Salina 48 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salina 48 is often characterized by its balance between cruising comfort and respectable speed, largely due to its vacuum-infusion construction, which keeps the lightship displacement around 10.5 tons—notably leaner than many of its contemporaries. This weight-to-length ratio allows the boat to remain nimble in light airs where heavier cruisers might stall. According to editorial testing by Cruising World, the vessel demonstrates surprising agility, capable of reaching double-digit speeds in a stiff breeze when the large roached mainsail is fully deployed.

The boat's handling is defined by its low-profile hulls and reduced windage compared to modern "high-rise" catamarans. This design choice improves tracking and reduces leeway when pointing upwind, although, like most cruising cats, its sweet spot remains a broad reach. The steering is generally described as direct, though the original helm position was somewhat isolated from the cockpit; the "Evolution" update addressed this by refining the seating and sightlines, though some sailors still find the exposure to the elements at the raised helm a trade-off for the improved visibility.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Salina 48 was revolutionary for its time, featuring a galley-up configuration that faces the cockpit, fostering a social atmosphere for the chef. The use of large wrap-around windows provides 360-degree visibility from the saloon, a hallmark of the Berret-Racoupeau collaboration. The model 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 massive owner's suite, featuring a desk, a walk-in shower, and ample storage. The Quatuor version provides four double cabins, each with its own en-suite head, making it a staple in premium charter fleets. The "Evolution" refresh replaced the dark wood finishes of the early models with lighter, more contemporary Alpi woodwork and improved the ergonomics of the galley. A unique feature of this hull is the "Deco" version, which occasionally appears on the brokerage market with upgraded upholstery and designer lighting packages, intended to move the brand closer to the luxury "flagship" status now occupied by the Saba 50 and Aura 51.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Salina 48 with a technical eye toward the specific construction methods of the late 2000s.

• Escape Hatches: Like many catamarans of this era, the emergency escape hatches located near the waterline have been a point of concern. Buyers should verify if the original Goiot hatches have been replaced or reinforced, as older units were subject to recalls due to adhesive failure.
• Bulkhead Integrity: While the infusion process improved weight, some early hull numbers reported localized stress cracking in the structural bulkheads under heavy load. A professional survey should include a "tap test" and moisture scan of the structural grids.
• Gelcoat Crazing: Common to many Fountaine Pajot models from this production window, "spider cracks" or cosmetic crazing may appear in the gelcoat around high-stress areas like stanchion bases and the cockpit coaming.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: The Volvo Penta or Yanmar saildrives require diaphragm replacements every 7–10 years. In many Salina 48s, these are now due for their second or third service interval.
• Rigging Tension: Given the large sail area, the mast step and diamond stay tension are critical. Check for any compression signs on the bridgedeck or deformation of the mast base plate.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Salina 48 often congregate within the broader Fountaine Pajot Yacht Club, an official manufacturer-led community that provides technical documentation and organized rallies. While there is no dedicated "Salina 48 Only" association, the Fountaine Pajot owners' groups on various technical platforms provide a wealth of shared knowledge regarding retrofitting modern lithium battery systems and solar arrays, which the large bimini of the Salina 48 is well-suited to support.

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Power-to-Weight Ratio: Faster and more responsive than many modern, high-volume catamarans.
• Social Layout: The seamless flow between the galley and cockpit remains one of the best in its class.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Low-profile hulls and sleek coachroof offer a more traditional "sailor's" silhouette.

Cons:

• Helm Exposure: The raised helm can be exposed to spray and sun compared to modern sheltered flybridges.
• Maintenance Requirements: Early models may require updates to hatches and interior finishes to meet modern standards.
• Narrow Hulls: Compared to the ultra-wide hulls of newer models, the berths and storage in the guest cabins can feel slightly more constrained.