Louisiane 37 Information, Review, Specs

Built using a vacuum-bagged PVC foam-core sandwich construction—a technique Fountaine Pajot mastered during their years building racing prototypes—the Louisiane 37 was significantly lighter than many of its contemporaries. This construction method not only provided excellent stiffness but also thermal insulation and buoyancy. While it lacks the massive bridge deck cabins found on modern "condo-marans," its low-slung silhouette and balanced proportions make it a favorite for sailors who prioritize performance over sheer interior volume.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Louisiane 37 is often described as a "sailor’s catamaran," characterized by a lightness of touch that is rare in modern cruising multihulls. Because it lacks a heavy, enclosed saloon on the bridge deck, the center of gravity remains low, reducing pitching and improving stability. Its hulls are relatively narrow, allowing for a favorable length-to-beam ratio that translates to higher hull speeds and better windward performance than many comparable boats of the 1980s.

Equipped with fixed fins rather than daggerboards, the Louisiane 37 offers a simplified sailing experience without sacrificing too much in the way of pointing ability. According to historical technical data from Fountaine Pajot, the boat’s displacement-to-length ratio is impressively low, allowing it to transition into double-digit speeds in moderate breezes. Owners often report that the boat feels "alive" in 15 knots of wind, maintaining a level of responsiveness more akin to a large beach cat than a heavy cruiser. Tracking is generally reliable, though like most catamarans with fixed keels, there is some leeway when beating against a stiff chop.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior layout of the Louisiane 37 is a product of its performance-oriented design, with the primary living spaces located within the hulls rather than atop the bridge deck. This "galley-down" configuration was the standard for the era, keeping the bridge deck open for a large, protected cockpit. This makes the boat feel exceptionally spacious for outdoor entertaining, though it does limit the communal indoor area to a modest seating nook or navigation station depending on the specific hull variation.

The hulls typically accommodate two or three private cabins. In the standard owner’s version, one hull might be dedicated to a large head and a master suite, while the other contains the galley and additional sleeping quarters. Headroom is generous within the hulls themselves, reaching over six feet, though the bridge deck transition areas are tighter. The aesthetic is quintessential 1980s French maritime design—functional, with white laminates and light wood accents designed to maximize the feeling of space in the narrower hull sections. Some later variations saw minor shifts in cabinetry and upholstery, but the structural layout remained consistent throughout the production run.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Louisiane 37 should approach the purchase with a focus on structural longevity, as these vessels are now entering their fourth decade of service.

• Foam Core Integrity: While the PVC foam core is generally resistant to rot compared to balsa, it can still suffer from delamination if water has been allowed to sit in the laminate for years. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the hulls and bridge deck is essential.
• Bridge Deck Stress: Because the Louisiane 37 is a lightweight boat, the bridge deck structure undergoes significant stress in heavy seas. Inspect the areas where the hulls join the bridge deck for spiderweb cracking or signs of previous fiberglass repair.
• Original Rigging and Chainplates: Many of these boats still carry their original spar configurations. Given the age, a rigger should specifically inspect the chainplates and the mast step, as these are high-load points on a catamaran of this vintage.
• Propulsion Systems: Many Louisiane 37s were originally fitted with outboard engines on sleds or early-generation Saildrive units. Retrofitted diesels are common; buyers should verify the seal age on Saildrive units and check for corrosion in the engine bays, which are often tight and difficult to ventilate.

Community & Resources

The Louisiane 37 is supported by a dedicated following within the broader Fountaine Pajot community. Technical discussions and historical documentation are often shared through the Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club, an official organization that fosters communication between owners of legacy and modern models. While there is no longer a dedicated factory parts line for the Louisiane 37, the use of standard marine hardware from the era makes most systems relatively easy to maintain or upgrade through modern suppliers.

The Verdict

The Fountaine Pajot Louisiane 37 is a landmark vessel that offers a purist sailing experience for those who find modern catamarans too cumbersome. It is an ideal choice for coastal cruising or island hopping where speed and aesthetics are valued over apartment-style living.

Pros

• Superior Performance: Lightweight construction and efficient hull design make it faster than most 37-foot cruising cats.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A sleek, timeless profile that avoids the "top-heavy" look of modern designs.
• Outdoor Living: A massive, open cockpit that is perfect for warm-weather cruising.

Cons

• Limited Bridge Deck Living: No large indoor saloon, which may be a drawback for those cruising in colder climates.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Requires a diligent surveyor to check for foam core delamination and rigging fatigue.
• Narrow Hulls: The interior cabins and galley can feel cramped compared to modern wide-beam multihulls.