The fact that catamarans have excellent rough water characteristics and offer enormous living comfort is not only appreciated by sailors. These advantages also appeal to motorboat drivers who are planning extensive cruises on the world's oceans and longer stays on board. Fountaine Pajot's motorised catamarans, which have been available for over 20 years, are generally not based on the sailing fleet and the mast is omitted. The shipyard usually favours independent developments in which the underwater hull has been adapted to the powerful drives. There are currently four models between eleven and 20 metres on offer.
However, the 4.S is no stranger to the market, as the hull design comes from the previous entry-level model MY37, which is being replaced by the new model. The flybridge layout has been transformed into a coupé version with new superstructures and a revised interior. The price has also changed. While the predecessor was still available from under €350,000 when it was launched, the 4.S with the basic engine will change hands for at least €589,432.
Without flybridge, the sunbathing area moves to the main deck
During the tour of construction number one, which we were able to drive some time ago immediately after the Multihull Salon in La Grande Motte, the differences quickly become apparent. As the upper deck is missing, seating and sunbathing areas had to be created on the main deck. This was done in the form of an upholstered bench in the cockpit, which can also be converted into a sunbed. However, one of the three accessory packages must be ordered for the cockpit upholstery, which are available from €22,283. A table is also on the extensive list of options.
As before, a short bathing platform and an optional lowerable extension are added towards the rear. The second sunbathing area, which is located between the hulls in front of the windscreen, is reached via the well-secured walkway to the bow.
The layout of the saloon has not changed fundamentally, with the galley on the port side, the dinette opposite and the forward helm position, but the furniture has been completely redesigned. The two-burner induction hob in the test boat is an option; a gas hob is fitted here as standard. The 115-litre refrigerator with ice compartment can be supplemented with a second refrigerator or freezer in the starboard hull on request. The microwave is also on the list of accessories, as is the television.
The dinette is located opposite. The table can be lowered as an option. At the front, the helm station with two upholstered seats and a side seat awaits the skipper and crew members. The instrumentation is easy to read, but there is no analogue compass. Light enters the saloon not only through the side glazing, but also through a large skylight, making it appear much brighter than its predecessor with flybridge. If desired, the front section can be opened at the touch of a button. Polarised windows then darken the area where the glazing overlaps.
Bright and friendly ambience below deck
The test boat is a Maestro version with an owner's area in the port hull and two double cabins in the starboard hull. Four cabins are also available as an option. There is a fully equipped wet room in both hulls, in the bow for the owner and amidships for the guests. The double berth is located in the owner's section aft. There is an upholstered sofa and storage space in the companionway area. Guests sleep in a bow and stern cabin on double berths. There are no slatted frames to ventilate the mattresses. The significantly enlarged window areas in both hulls are remarkable, providing a bright and friendly ambience with a good view. Safety is exemplary. All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers. Escape hatches are located in the forward part of the hulls. Four electric and one manual bilge pump complete the picture.
The test candidate is powered by a Yanmar 4LV diesel engine with 184 kW (250 hp). In the basic configuration, the version with 111 kW (150 hp) is bolted on. The power is transmitted to the shaft drives via a gearbox. From a standstill, we reach a top speed of 21.8 knots after 20 seconds. At the same time, 101 litres of diesel run out of the 1200 litre reservoir every hour. A cruising speed of around eight knots is much more economical, consuming 11.2 litres per hour. After deducting the 15 per cent reserve, the tank volume is then sufficient for an impressive 720 nautical miles. The catamaran is easy to manoeuvre. Full circles at slow speed are two boat lengths in diameter, at full throttle it is one boat length more. If the throttle is used appropriately, the boat turns on the spot. The ride through waves is smooth and comfortable.
Conclusion on the Fountaine Pajot MY 4.S
The Fountaine Pajot 4.S is a seaworthy catamaran with good long-distance characteristics and favourable operating costs. The amount of space on and below deck is above average. Due to the relatively compact width and height, the range of uses is somewhat more varied than with larger double hulls.
Technical data Fountaine Pajot MY 4.S
- Shipyard: Fountaine Pajot/F
- Type: MY4.S
- CE category: B/8 persons
- Hull and deck: plastic
- Overall length: 11.00 m
- Width: 5.10 m
- Weight: approx. 9500 kg
- Draught: 0.80 m
- Clearance height: 3.78 m
- Fuel tank: 2x 600 litres
- Water tank: 2x 350 litres
- Holding tank: 130 litres
- Cabins: 3
- Berths: 6
- Possible motorisation: diesel inboard engine, 2x 110 kW (150 hp) to 2x 184 kW (250 hp)
- Test engine: 2x Yanmar 4 LV 184 kW (250 hp) each
- Price (standard test configuration ex shipyard): € 604,003
- Shipyard: Fountaine Pajot S.A., Zone Industrielle - 17290 Aigrefeuille, www.fountaine-pajot.com
