Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 for Sale

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 Specifications

The specifications describe a boat designed for comfortable long-range cruising with genuine sailing performance. At approximately 13,500 kg light displacement, the Saona 47 is notably lighter than the Lagoon 46 (16,300 kg) despite being a foot longer on the waterline — a weight advantage that translates directly into livelier helm response, faster acceleration through tacks, and better light-air performance. The 1.30 m draft is shallow enough for thin-water cruising in the Bahamas, the Chesapeake, and the Greek Ionian whilst still providing adequate lateral resistance for upwind work.

The vacuum-infused GRP construction — vinylester resin over glass with an epoxy primer barrier coat — reflects Fountaine Pajot’s established build methodology, controlling weight whilst maintaining structural integrity for CE Category A (Ocean) certification. The 600-litre fuel capacity is adequate for extended coastal cruising and island-hopping, though less generous than the Lagoon 46’s 1,040 litres. The matching 600-litre water capacity is generous for a catamaran of this size, though bluewater owners will still want a watermaker for true self-sufficiency on longer passages.

Build Quality & Construction

Fountaine Pajot’s build quality on the Saona 47 is consistent with the yard’s reputation for solid, well-engineered production catamarans. The hulls are vacuum-infused GRP — a process that controls the resin-to-glass ratio more precisely than hand layup, resulting in a stronger, lighter, and more consistent laminate. The vinylester resin provides good osmotic resistance, and the epoxy primer barrier coat adds a further layer of protection against moisture ingress. Structural bulkheads are bonded and tabbed to the hull, and the hull-to-deck joint is a critical area that should be inspected on any used example.

Interior joinery on the Saona 47 is clean and functional. Fountaine Pajot uses a combination of marine plywood, laminated panels, and composite materials for cabinetry and furniture. The fit-and-finish is generally well-regarded — door mechanisms, drawer slides, and locker catches feel durable rather than flimsy. The overall impression is of a boat built to withstand years of cruising use, not merely to look attractive in a boat show. That said, the Saona generation predates some of the refinements introduced on the Elba 45, and early production hulls (2017–2018) may show minor fit-and-finish variations that were ironed out on later examples.

The deck hardware on the Saona 47 is production-grade — adequate for cruising use but not over-specified. Owners who plan serious offshore passages frequently upgrade winches, clutches, and the anchor windlass. The standing rigging is conventional stainless steel wire with swaged terminals; inspection and eventual replacement at 10–12 years is standard practice. Chainplate attachment points and the mast step are areas that warrant careful inspection on any boat approaching five or more years of age.

How Does the Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 Sail?

Upwind: The Berret-Racoupeau hull form delivers respectable upwind performance for a production cruising catamaran. In 12–18 knots of true wind, expect 6.5–7.5 knots of boat speed with a tacking angle of approximately 85–95 degrees. The Saona 47’s lighter displacement compared to the Lagoon 46 is immediately apparent when beating — the boat accelerates more quickly through tacks and maintains speed better in the lulls between gusts. The genoa is generously sized at approximately 53 m², providing good power in moderate conditions without being overwhelming for a short-handed crew.

Reaching: This is where the Saona 47 truly comes alive. Crack off to 90–120 degrees apparent and the boat accelerates into the 8–10 knot range in 15+ knots of breeze. With a Code 0 deployed in 12–15 knots TWS, sustained speeds above 9 knots are readily achievable. In trade wind conditions on a transatlantic or Caribbean passage, 7.5–9 knots day after day is a realistic expectation — the extra waterline length over the Helia 44 delivering a measurable improvement in passage speed. Multiple Saona 47s have completed Atlantic crossings with reported averages of 180–200 nautical miles per day.

Under power: The standard twin Volvo Penta D2-40 engines (40 HP each) deliver a cruising speed of approximately 7–8 knots at moderate RPM. As with other Fountaine Pajot models of this era, the Saona 47 is notably quiet under power — owners consistently remark on the low noise and vibration levels compared to competing catamarans. The 45–57 HP engine upgrades are available and recommended for owners who want more reserve power for close-quarters manoeuvring, punching into headwinds, or operating in areas with strong tidal currents. The 600-litre fuel capacity provides a range of approximately 500–600 nautical miles under power at cruising speed.

Light air: Below 8–10 knots of true wind, the Saona 47 — like all production cruising catamarans — needs additional sail area to maintain meaningful speed. A Code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker is considered essential equipment by most owners. The approximately 125 m² of upwind sail area is adequate for the boat’s displacement, but light-air performance improves dramatically with a Code 0 adding 80–100 m² of area off the wind.

Helm and handling: The Saona 47 features a flybridge helm station — in contrast to the mid-height coachroof helm that later defined the Elba 45. The flybridge provides excellent forward visibility and a commanding view of the surrounding water, making it particularly pleasant for motoring and coastal sailing. The trade-off is greater distance between the helm and the sail controls — active sail trim adjustments require either leaving the helm or relying on crew. For owners who motor more than they sail, or who cruise with crew, the flybridge helm is a genuine advantage. For solo sailors or couples who want to trim sails from the helm, the later Elba 45’s coachroof helm is the better solution.

Interior Layout & Living Aboard

The Saona 47 was offered in three primary cabin configurations that reflect different ownership models. The Maestro (3-cabin owner’s version) dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite with a large island berth, generous wardrobe and drawer storage, a full-sized en-suite head with separate shower, and a sense of private space that is exceptional for a 47-foot production catamaran. The starboard hull in the Maestro configuration contains two guest cabins, each with its own en-suite head, plus the dedicated crew berth and head in the bow.

The Quatuor (4-cabin version) splits each hull into two cabins with en-suite heads, maximising accommodation for family sailing or hosting multiple couples. The Quintet (5-cabin version) adds a fifth cabin — typically a compact berth in the bow area — and was designed specifically for charter operations where maximising guest capacity is the priority. The crew berth and head in the starboard bow remain available in all configurations, providing a skipper’s berth that adds genuine operational flexibility for both private and charter use.

The saloon is generous by any standard. The additional length over the Helia 44 is most apparent here — the living space feels genuinely spacious, with large hull windows and panoramic glazing flooding the interior with natural light. The galley is positioned at saloon level with a direct serving connection to the cockpit through a large opening window — a practical arrangement for both entertaining at anchor and passage-making. Interior headroom throughout both hulls and the salon is generous, typically exceeding 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in). Fountaine Pajot’s interior design on the Saona generation features warm wood tones and a contemporary aesthetic that has aged well.

The cockpit is one of the Saona 47’s strongest social spaces — shaded by the flybridge above, protected from wind, and large enough to comfortably seat 8–10 guests for a meal. The aft platform provides direct water access for swimming, snorkelling, and dinghy launching. The foredeck trampolines offer a further lounging area that is particularly popular in calm anchorages. The flybridge itself provides additional seating and sunbathing space, effectively doubling the available outdoor living area.

For liveaboard owners, the Saona 47 strikes an excellent balance between comfort and practicality. The 47-foot length provides noticeably more storage volume than a 44-footer, and the 600-litre water tanks are generous enough for extended cruising without constant refilling. Ventilation relies on hatches and opening ports; air conditioning is a near-essential addition for tropical cruising grounds. The overall impression is of a boat designed for extended cruising by people who understand what it takes to live comfortably aboard for months or years at a time.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Competitors

The 45–47 ft cruising catamaran segment is one of the most fiercely contested markets in sailing. The Saona 47 competed with boats that take meaningfully different approaches to the same fundamental challenge: balancing sailing performance, living space, build quality, and price. Understanding these trade-offs is essential to choosing the right boat on the brokerage market.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Lagoon 46

This is the defining comparison. The Lagoon 46 is approximately 2,800 kg heavier, carries significantly more fuel (1,040 litres vs 600 litres), and benefits from the global dealer network of Groupe Beneteau — the largest recreational boat manufacturer in the world. The Lagoon offers a self-tacking jib for easier short-handed sailing, more interior volume, and a marginally wider beam. The Saona 47 counters with lower displacement that translates into better sailing performance, a longer waterline for higher passage speeds, and Fountaine Pajot’s reputation for build quality and engineering rigour. The Lagoon suits buyers who prioritise volume, tankage, and brand ubiquity. The Saona suits buyers who want a lighter, faster, more sailing-oriented platform with the same bluewater capability.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Bali 4.6

The Catana Group’s Bali 4.6 takes a fundamentally different design approach. The solid composite foredeck replaces traditional trampolines, creating an enormous lounging area and a distinctive aesthetic. The signature tilting transom door merges the saloon and cockpit into a single open-air living space. The Bali is lighter still (~12,800 kg), which aids performance, but the solid foredeck creates a different motion in a seaway that divides opinion. The Saona 47 is the more traditional sailing catamaran — trampolines, a conventional rig layout, and proven offshore hull forms refined across decades of Fountaine Pajot bluewater designs. For buyers who spend most of their time at anchor entertaining, the Bali makes a compelling case. For those who spend meaningful time under sail or plan ocean passages, the Saona’s design philosophy is better aligned.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Leopard 45

Built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa, the Leopard 45 is one of the most successful charter catamarans ever produced. The Leopard’s construction is widely regarded as more robust — laminated cabinetry with properly finished edges, heavier-gauge hardware, and an overall durability that experienced cruisers appreciate. The Saona 47 offers a more refined interior design, a longer waterline, and better sailing performance. On the used market, ex-charter Leopard 45s represent excellent value and are available in significant numbers. For buyers where build robustness ranks above interior refinement, the Leopard is the natural alternative. For those who want a longer, faster hull with a more contemporary interior, the Saona is the better choice.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Excess 14

The Excess 14 (formerly Excess 15), from Groupe Beneteau’s performance-oriented catamaran brand, targets a different buyer. The Excess prioritises sailing performance above all else — a squaretop mainsail, daggerboards, and a hull form optimised for speed. At roughly 48 feet, it is a similar size to the Saona but fundamentally different in character. The Saona 47 is the more comfortable cruiser with more interior volume and a more traditional layout. The Excess is the choice for sailors who want a catamaran that genuinely performs like a sailboat first and a floating apartment second. On the brokerage market, the Excess 14 is newer and commands a significant premium over equivalent Saona 47s.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The Elba 45 is the boat that effectively replaced the Saona 47 in Fountaine Pajot’s lineup, though it is two feet shorter and represents a different design philosophy. The Elba 45 features the mid-height coachroof helm station that keeps the skipper close to the sail controls — a genuine advantage for active sailors. The Saona’s flybridge helm is better for motoring and provides more flybridge social space. The Saona 47 is longer, has more interior volume, and offers the 5-cabin Quintet option. The Elba 45 benefits from more recent construction refinements and is still in production, meaning better parts availability and dealer support. On the brokerage market, well-maintained Saona 47s trade at comparable or slightly lower prices than early Elba 45s — offering more boat for the money in terms of pure space and length.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 sits below the Saona in Fountaine Pajot’s lineup and represents a fundamentally different proposition. At 40 feet and approximately 8,900 kg, it is a smaller, lighter, and significantly less expensive catamaran. The Lucia is an excellent choice for coastal cruising and couples who value simplicity and lower operating costs. The Saona 47 offers meaningfully more interior space, greater tankage, higher passage speeds, and the capacity to accommodate larger groups. For buyers stepping up from a smaller catamaran or planning extended offshore cruising, the Saona is the more capable platform.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 vs Nautitech 40 Open

The Nautitech 40 Open, also from the Fountaine Pajot group (Bavaria acquired Nautitech before FP took over the brand), is a performance-oriented catamaran at 40 feet. The Nautitech offers excellent sailing characteristics and a distinctive open-transom design. The Saona 47 is the larger, more voluminous choice for extended cruising with greater accommodation flexibility. The Nautitech 40 Open suits buyers who prioritise sailing performance and modern design at a lower price point.

For a full interactive depreciation comparison between the Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.

The Saona 47 in the Charter Market

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 was a popular charter platform, particularly in the Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Turkey) and the Caribbean (BVI, Martinique, Guadeloupe). The availability of 4-cabin Quatuor and 5-cabin Quintet configurations made it attractive to charter operators seeking maximum guest capacity. Weekly charter rates during the Saona 47’s active charter years ranged from €5,000–14,000 depending on season, location, and whether the boat was crewed or bareboat.

Many Saona 47s are now exiting charter fleets after 4–7 years of service, creating a significant supply of used boats on the brokerage market. Ex-charter Saona 47s typically carry 1,500–3,000+ engine hours, more cosmetic wear on interior fittings and upholstery, and heavier use of deck hardware. However, they also benefit from comprehensive service histories maintained by charter management companies, and many have been well-maintained to protect the charter company’s revenue stream.

Ex-charter Saona 47s typically trade at 20–30% below equivalent privately owned examples of the same age. For buyers who are comfortable with higher engine hours and some cosmetic wear, ex-charter boats represent excellent value — particularly if the service records are comprehensive and the boat has been surveyed recently. The Quatuor and Quintet configurations dominate the ex-charter market; the Maestro owner’s version is rarer and commands a corresponding premium.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 Ownership: What to Expect

Catamaran ownership costs are driven by beam, and the Saona 47’s 7.80 m (25 ft 7 in) beam places it firmly in the catamaran-width berth category everywhere. Principal cost areas include:

• Insurance: 1.0–1.5% of hull value. On a boat insured at €400,000–600,000, this translates to approximately €4,000–€9,000 per year. Caribbean and hurricane-season coverage sits at the upper end of the range.
• Marina berth: The 7.80 m beam requires a catamaran-width berth everywhere. French Mediterranean marinas charge €15,000–22,000 per year for a 47 ft catamaran. Croatia ranges from €5,000–13,000 per year. Caribbean marinas typically charge $1,600–$2,200 per month. Many cruising owners reduce costs significantly by anchoring out — the 1.30 m draft opens up shallow anchorages that deeper-draught vessels cannot access.
• Engine servicing: Twin Volvo Penta D2-40 engines (or the upgraded option) are reliable and straightforward to maintain. Annual servicing runs approximately €2,000–4,000 for both engines. Saildrive service intervals (typically every 500 hours or two years) add €1,500–2,500. Volvo and Yanmar parts availability is excellent worldwide.
• Haul-out and antifouling: €3,500–6,000 for a catamaran of this size, including travel lift, pressure wash, antifouling, anode replacement, and hull inspection.
• Rigging and sails: Standing rigging inspection every 5–7 years, with replacement at 10–12 years. Given that the oldest Saona 47s are now approaching 8–9 years, rigging replacement is becoming a near-term cost for early hulls. Running rigging and sail repairs add €1,000–3,000 per year depending on usage intensity.
• Approximate total: €24,000–50,000 per year depending on location, usage pattern, and whether the owner is berthed or anchoring out. This is broadly comparable to competing catamarans in the 45–47 ft class.

Owner feedback — strengths: Interior volume and livability, the quality of the Maestro master suite, quiet engines, reliable Berret-Racoupeau hull form, good passage-making speed from the longer waterline, shallow draft versatility, the flybridge as a social space, and Fountaine Pajot’s global dealer and service network. Owners consistently describe the Saona 47 as a boat that delivers a genuine step up in space and capability from the 44-foot class without the complexity and cost of a 50-footer.

How to Buy a Fountaine Pajot Saona 47: What to Look For

Model years: Production ran from 2017 to 2021, so all Saona 47s are now used boats. The oldest examples are approaching 8–9 years of age. Early 2017–2018 production may exhibit minor fit-and-finish variations that were refined on later hulls. There is no dramatic model-year break or recall — the boat was evolutionarily improved throughout its production run. Later 2020–2021 examples benefit from accumulated production experience and minor refinements to fittings and hardware.

Known Issues to Inspect

• Saildrive seals: As with any saildrive-equipped catamaran, the saildrive leg seals are a critical inspection point. Check for weeping or evidence of past replacement. On boats approaching 5–7 years of age, seal replacement should be budgeted as preventive maintenance if not already completed.
• Gelcoat condition: Some owners report minor gelcoat crazing around high-stress areas near chainplates and hull-to-deck joints, particularly on earlier production hulls. This is typically cosmetic rather than structural but worth inspecting carefully.
• Windlass and ground tackle: The factory-supplied anchor and windlass have been criticised by some owners as undersized for a catamaran of this displacement. Check whether the ground tackle has been upgraded and inspect the windlass motor condition.
• Standing rigging: On 2017–2019 boats, the standing rigging is now 7–9 years old and approaching or exceeding the recommended inspection interval. Budget for rigging replacement on any boat that has not had this work done.
• Refrigeration: As with other Fountaine Pajot models from this era, some owners report that factory-installed refrigerator ventilation is inadequate in tropical climates, leading to compressor strain. Inspect the refrigeration system and check whether additional ventilation has been fitted.
• Helm station electronics: Given the age of the fleet, original electronics may be outdated or approaching end-of-life. Factor in the cost of replacing chartplotters, radar, and other electronics if they have not been recently upgraded.

Maestro vs Quatuor vs Quintet on Resale

The Maestro (3-cabin) layout commands a premium of approximately 10–15% over the Quatuor (4-cabin) configuration on the brokerage market, as private buyers overwhelmingly prefer the expansive port-hull master suite. The Quatuor is the most commonly available layout as it served both charter and private buyers well. The Quintet (5-cabin) is almost exclusively ex-charter and trades at the lowest prices — it is best suited to buyers who plan to continue chartering the boat or who need maximum berth count for large families. For private ownership, the Maestro is the layout to seek out; for buyers on a budget, the Quatuor offers the best balance of value and usability.

Equipment That Adds Value

When assessing a used Saona 47, the following additions represent genuine added value: watermaker, solar panels, davits with dinghy, Code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker, upgraded electronics (chartplotter, radar, AIS), lithium battery conversion, generator, upgraded anchor and chain, the 45–57 HP engine option, air conditioning, and a full bimini/enclosure for the flybridge. A well-equipped boat saves the buyer significant retrofit cost and time — and on a boat that is now exclusively available used, the difference between a bare-bones and a well-specified example can represent €50,000–80,000 in equipment value.

Surveying a Catamaran

A catamaran survey should pay particular attention to bridgedeck stress, hull-to-deck joint integrity, bulkhead condition, rudder bearing wear, and saildrive seal condition. Engine hours should be cross-referenced with service records. Given the age of the Saona 47 fleet, standing rigging condition and chainplate integrity warrant careful inspection. Ensure the surveyor has specific multihull experience — monohull surveyors frequently miss catamaran-specific structural concerns. A sea trial under sail is essential; many issues only manifest under load and at speed.

The Verdict: Who Is the Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 For?

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 is a well-proven bluewater cruising catamaran that offers a compelling combination of space, performance, and build quality at brokerage prices that represent genuine value in the current market. It is larger and more voluminous than the 44–45 ft boats that dominate the segment, lighter and faster than the Lagoon 46, and benefits from Fountaine Pajot’s decades of catamaran-building experience and global service network.

The Saona 47 is ideally suited to cruising couples and families who want a genuine liveaboard platform capable of extended offshore passages — buyers who have outgrown a 40–42 ft catamaran and want more space, more tankage, and higher passage speeds without stepping up to the complexity and cost of a 50-footer. It is also an excellent choice for buyers entering the charter market, with the Quatuor and Quintet configurations providing the berth count that charter operators demand.

The boat is less well-suited to solo sailors or couples who prioritise hands-on sailing over cruising comfort — the flybridge helm, whilst pleasant for motoring and coastal work, places the skipper further from the sail controls than the coachroof helm designs found on the Elba 45 or the Excess 14. Buyers who want cutting-edge performance or the latest design innovations should look at newer models; the Saona 47 is a proven, mature design rather than a technological showcase.

With production ended in 2021, the Saona 47 is now exclusively a brokerage boat. The best examples — Maestro layout, privately owned, well-maintained, with comprehensive equipment lists and full service records — represent some of the best value in the 45–47 ft cruising catamaran market. As with any used catamaran purchase, a thorough survey by a multihull-experienced surveyor is essential, and buyers should budget for rigging, electronics, and any deferred maintenance identified during the inspection process.