The market
Five years ago, Fountaine Pajot, one of the major French sail catamaran players, entered the powercat market with the MY37. With an overall length of 11 m, this model is now the smallest in the range. In 2017, the rochelais site then launched the MY 44 (13.40 m) with a design evolution that is now recognizable. In 2019, it is the turn of the MY 40 - mid-range - to join the two previous models. With this 40-foot (12.20 m) model, Fountaine Pajot is entering a segment left vacant by the various motor catamaran yards.
A reworked design
Although the size is limited to 40 feet, the site had set itself the objective of offering the largest possible owner's cabin and flybridge. The design remains contemporary, but the lines have been modernised compared to the first model. The brightness has been further optimised, particularly under the deck, with smoked Plexiglas extending along the hull. The useful windows are obviously smaller, but this gives designers a lot of freedom to optimize the brightness.
The hulls of this Fountaine Pajot have rather fine water inlets, however thanks to a step in the hull widens above the waterline. This step increases the space that can be converted while giving the waves a deflecting effect. The construction, made of infused balsa sandwich, seems to be of high quality. The mobile bath platform is made of composite material to reduce the weight of the entire system.
IPS propulsion
If the MY 37 is offered with a traditional shaft drive, the MY 40 is delivered with the IPS system (like the MY 44). Manoeuvrability and operating comfort (less vibration and maintenance) are greatly improved, but grounding is now impossible. The manufacturer offers two engines: 2x300 HP - IPS 400 as standard and 2x370 HP - IPS 500 as an option. In the standard version, the top speed is estimated at 24/25 knots.
Cockpit and bathing platform to enjoy the outdoors
At the stern of the catamaran, the hydraulic bathing platform drops to 40 cm below the water level. This option will be appreciated at anchor, during tender manoeuvres or to reassure during swimming. Two side ladders make it easy to get back on board.
Access to the catamaran is via a few steps integrated into the port or starboard skirts. It should be noted that the worksite has chosen an asymmetrical cockpit (12.5 m2) to provide a wider (and therefore more comfortable) entrance to port. A decision that also allows to have a larger L-shaped bench seat in the rear, finally the cockpit table takes place in the center.
In this cockpit, it will be particularly appreciated to be able to protect yourself thanks to the wide electric curtain that descends between the two rear flybridge supports. At the front, there is a second deck saloon with an area of 8m2, with two benches with adjustable backs.
A very spacious and bright living room
On a motor catamaran, too, you can enjoy life on one level. From the cockpit you can access the saloon via the sliding sliding door. The galley is distributed on either side of the door, with a refrigerator (160L) and a freezer (60L) on the port side. To starboard, the L-shaped galley is properly sized for a boat of this size, including induction hobs, a double sink and numerous storage spaces.
The rest of the saloon is raised to obtain height under the beam in the cabins. It is vast and above all very bright. The huge windscreen coupled with the side windows offers a breathtaking view and accentuates the incredible feeling of space. The layout is modern and comfortable, like in a loft.
To port of this saloon is the lounge area with a table mounted on an electric cylinder (optional) that unfolds for dinner and lowers to make an extra bed. Opposite is the steering station with a seat for two people and a spacious dashboard to accommodate all the electronics. Obviously on a boat of this size, you can ask for a television that will disappear behind the kitchen furniture.
It is also possible, as an option, to install a watermaker (equipment chosen by about 30 to 40% of buyers), which will be very useful if you choose a dishwasher or washing machine.
One owner hull and one guest hull
Access to the owner's area is located at the rear of the saloon, on the port side. The Maestro version reserves the entire port hull for owners. In other words, the volume is impressionnant?! The bathroom is located at the front with a large Italian shower, a separate toilet and a washbasin cabinet on the starboard side.
In the centre of the hull, the bed is positioned in the width and faces the large hull porthole overlooking the sea. With the enlargement of the portholes, there is no doubt about the pleasure of ocean vision without moving from your bed. The cabin is huge, but we nevertheless regret the structure of the bench seat in the living room which goes down above the headboard, giving a feeling of confinement, right there.
The starboard hull is reserved for guests. It can also be accessed from the saloon via a staircase located between the steering station and a storage unit. The aft cabin offers a choice of a double bed or two bunk beds. The front cabin is necessarily double. A bathroom with separate shower is located between the two night spaces.
Living on the flybridge
The flybridge is spacious with 17m2 of floor space. There is a second helm station, an outdoor bar, a lounge area aft and a sunbathing area forward to port. Hard-top is optional, as on the MY44, but is unavoidable, and almost all owners of the largest model have made this choice.
On this 40-foot model, there is no skipper's cabin in the front like on the big brother, as the size does not allow it. The MY40 therefore offers a very large storage space instead.
A motor catamaran to live like at home
We were really impressed by the living space offered by this 40-foot catamaran. The layout is comfortable and of high quality, as are the finishes. The large living room invites you to travel and the windows bring a real feeling of space.
If the MY40 is sailing at more than 20 knots, it is more reasonable to sail at a reduced speed (about 10 knots) to reduce fuel consumption. The two powerful IPSs will be used to push the boat's 13.4 tonnes, but at what cost?
With a price of about 900,000 euros fully equipped, the MY40 is a little above the market in relation to its size. But thanks to the quality of construction, layout and comfort provided, it is assumed that it should easily appeal to many owners.
