Da Boat: Free Luff, Baby!

2002 Fountaine Pajot Athena 38 Specifications

  • LOA: 38′
  • Beam: 20′ 8″
  • Draft: 3′ 1″
  • Displacement: 9000 lbs. dry weight. Now, with all our cruising gear and fully loaded down? About 15,000 lbs.
  • Ballast: None
  • Sail Area: 914 sq. ft.
  • Engines: Twin 18-H.P. Yanmars
  • Water: 160 gal.
  • Fuel: 40 gal.
  • 4 private double cabins, or at least there used to be
  • 2 heads
  • Electric windlass, 2 anchors
  • 10′ Walker Bay hard dinghy with RIB collar, sail kit and Torqeedo 1003 electric motor
  • Fresh water transom shower
  • Spectra Watermaker
  • CD stereo, VHF radio, GPS, auto pilot, chartplotters, AIS, radar, Satellite comms
  • 2500-watt inverter for AC appliances
  • 12-volt DC refrigerator
  • Fixed, aluminum frame bimini
  • Cockpit cooler and grill

She has turned some heads since the first Athena 38 rolled off the line in 1994:

The FP 38 is one of the most proven, ocean going catamarans in the world. Fountaine Pajots are comfortable, fast, and spacious – everything you could want in a coastal cruising boat. With simple systems that are easy to sail double-handed, she is perfect for a group with only a few experienced sailors or an experienced couple.

On deck…
With nets forward and a long overhang aft, designers have kept the weight out of the ends in order to impart a comfortable motion at sea with minimum hobby horsing. The cockpit is extremely generous with a table placed to port. There is an abundance of deck space, including lounging space on the net forward. The helm is forward and the helm seat offers you a view of all four corners of the boat when docking.

Main saloon…
Below, there is an oversized, wrap around dinette with comfortable seating and huge windows that surround the living area allowing you a 360 degree view. A unique feature to all FPs is the overhanging cabin top which shields the windows from the high sun keeping the interior noticeably cooler. To port you will find an adequate nav station with GPS, VHF, Barometer, etc.

The galley…
The galley is up on the starboard side. This arrangement is great for entertaining and allows the cook to be a part of the action. The 12V DC refrigerator is very efficient and effective for keeping your beverages cool, although there is a cooler provided in the cockpit for even easier access. A three burner stove, oven, and ample storage space make for easy cooking and entertaining. There is plenty of additional stowage under the wrap-around settee.

Sleeping cabins, etc….
The cabins forward and aft feature almost queen-sized berths and excellent ventilation. In the center, private to each cabin in its respective wing, is a head/shower with sliding door. Two additional crew berths in the bows have been swallowed up with additional gear. Doh!