Comparative review of catamarans Astrea 42, Lagoon 42, Bali 4.3

Comparative review of catamarans Astrea 42, Lagoon 42, Bali 4.3

In this comparative review, we take a look at three models of well-known catamarans in the 42-43 feet range.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Let's start with the novelty of 2018 - 12.5 meter sailing catamaran Astrea 42 by Fountaine Pajot... It is a spacious, well thought-out yacht design with many features tailored for a comfortable life on a long cruise. For those who value personal harmony on board a yacht where the whole family lives 24/7, Astrea 42 - the perfect ally: this is a perfect vessel, which is deservedly considered the most comfortable cruiser on the market.

Much of this is due to the well-integrated spaces, which are mainly centered around the helm station and upper decks, but also between her cockpit and saloon. Steering station Astrea 42 located high above decks, and offset to starboard. This provides excellent sailing visibility - as well as an inspiring spatial imagination for maneuvering a 7.2 meter yacht in a crowded marina. A few steps up the stairs from the cockpit, and you get to the helm station.

For the experienced skipper, the location of the helm station embodies the raison d'être of this catamaran. This area is the centerpiece of a carefully configured space that facilitates easy communication and full interaction with guests and crew. Moreover, the seat at the helm can accommodate up to three people, and next to it - at the midship and slightly higher level, there is a large sun deck on the roof of the wheelhouse. This is a very social space. This arrangement guarantees an overall dynamic with the participation of all guests on board. And when it is difficult to concentrate on steering, you can leave the boat on autopilot.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Moving towards the bow, you will find standard trampoline and another seating area with a spacious sun deck. This incredible theme of interaction continues in the cockpit, where a large sofa along the transom gives access to B-B-Q on the starboard side. Along with a large, L-shaped sofa around the table, a reinforced interior seat on the other side of the table, and a seat further to starboard, this cockpit, created specifically for quality relaxation and the main gathering place for all guests in the fresh air. There is also built-in refrigerator under the gangway that leads to the helm station, so there is no need to return to the galley for drinks. Even the teak deck is so high quality and pleasant that you want to walk like home without shoes. Cockpit here is another key space that plays an important role in social life on board the yacht.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

The sail controls are very practical and logical, you quickly get used to the sail plan. The key point is that the helmsman cannot adjust the sails while at the helm. All sails end on the three nearest winches - with their accompanying spinlocks mounted on the deckhouse roof in front of the helm. Literally a step away, a passage separates the winches from the helm. The helmsman needs to move slightly forward to retract the sails, and this is easily accomplished by pressing the autopilot button on the large display. Garmin... Alternatively, you can also ask one of the sunbathers nearby on the sun deck to be helpful for a couple of seconds.

Many beginners think that a good configuration is when the helm is on the wheelhouse, right under the winches, but this is no longer a relevant solution.as it has negative sides, such as a spaghetti-rope-flooded helm station, which is the inevitable result of many ends ending in one place. If they lead to the wheel, chances are your wheel will resemble a bird's nest. Also, it is more convenient to work with a chartplotter here. Therefore, the good news is that the winches Astrea 42 there are many end bags to prevent this kind of mess.

Geek-sheet shoulder strap, Installed on the cockpit roof just aft of the helm station, it helps to bring the mainsail into optimal shape. And one of the best sailing options is the boom, which is at a relatively low level. With this extended deckhouse roof, it's easy to pack the mainsail into a bag. On most catamarans equipped with lazy jacks, you need to be a gymnast to set the sails. Perhaps such maneuvers are easy for young people, but with age, they definitely do not want to deal with it.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Astrea 42 also equipped with a bowsprit for Code Zero and Gennaker and the handling of these sails is also a bit unusual. Sheets on the starboard side pass through a turning block at the aft end of the starboard hull and through one of the winches. Likewise, the sheets on the port side pass through the turning block, but they are fed to a self-contained electric winch aft on the port side. Again, in order to adjust everything, you will need to use the autopilot in case you are driving the boat alone, but if you have an assistant, it is very easy. In general, the Astrea 42 control system is tailored for the comfort of the skipper, that is, the catamaran is easy to control alone.

The cockpit overhang is large enough to accommodate four solar panels... They help keep batteries and many electrical systems running with solar energy. But one of the best design solutions Astrea 42 considered its wide bathing platform... With the help of electronics, it descends smoothly and quietly and completely immerses in the water. Firstly, it simplifies all operations with a tuzik; secondly, she won the hearts of divers, lovers of all kinds of water recreation and kids who are continuously splashing in the water, jumping into the water from the platform, and quickly rising back; thirdly, for the older generation, this means that they do not need to climb down the dangerous, telescopic ladders usually installed on the transom of the catamaran; fourthly, loading and unloading provisions, personal belongings and boarding have become even easier. Better yet, the bathing platform doubles up to hold the brine. This solution will eliminate the installation of the davit, which is present on all catamarans. This innovative platform Fountaine pajot - more accurate and functional design of familiar things, which simplifies life and daily processes.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

On a cruise inconspicuous transition between cockpit and saloon discouraging, in a good way, thanks to a fully sliding aluminum and glass door and a sliding porthole running through the entire rear of the galley. This creates a lot of air and light between the two different areas, and with the galley located aft of the saloon, serving lunches and dinners is even faster and easier and cooking is more fun.

Attention to simple everyday details is the key to the hearts of cruisers. For example, the clever addition of a sill board to the salon, designed to collect any residual water. Yacht owners will understand the enthusiasm associated with such a trifle. Panoramic views across large interior windows, provide an abundance of natural light and accentuate the subtle shades of the decor.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Ahead, on the port side, is navigation post with seat integrated into the L-shaped sofa. U-shaped galley has a convenient layout - a three-burner stove, double sinks, two refrigerators and a freezer. There is long hatch, which illuminates this island until darkness, and gives view of the mast and sails... But what's unusual is the oven. It sits at a comfortable height - a welcome change from the low-level ovens in many galleys, where you need to take a yoga pose to check the food. In general, the salon is very cozy and homely.

Astrea 42 is available in several configurations, including three- and four-cabin versions. In a three-cabin version Maestro, the entire starboard hull is at the owner's disposal. In the version with four cabins, there are two cabins on the starboard side, in a mirror image of the left float plan. The owner's suite has a large double bed at the stern and a very spacious bathroom with a separate shower at the bow. They are separated by a wardrobe, which also functions as a study.

Astrea 42 interior

Astrea 42 interior

Astrea 42 interior

Light materials used in the decoration - gray carpet and upholstery, white vinyl on the ceiling, light oak furniture - everything looks very stylish. And thanks to the huge windows, the cabins are flooded with natural light until sunset. The aft cabin on the port side has a double bed with a private bathroom. The bow cabin is almost identical, although its bathroom is slightly smaller.

As for the performance, Astrea 42 originally designed and equipped with features that give it excellent seakeeping and maneuverability. A good set of sails optimizes performance, and reverse bows are designed to maximize the length of the waterline. The steering wheel is very responsive in all conditions.

With two 40 hp engines running at around 2200-2300 rpm (cruising speed), the Astrea does an excellent job at a comfortable 7.5 knots. Push the throttle to 3000rpm and the boost is negligible - just over a knot (8.7 knots) - definitely not worth the increase in fuel consumption.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Astrea 42 is a place to live, to relax, to party with friends and long cruises with the family. Interiors flow smoothly into exteriors to experience this feeling of living in nature in the truest sense of the word. No house by the sea will give you this feeling of unity with nature, mobility and autonomy. All spaces are designed for easy interaction of both the crew and your guests, but at the same time there are many places on the boat where you can retire. You don't have to compromise between space and speed - that's what it is. a new generation of cruising yachtswhere you will find everything you expect from a high-end travel experience.

Lagoon 42 review

Lagoon 42 review

Further we will consider Lagoon 42 - catamaran model of 2016, quite spacious and versatile, especially popular with charter companies. Compared to other catamarans of the shipyard, 42nd is lighter and more convenient to operateaccording to many yachtsmen. For the most part, this is due to the placement of the steering post on the left side, which is designed in such a way that everything is at arm's length.

Double, two-speed Harken electric winches play a significant role in this. All sheets pass through clamps to these winches, so switching between halyards, reefs, boom sheet and jib sheet is quick. Especially when you leave steering to autopilot. Sail plan with mast shifted to the stern and automatic staysail provide confident performance. On Lagoon 42 also have Zero Code... Sheets are laid down to the aft cockpit where you will find Harken hand winches at both sides.

Lagoon 42 review

A staircase leads from the helm station to the large deck on the roof of the wheelhouse. Firstly, it makes it easier to pack the mainsail into the bag along the entire length of the boom. Secondly, the boom-sheet system is installed at the aft end of the deck, so there is plenty of scope for adjusting the sail shape, and the sheets lead to the helm station. Thirdly, wheelhouse roof provides additional space for sunbathing. A channel is installed along the edges of the deckhouse roof to drain rainwater directly into the water tanks. A smart enough decision.

Steering post closes completely in bad weather, and the hardtop has a window above the helm with a view of the mast. Lack of an external helm station Lagoon 42 is that, at the helm, you do not have a complete understanding of the dimensions of the catamaran. The port side is perfectly visible, but ahead, the starboard side is mostly out of sight and control, although the feed on both sides is clearly visible.

Lagoon 42 review

At the bottom in cockpit everything is arranged for the rest and entertainment of a large company. There is no shortage of sofas here, and the table is designed for outdoor dining for 6-8 guests. As with most catamarans, cockpit and saloon are located on the same levelso the space flows imperceptibly, especially when the large sliding door separating the two zones is fully open. And when you feel like chilling, just a few steps down to the large landing platforms aft of each hull. The cockpit is also equipped with built-in refrigerator with a drawer, so stocks of cold drinks are just a few steps away. Dinghy is mounted between the floats, on the aft crossbeam in the cockpit. Lagoon 42 davit structure is a one-piece design. Dinghy goes down and up with one rope.

Lagoon 42 available in three-cabin version Maestro and a four-cabin charter version... Traditionally, in the three-cabin version, one float is occupied by a spacious master cabin with a large island double bed aft and a very large bathroom in the bow. The bathroom has a separate shower and an electric toilet - a common luxury on a catamaran. Between the cabin and the bathroom is a dressing room with a dressing table or writing table, surrounded by a sofa, with shelves, full-length wardrobes, drawers and cupboards built into the bulkheads. An interesting door system separates the master cabin from the saloon. Most catamarans have a staircase that leads from the saloon to the cabin. On Lagoon 42 a sliding door has been installed for complete privacy.

Lagoon 42 interior

Lagoon 42 interior

Lagoon 42 interior

Opposite, in the hull on the port side, the more traditional layout is two cabins, each with a bathroom. Aft cabin larger and has a separate shower. Bow cabin with a smaller bed and a one-piece combined bathroom with pull-out shower in the washbasin, more suitable for children. Air conditioning on the boat - and the choice of cabin configuration can be changed according to personal preference.

Centerpiece in the cabin there is a large table with voluminous sofas, which can easily accommodate 8 guests. Separate galley extends across the entire width of the passenger compartment and is separated by a sliding door. On the port side there is a sofa, separate refrigerator (front loading) and freezer (top loading), and hanging cupboards. On the starboard side there is one sink, a three-burner stove and a separate oven. A microwave oven is installed on the opposite bulkhead.

Lagoon 42 review

Navigation post equipped in the bow of the passenger compartment on the starboard side, and large windows offer 360 ° panoramic views. In bad weather, you are likely to operate the yacht from this nautical post. It's nice to have a good view outside of the chartplotter. However, the best part of the nav post is the small FOB (Free On Board)which allows you to adjust the autopilot heading with a few clicks of your finger.

Tested Lagoon 42 equipped with two engines Yanmar 57 hp, but standard options include 45 hp engines. They are coupled to a three-bladed folding propeller, and at cruising speed (2800 rpm) the catamaran reaches about 8 knots. The yacht is generally heavy due to the interior and equipment, but quite pleasant to sail. You need to understand that if performance is important to you, in addition to a comfortable home, Lagoon 42 Is a spacious house on the water, a good option for life, for a charter, but he is not a conqueror of the oceans.

Lagoon 42 review

Bali 4.3 Review

43-foot catamaran Bali 4.3who builds the shipyard Catana catamaransis most focused on maximizing space on both upper and lower decks. Catana - these are catamarans with an emphasis on performance, brand Bali - these are catamarans for charterThey are large, heavy, built with an emphasis on the comfort of interior spaces and decks. Inside, everything is arranged literally like in a house on land, heating, air conditioning, a standard home refrigerator, a microwave oven. Naturally, carrying all of this equipment is still a task, not to mention wasting energy.

However, to preserve performance characteristics, the designers designed the hulls flared towards the cheekbones just above the waterline to keep the underwater sections narrow and efficient. It also provides ample additional buoyancy, which is an important feature for a boat with a one-piece bow as Bali 4.3... Between the bows of the catamaran, the designers decided to install sundeck instead of mesh.

Bali 4.3 Review

On Bali 4.3 installed two diesel engines Kubotawhich mate with saildrives at their front ends, providing good access for servicing the engines. In fact, you can go down into the compartment and reach any surface of the engine. Shipyard Catana has a reputation as a quality builder, and although the lineup Bali does not use carbon fiber reinforcement, lightweight laminate partitions, dagger boards and other performance enhancers that boats are known for Catana for individual orders (in order to reduce costs), catamarans Bali have a place to be.

Hulls and superstructure built using vacuum infusion to provide a light yet rigid lay-up. Installing a flybridge on a boat of this size requires a high boom and a small mainsail, so the staysail is a significant source of energy when sailing.

Probably the biggest thing Bali 4.3 is an main deck layout... Simply put, it is huge open plan platformwhich is not found on other yachts of this size. This is a houseboat with sails. The centerpiece of this concept is "Garage door", a movable bulkhead covering the aft end of the cabin, which is raised electronically overhead, creating a large open space in fine weather. If the weather is getting worse or you need more privacy, just press the button and lower the bulkhead. The bulkhead has windows and a door, but now you have closed wheelhouse boat... This is a combined version of the saloon and cockpit from Bali catamarans.

Bali 4.3 Review

An opening molded in the saloon roof serves as a handrail, so driving on the side decks seems safe. However, the boat does need an extra handrail between the front of the saloon roof and the bow cockpit. Taking a few steps up from the main deck, you will find yourself on flybridge. Here it is control post with a soft comfortable skipper chair, sunbathing area and solar panels.

Three-cabin version includes a lot of living space for owners in its own building, which resembles a compact city apartment. The two guest cabins in the hull on the starboard side are typical in size for such a boat. There is also a charter version with four cabins. In charter version each cabin is equipped with a separate bathroom. Forward cabins closer, fodder more spacious.

The configuration the shipyard calls "Loft" continues on the main deck where there is an unusual division of space galley, with a stove and sink located forward and a household refrigerator and microwave to starboard toward the stern. For parties in particular, this layout makes sense as the cooking is separate from the area where you prepare the drinks. At the very end of the cabin, in the bow, everything is literally glazed, and the large central panel is lowered and raised on pneumatic lifts in the bulkhead. This, in turn, makes it easy to serve refreshing drinks to the sundeck from the salon.

Bali 4.3 Review

Bali 4.3 Review

Bali 4.3 Review

Moving along the boat, you understand what niche this cat occupies in the market. Exploring areas such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean must be delightful. However, while these huge windows and doors provide excellent visibility and a sense of space, they can be a hindrance in stormy conditions, and in general are dangerous on the high seas.

While testing the boat, the mainsail was installed and the spinnaker deployed in a true wind of 6 to 7 knots, and the boat speed reached just over 5 knots, which is quite decent. Unfortunately, steering felt tight and impreciseand it was getting harder and harder to walk with the wind. There were even moments under load when steering system tied to a point where it was impossible to maintain an accurate course. In addition, there were problems with the adjustment of the staysail. Solentand the staysail sheet winches were incorrectly installed and therefore difficult to use. Above 8 knots, the engines rotated at 2500 rpm, giving a noise level of 75 dBA in the cabin. The combination of engine and propeller is clearly sufficient for the boat.

Bali Test Drive 4.3

Bali 4.3 Is definitely a unique vessel with a fundamentally new concept in the field of living quarters. A charter in warm calm waters will feel like a hotel. But if you are a connoisseur of yachting, quality performance, buy a yacht for long trips with your family, if reliability and safety are important to you, this catamaran belongs to a different category. In truth, kats Bali, even in the charter industry, is far from the most popular choice. On the same interior decoration, the shipyard saves a lot by using a lot of plastic.

Astrea 42 and Lagoon 42 - this is a completely different level of quality. These are the two strongest players, although there are differences between them: Lagoon widely used by charter fleets, and uses cheaper materials and some equipment; Fountaine Pajot are luxury catamarans, they are still considered a step higher in quality. The difference is in the details, for example Lagoon sets aluminum ducks, FP uses stainless steel, better hatches, wiring, finishes. The shipyard does not take risks, does not add extra centimeters to the width, balancing between performance and comfort, they just intelligently configure the space inside and out. Optionally, there are a lot of interesting functions and equipment, everything is functionally thought out. Lagoon 42 more inflated catamaran, respectively heavier and slower compared to Astraea, but of high quality and comfortable.

In 2017, the Lagoon 42 was named the best multihull in the USA, this year the Astrea 42 was named the best multihull yacht in France and Europe. After the official presentation of this model, even before the first awards and nominations, the shipyard received such a number of orders that the delivery times have already exceeded 2021 at the moment, statistics that speak for themselves.

Interparus Yachting is the official representative of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard. To order a test and visit the shipyard, call +33644142168 (WhatsApp) Sasha Goron, or leave a request on the website. When buying a yacht, training is a gift from our team. See you in La Rochelle!

14.02.2018