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PAPA CHARLIE review
Catamaran · 59 ft (18 m) · Porto Cervo
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Fountaine Pajot
- Model
- Aura 51
- Length
- 59 ft (18 m)
- Guests
- 8
- Cabins
- 4
Verdict
The 2023 Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 is a well-appointed charter catamaran that emphasizes space, stability, and easy living over sporty performance. It suits families and groups well, but buyers should verify listing details carefully because several advertised specs conflict with the confirmed model data.
Pros
- +Large living spaces for a 51 ft catamaran
- +Confirmed 5-cabin, 5-head layout suits groups
- +Strong cruise amenities: AC, generator, watermaker, dishwasher
- +Balanced sail plan with modern cruising systems
- +Two crew included for easier charter operation
Cons
- −Listing data contains major spec errors
- −Not a performance-focused multihull
- −Higher upkeep and charter costs than smaller cats
- −Fuel capacity and engine package are modest for extended motoring
- −Charter-oriented layout may reduce private-owner flexibility
The Aura 51 is a modern cruising catamaran with the expected Fountaine Pajot emphasis on volume, social space, and practical deck flow. In this 2023 configuration, the confirmed 5-cabin/5-head layout and 10 berths make it better aligned with charter use or larger groups than with a couple seeking a compact private cruiser. The model’s design favors cockpit-to-saloon continuity and easy indoor-outdoor living.
On the water, the Aura 51 should feel stable and predictable rather than especially fast. With a battened mainsail, furling genoa, autopilot, AIS, GPS plotter, and wind instruments, it is set up for straightforward passage making and crew-friendly handling. The twin 75 HP engines provide adequate docking and low-speed maneuvering, but this is not a sport catamaran built around high-performance sailing.
Comfort is a major strength. Air conditioning, generator, solar panels, watermaker, dishwasher, washer/dryer, ice maker, and electric tender lift point to a well-equipped charter boat with strong liveaboard appeal. Crew of two also improves service quality on charter. Value is good if the buyer wants space and amenities, but the listing should be scrutinized carefully because the published length, cabin count, berth count, and other details do not match the verified Aura 51 specification.
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