improves comfort in offshore conditions.
• Natural Light: Large vertical windows provide excellent visibility and a modern, airy aesthetic.

Cons:

• Boom Height: The high boom position makes stowing the mainsail more difficult than on "sport-top" models.
• Light Air Performance: Like most luxury cruisers, she requires her engines or a specialized light-air sail (like a Code 0) when winds drop below 10 knots.
• Charter Wear: Many available units on the secondary market have high engine hours and interior wear from heavy charter rotation.