Lavezzi 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Lavezzi 40 is frequently praised for its lively performance, a trait attributed to its relatively light displacement of approximately 6,200 kg. This lightness, combined with a generous sail plan, provides a power-to-weight ratio that allows the boat to perform admirably in light airs where heavier, modern "condo-marans" might struggle. According to editorial analysis from Multihulls World, the boat maintains a respectable degree of "feel" through the wheel, a rarity in cruising catamarans of this size.

Because the Lavezzi 40 sits lower in the water and has less freeboard than contemporary models like the Isla 40, it suffers less from windage when maneuvering in tight quarters or tacking in choppy seas. Its fixed fins provide a compromise between draft and upwind tracking; while it cannot point as high as a daggerboard-equipped performance cat, its Joubert-Nivelt hull ensures it remains weatherly enough for coastal and blue-water passage making. Owners often report comfortable cruising speeds of 7 to 9 knots, with the ability to touch double digits in favorable conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Fountaine Pajot offered the Lavezzi 40 in two primary configurations: the "Trio" and the "Quatuor." The Trio version is the owner’s layout, featuring a dedicated master hull on the starboard side with a large double berth aft, a desk or storage area amidships, and a spacious head and shower forward. The Quatuor version, designed with the charter market in mind, features four double cabins and two heads, maximizing the sleeping capacity for its 40-foot length.

The interior aesthetic was characterized by the use of light-colored woods (often maple or beech) and large panoramic windows that wrap around the coachroof, a signature of designer Olivier Flahault. While the Lavezzi 40 lacks the massive "flybridge" found on newer models, its helm station is integrated into the cockpit at a mid-level height, providing excellent visibility of all four corners of the boat while keeping the boom low and the center of effort manageable. The galley-up design was considered avant-garde at the time, allowing the cook to remain part of the social activity in the cockpit while preparing meals.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Lavezzi 40 has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity within the digital sailing community, most notably through the YouTube channel "Sailing Kittiwake." The channel documented the extensive refit and multi-year Mediterranean and Atlantic voyages of a young couple on their Lavezzi 40, highlighting the vessel's capability as a full-time liveaboard and offshore cruiser. Their journey provided a transparent look at the boat's maintenance requirements and its handling in various sea states, solidifying its reputation among a new generation of budget-conscious cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Lavezzi 40 must approach the market with a technical eye, as certain production years were prone to specific manufacturing issues.

• Osmosis and Hull Blistering: The most significant "gotcha" for early 2000s Fountaine Pajot models is a documented history of osmosis in some hulls. Buyers should prioritize a moisture meter test and a haul-out inspection to look for signs of blistering or previous bottom-shaving treatments.
• Engine Access and Maintenance: While the engine rooms are located aft in each hull, access can be tight. Inspect the seals on the engine hatches and look for any signs of water ingress, which can lead to corrosion on the Saildrive units or electrical components.
• Bulkhead Integrity: Like many production cats of this era, the main bulkhead should be inspected for signs of movement or stress cracking, particularly if the boat has been used heavily in a charter fleet or driven hard in offshore conditions.
• Fuel Tank Material: Some owners have reported issues with the original aluminum fuel tanks suffering from pitting or corrosion if water was allowed to sit in the bottom of the tank. Verifying the condition of the fuel system is essential.
• Rudder Bushings: Check for excessive play in the steering system. The rudder bushings on the Lavezzi 40 can wear over time, leading to a "sloppy" feel at the helm that requires replacement of the sleeves.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Lavezzi 40 benefit from a robust and active secondary market support network. The most prominent resource is the Fountaine Pajot Owners Group, a large international community that shares technical manuals, DIY refit advice, and specific solutions for this model's known quirks. Additionally, the Joubert-Nivelt Design Archive remains a source of technical pride for those interested in the architectural pedigree of their vessel.

The Verdict

The Lavezzi 40 is a quintessential bridge between the performance-oriented cats of the 1990s and the comfort-focused designs of the 2010s. It offers a faster, more engaging sailing experience than many of its successors, though it requires a more vigilant maintenance schedule.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air sailing performance for a cruising catamaran.
• The galley-up, open-cockpit design is highly ergonomic for tropical cruising.
• Lower windage makes it easier to handle in marinas than modern, taller cats.
• Strong resale value due to its popularity as a entry-level blue-water cruiser.

Cons:

• High risk of osmosis in certain hull years, requiring a thorough survey.
• Interior volume and "luxuries" (like walk-around beds) are less than modern equivalents.
• Limited payload capacity; performance suffers significantly if overloaded with heavy gear.