Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Saona 47 is characterized by a high-aspect-ratio rig and a sail plan that favors light-to-moderate air performance more than many of its heavier charter-oriented competitors. With a standard sail area of approximately 1,290 square feet, the boat maintains a respectable Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio that allows it to ghost along in 8–10 knots of breeze when heavier cats are forced to motor. According to an editorial review by Cruising World, the vessel exhibits surprising pointing ability for a fixed-keel catamaran, often tacking through 90 to 100 degrees of apparent wind.

The helm station is situated on a raised starboard platform, a design choice that provides excellent visibility over the coachroof while maintaining a physical connection to the cockpit. All control lines are led to three Lewmar winches at the helm, enabling short-handed operation. However, like many catamarans with high freeboard and significant windage, the Saona 47 can be prone to "sailing" at anchor and requires active management in tight marinas. The optional 60hp Volvo Penta engines provide a cruising speed of roughly 8 knots under power, though the 50hp standard units are generally considered sufficient for calm coastal hops.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Fountaine Pajot offered the Saona 47 in two primary configurations: the "Maestro" owner’s version and the "Quintet" charter version. The Maestro layout is particularly notable for dedicating the entire port hull to a master suite, which includes an island queen bed, a desk area, and a large forward head with a walk-in shower. The Quintet version provides five double cabins and five heads, making it one of the most space-efficient 47-footers for large groups.

The main salon utilizes a flush-deck transition from the cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space of roughly 129 square feet. A hallmark of this model is the "Lounge Deck"—a 97-square-foot flybridge sunbathing area located aft of the helm station. This upper deck provides a distinct social zone without the excessive height of a full bridge deck, which helps keep the center of gravity lower. Materials throughout the interior consist of Alpi wood finishes and light-colored upholstery, designed to maximize the natural light provided by the 360-degree panoramic windows.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Saona 47 gained significant industry acclaim shortly after its release, winning several prestigious awards including "Best Multihull Cruiser" in its size category. It was also featured extensively by the prominent sailing channel Sailing Ruby Rose, where the hosts conducted a detailed walkthrough and sea trial, highlighting the boat's balance of aesthetics and functionality compared to the Lagoon 450 and Leopard 45.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should conduct a focused survey on several high-signal areas common to the Saona 47's production run:

• Hydraulic Platform Stress: The optional hydraulic "tender lift" platform is a complex system. Buyers should inspect the mounting points on the transoms for stress cracking and ensure the hydraulic rams operate without hesitation, as these are known to require frequent seal maintenance.
• Bulkhead Inspections: While Fountaine Pajot significantly improved structural rigidity in this generation, it is prudent to check the primary load-bearing bulkheads for any signs of movement or tabbing detachment, particularly on vessels that have been heavily used in offshore charter fleets.
• Escape Hatch Integrity: As with many modern French catamarans, the emergency escape hatches located in the hulls (near the water line) should be inspected for frame corrosion or seal degradation.
• Gelcoat Finish: Some owners have reported "crazing" or spider cracks in the gelcoat in high-stress areas near the stanchion bases and the transition points of the coachroof. While usually cosmetic, these require professional attention to prevent moisture ingress.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association, a well-organized international group that provides access to specific parts catalogs and technical manuals. Owners also frequently collaborate via the "Fountaine Pajot Owners" group on various technical forums to share modifications for solar array expansions, which are a popular upgrade given the large flat surface area of the Saona 47's coachroof.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 is a sophisticated cruising catamaran that excels at providing a luxury "villa on the water" experience without completely sacrificing sailing pleasure. It remains a top-tier choice for families looking for a blue-water capable vessel that is equally at home in a Mediterranean anchorage.

Pros:

• Superior light-wind performance compared to many mass-market catamarans.
• Exceptional master suite in the "Maestro" configuration.
• Thoughtful social ergonomics, particularly the lounge deck and cockpit integration.

Cons:

• High windage can make docking challenging in crosswinds.
• Mechanical complexity of the optional hydraulic platform requires diligent upkeep.
• The transition to the newer Tanna 47 has made the Saona’s galley layout feel slightly dated.