Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salina 48 is widely regarded for its "sea-kindly" behavior, particularly its ability to minimize the hobby-horsing (pitching) often associated with shorter-hulled catamarans. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 154 at full load—a figure analyzed by Sailing Magazine—the boat maintains a relatively light footprint for its size. The hull design features restricted volumes in the bows and keels positioned further aft, which allows for more balanced tracking and less sensitivity to helm changes.

Under sail, the boat is powered by a generous 1,400-square-foot sail plan in the standard sloop rig. Test reports, such as those from Sail World, indicate that the boat comfortably reaches speeds of 8 to 10 knots in moderate breezes, with the ability to surge past 12 knots in stronger conditions. The raised helm station, which accommodates up to three people, provides excellent visibility over the coachroof while keeping the helmsman integrated with the social activity in the cockpit. This layout simplifies shorthanded sailing by centralizing all control lines within reach of the wheel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Salina 48 was offered in two primary configurations: the Maestro (Owner’s) version and the Quatuor (Charter) version. In the Maestro version, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a private owner’s suite, complete with a large desk, extensive storage, and a forward-facing head with a separate shower. The Quatuor version provides four equal en-suite cabins, making it a staple of high-end charter fleets. Later "Evolution" models even allowed for a Quintet version, featuring five cabins and five heads.

The interior of the Salina 48 Evolution saw substantial upgrades, including the use of dark Corian countertops in the galley and a redesigned "gourmet" kitchen layout. The salon and cockpit are located on the same level, separated by a large sliding glass door that creates a seamless 100-square-foot living area. A distinctive feature of this model is the aft sunbathing deck, located on a platform that spans the dinghy davits, providing a protected lounging area away from the main cockpit traffic.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should prioritize a few specific technical areas during a pre-purchase survey:

• Teak Deck Moisture: Some early models were equipped with teak-overlay decks that were both bonded and screwed. Over time, the screw plugs can fail, allowing water to penetrate the balsa core. Surveyors typically look for delamination or high moisture readings around these screw sites.
• Bulkhead Integrity: While FP improved its infusion techniques with the Salina 48, it is still advisable to inspect the main structural bulkheads for signs of movement or tabbing detachment, particularly in vessels that have seen heavy charter use.
• Keel Bonding: The Salina 48 uses fin keels that are bonded into sockets in the hull rather than being through-bolted. Owners should inspect the leading edges for impact damage, which can compromise the bond.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: Given the age of many Salina 48s on the market, the Volvo Penta or Yanmar saildrive seals should be checked for their "replace by" dates, as these are critical maintenance items that are often overlooked.

Community & Resources

The Salina 48 is supported by a robust network of owners and technical resources. The Fountaine Pajot Official Website maintains some historical documentation on their "Past Models" section. Additionally, technical discussions are frequently held within the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association, a prominent group that shares maintenance tips and modifications specifically for the Salina and its larger sibling, the Eleuthera 60.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Low Windage: The sleek profile and lower helm station offer better performance and less "sailing at anchor" than modern, high-volume cats.
• Social Layout: The single-level transition from the salon to the cockpit and the unique aft sun deck provide exceptional entertaining space.
• Balanced Handling: Long hulls and a well-positioned rig result in a stable platform with minimal pitching in offshore conditions.

Cons:

• Weight Sensitivity: Like many cruising catamarans, performance can degrade significantly if the "ends" of the boat (storage areas in the bows and sterns) are overloaded.
• Maintenance Access: Access to the engines can be tight, requiring a certain level of suppleness for routine maintenance.
• Aesthetic Aging: The interior wood finishes in pre-Evolution models can appear dated compared to the modern Alpi-wood finishes found in the newer Saba or Saona models.