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fountaine pajot lucia 40 review
Catamaran · 42 ft (13 m) · Antibes
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- fountaine pajot
- Model
- lucia 40
- Length
- 42 ft (13 m)
- Guests
- 20
- Cabins
- 4
Verdict
The Lucia 40 is a well-bred cruising catamaran with a practical layout, good living space, and easy coastal passagemaking capability. It is not a performance-focused yacht, but it offers a strong balance of comfort, shallow draft, and charter-friendly versatility.
Pros
- +Wide beam delivers useful interior and deck space
- +Shallow draft suits bays, anchorages, and island cruising
- +Good access to twin diesel engines and systems
- +Strong charter-oriented 4-cabin layout
- +Vacuum-infused GRP construction and careful build quality
Cons
- −Not a high-performance sailing catamaran
- −Twin 20 hp engines are adequate rather than powerful
- −Lightwind sailing may feel modest without extra sail inventory
- −Broad beam can make marina berths more demanding
- −Charter use can mean wear and heavier loading on the secondhand market
The Lucia 40 is a compact cruising catamaran designed by Berret-Racoupeau for Fountaine Pajot, with a clear emphasis on volume, easy living, and efficient use of space. Its proportions are typical of modern cruising cats: a wide beam, relatively shallow draft, and lightweight composite construction that favors comfort and stability over outright speed.
On the water, it is best described as a steady, predictable cruiser rather than an energetic sailing machine. The hull form and sail plan are geared toward practical handling and relaxed passagemaking, with twin diesels making docking and tight maneuvering easier than on many monohulls. In stronger winds it should remain reassuring, but buyers looking for sharp upwind pace or sporty feel will likely find it conservative.
Comfort is one of its strongest points. The 4-cabin layout is well suited to charter or family cruising, and the boat’s beam supports a roomy saloon, useful cockpit connection, and good onboard circulation. For a 42 ft class boat, the livability is a major draw, especially for owners prioritizing space, privacy, and shallow-water access.
In value terms, the Lucia 40 remains appealing because it combines recognized brand support, sensible systems, and broad charter appeal. It is not the cheapest way to buy performance, but as an ownership platform for relaxed cruising and resale-friendly versatility, it is a solid proposition.
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