Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 Catamaran: 2002-2009 Review

Quick Answer

The Fountaine Fountaine Pajot 40 Lavezzi is a 40-foot cruising catamaran designed by O. Flahault / Joubert-Nivelt and produced from 2002 to 2009. Exactly 227 hulls were built. Hull length reaches 11.90 metres, beam 6.60 metres, draft 1.10 metres, and displacement stands at 7,200 kg. It offers eight berths and twin 30 hp Volvo MD2030 engines. Category A certification allows coastal and moderate offshore use. Current used prices range $180,000-$280,000 USD depending on condition and location.

Origins & Designer Vision

O. Flahault worked with Joubert-Nivelt on the Lavezzi 40 project launched in 2002. The brief required a compact catamaran that retained the interior volume of larger models while remaining manageable for short-handed crews. Production ended in 2009 after 227 hulls, replaced by the Mahe and Orana series.

Construction & Technical Specs

The Lavezzi 40 uses solid laminate below the waterline and balsa core above. Vinylester resin protects the outer layers. The rig carries 85 m² of sail area upwind with a 14.50 m mast. The bridgedeck clearance of 0.70 m reduces slamming in moderate seas.

Sailing Performance

Owners report consistent 7-8 knot passages on a reach in 15-20 knots of wind. Multihulls World noted: "Comfort with plenty of finesse," praising helm feedback and reduced pitching. Cruisers Forum contributors confirm the vessel handles gusts better than many comparable 40-foot cats.

Interior & Living Aboard

The three-cabin owner version provides a starboard hull master suite with double berth and ensuite. The port hull houses two double cabins and a shared head. The saloon seats eight around a fixed table and offers 1.95 m headroom. Ventilation comes from nine opening hatches and four large side windows.

Engine & Systems

Twin Volvo MD2030 or Yanmar 3YM30 diesels each rated at 30 hp drive 330 mm three-blade props. Fuel capacity totals 300 litres split between two tanks. Most boats carried 400 Ah house batteries upgraded today to lithium. Early models lack factory generator space; later refits added 3-5 kW units.