Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Venezia 42 was designed during an era when Fountaine Pajot still prioritized a relatively low center of gravity and manageable displacement. Weighing in at approximately 15,400 lbs (7,000 kg), the vessel maintains a favorable sail area-to-displacement ratio that allows it to outperform many modern, heavier cruising catamarans in light to moderate air. According to historical Fountaine Pajot technical archives, the integration of fixed fins rather than centerboards was a strategic choice to simplify shorthanded cruising while maintaining a draft of just 3.9 feet, ideal for Caribbean and Bahamian waters.

On the water, the Venezia 42 is known for its predictable sea-kindliness. The bridge deck clearance is generous for a 42-foot boat of its vintage, which significantly reduces the rhythmic slamming in head seas often experienced in older multihulls. While it does not point as high as a performance-oriented daggerboard catamaran, it tracks well on a reach. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff" and secure, a byproduct of the vacuum-bagged, foam-core sandwich construction used in the hulls and deck.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Venezia 42 was a pioneer of the "galley-up" layout, which has since become the industry standard. By moving the galley to the bridge deck level, the designers created a social hub that connected the cook with the salon and the cockpit. The interior, styled by Olivier Flahault, emphasizes natural light through a 360-degree panoramic window array. The woodwork typically features the warm cherry or Alpi tones common in 1990s French production boats.

The model was primarily offered in two configurations:

• Quatuor (4-Cabin): The most common layout, featuring two identical cabins and two heads in each hull. This version was a staple of the global charter industry through the late 1990s.
• Maestro (Owner’s Version): A rarer find on the used market, this version dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite with a larger head and dedicated office or storage space.

A notable sibling of the Venezia 42 is the Casamance 43, which offered a slightly longer waterline but a more complex interior. The Venezia effectively replaced the Casamance by offering a more ergonomic use of space within a slightly shorter overall length.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Venezia 42 with a focus on its structural history and age-related maintenance. Because many of these vessels spent their early years in high-intensity charter fleets, a rigorous survey is essential.

1. Osmosis and Hull Blistering: Like many boats built in the early-to-mid 90s using orthophthalic resins, some Venezias have shown susceptibility to osmotic blistering. It is critical to inspect the hulls below the waterline, especially if the boat has been kept in warm, tropical waters.
2. Bulkhead Integrity: In some well-used examples, movement in the secondary bulkheads can occur. Check for "tabbing" separation where the bulkheads meet the hull, particularly in the forward sections.
3. Engine Access and Maintenance: The engines are located under the aft cabin berths. While this keeps the weight centered, it can make major mechanical work cumbersome and may lead to heat buildup in the cabins if insulation has degraded.
4. Wiring and Systems: The original electrical panels and wiring looms are now over 25 years old. Many units require a full DC system overhaul to accommodate modern solar arrays and lithium battery banks.

Community & Resources

The Venezia 42 remains a favorite among "blue-water" cruisers on a budget, and a dedicated community exists through the Fountaine Pajot Owners Association. While there is no longer a factory-backed technical wiki specifically for this retired model, the community-driven technical archives for the Joubert/Nivelt designs provide a wealth of information on rudder bearing replacement and rig tensioning specific to this hull.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 is a seminal cruising catamaran that offers a bridge between classic sailing performance and modern liveaboard comfort. While it lacks the massive internal volume of today's "floating apartment" style cats, it rewards the owner with superior sailing characteristics and a timeless profile.

Pros:

• Excellent bridge deck clearance for its size, reducing slamming.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with many successful circumnavigations.
• Efficient "galley-up" layout that remains contemporary today.
• Lower purchase price compared to modern equivalents like the Lucia 40 or Isla 40.

Cons:

• Older units may require significant investment in electronics and plumbing.
• Engine access under the aft bunks can be noisy and difficult for maintenance.
• Fixed fins limit upwind performance compared to daggerboard models.