Fountaine Pajot 44 (FP44): Exceptional Value Meets Uncompromising Comfort

In the competitive world of cruising catamarans, Fountaine Pajot has once again raised the bar with their latest offering. The New 44 represents a thoughtful evolution in the French shipyard's lineup, replacing the Elba 45 with a more accessible yet equally capable vessel. What makes this new model particularly compelling is its exceptional value proposition – priced 20-25% lower than its predecessor at approximately $820,000-$950,000 (delivered to the US), without compromising on the comfort and performance that have become synonymous with the Fountaine Pajot brand.

Design Philosophy: A New Generation Emerges

The FP 44 is part of Fountaine Pajot's next generation of catamarans, launched alongside the New 41. This fresh line is characterized by greater generosity in living spaces while maintaining a closer connection to the sea. True to the shipyard's DNA, the New 44 maintains that perfect balance between comfort, elegance, and performance.

Visually distinctive, the vessel features the characteristic signature of portlights highlighted by a stripe, a subtly inverted deck sheer, and a discreet hull chine above the waterline. This hull innovation does more than enhance aesthetics – it creates additional living space in the hull while maintaining a finer waterline for improved performance. The sleek rig completes a package that promises both excellent sailing capability and elegant visual proportions.

Performance: Designed for Blue Water Adventures

For those who value sailing performance, the New 44 delivers generously. The sail plan includes a 78m² mainsail, 45m² genoa, and an optional 130m² gennaker – a configuration that ensures lively performance across a range of conditions without sacrificing handling ease.

Power options include twin 30 HP engines as standard, with optional twin 57 HP units available for those desiring additional power reserves. Two fuel tanks provide a total capacity of 700 liters, while freshwater storage comes in at two 300-liter tanks – ample for extended cruising adventures.

The helm station represents one of Fountaine Pajot's most successful design features, divided into two parts for improved ergonomics. The wheel and maneuvering area are separated from sail handling functions, creating a more organized operation. Positioned at mid-height, the helm provides excellent visibility over both the water and sails while maintaining a direct connection with the crew, whether they're in the cockpit or on the lounge deck.

Living Spaces: Designed for Social Cruising

The New 44 truly shines when it comes to living spaces, with thoughtful attention paid to both interior and exterior areas.

The lounge deck has been completely reworked to become the largest Fountaine Pajot has ever designed for this class of boat. It's cleverly divided into two sections: seating for up to eight people on one side and two separate sunbathing areas on the other, providing more convenient access and easy boom reach when needed.

The forward cockpit – a signature feature on Fountaine Pajot catamarans – has been enhanced with a small coffee table that provides both comfort and practical cover for the windlass access. Large optimized storage lockers beneath the sunbathing areas offer ample space for gear, accessible via two entry points for added convenience.

Perhaps most impressive is the aft cockpit's integration with the saloon. A three-meter opening sliding door creates a seamless connection between these spaces, effectively blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. The cockpit features include an optional plancha grill to starboard, an extra "fishing seat" on the port side for ocean viewing, and a large lounger facing the sea. The cockpit table comfortably accommodates 8-10 people, making entertaining a pleasure.

Inside, the saloon offers two distinct areas: deep seating on the starboard side and a galley that extends forward on the port side. The galley's central island provides excellent functionality while creating a natural gathering place. A U-shaped lounge area offers relaxation space with excellent views, including a deep chaise longue seat that's perfect for checking the sails through the skylight.

Accommodation Options: Flexibility for Every Cruising Style

The New 44 is available in two primary configurations: the Maestro (owner's) version and the Quatuor (four-cabin) layout.

The Maestro version features a spacious 15m² owner's cabin in the port hull, with the starboard hull housing two double cabins, each with its own heads and shower room. Thanks to the hull chine design, the owner's cabin is noticeably wider, allowing the bed to be slightly angled toward the sea – creating a greater feeling of volume and harmony.

A standout feature of the Maestro version is the multi-purpose cabin forward in the port hull. This innovative space comes equipped with bunk beds ideal for children but can easily be converted into a small workshop, office, or combination of both.

The Quatuor version offers identical layouts in both hulls, with two double cabins in each, all featuring en-suite shower rooms and heads. This configuration is ideal for charter operations or larger families.

For those needing additional accommodations, a skipper's cabin in the port forepeak is available as an option.

Technology & Innovation: Embracing Sustainable Cruising

The New 44 embraces modern cruising technology, with up to 2000W of solar panels standard on the coach roof. This can be extended to 2300W with the addition of optional 150W panels integrated into the trampolines, significantly boosting energy autonomy.

To further minimize their environmental impact, the New 44 is available with Fountaine Pajot's innovative ODSea+ electric drivetrain. This system provides two 25kW electric motors paired with two 21kWh lithium batteries and includes a diesel generator as standard.

Fountaine Pajot's Smart Electric technology centralizes all energy management through a single console, offering a simple, designer user experience. The system prioritizes renewable energy sources, intelligently managing production and consumption flows for optimal efficiency.

Construction Quality: Built to Last

Behind the scenes, the New 44 benefits from Fountaine Pajot's advanced construction techniques. The shipyard has perfected resin injection and infusion methods that produce lighter, stronger vessels while maintaining consistent quality.

This expertise extends beyond performance benefits to meet stringent environmental requirements. The controlled process reduces harmful emissions during manufacturing, aligning with Fountaine Pajot's broader commitment to sustainability.

Fountaine Pajot 44 (FP44): The Ideal Sailing Catamaran Platform for Blue Water Dreams

The Fountaine Pajot New 44 represents a compelling blend of value, comfort, and capability. By offering the same quality and innovation found in larger models at a more accessible price point, Fountaine Pajot has created an ideal catamaran for blue water cruising with family or friends.

Whether you're drawn to its comfortable living spaces, innovative accommodation options, performance capabilities, or environmental credentials, the New 44 delivers exceptional value without compromise. For those looking to set course for new horizons, this catamaran provides an excellent platform for creating unforgettable memories on the water.

For more information Fountine Pajot 44