The La Rochelle shipyard is renewing its entry-level model with its first hard-top model: the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S, which is tackling the “Weekender” or Express Cruiser market… Photos: Virginie Pelagalli.
A few months ago, the La Rochelle shipyard, specializing in sailing and motor catamarans, announced a change in its Motor Yacht (MY) range with the arrival of a boat called 4.S and a new name for the other models, the MY 40 in front of MY5 and the MY 44, MY 6. The MY4.S, which we were able to test at the end of June in La Rochelle, therefore replaces the entry-level MY 37, released in 2015 and manufactured over 70 copies.
Although it uses the hull, designed by Daniel Andrieu, the MY4.S nevertheless has many differences with its predecessor. Its silhouette first, is more modern and more slender due to the absence of fly replaced by a hard-top.
This 11-meter-long unit has in fact been designed to compete with the Express Cruiser boats of the Bénéteau GT type, which respond to a "weekender" program or more or less long cruises.
As a catamaran, the MY4.S benefits from such interior volume – its saloon-galley is over 18 m2 – that it compares more to 45/50 foot monohulls than to 37/40 foot monohulls .
A very bright interior
Developed by the Italian designer Pierangelo Andreani, the interior fittings of the MY4.S are particularly bright thanks to the numerous bay windows and furniture in light Alpi. The glazed hard-top also contributes to the feeling of clarity in this interior.
We simply regret that its opening is an option, which seems essential to us to compete with competing models – on which the sunroof is standard – and to ensure good ventilation of the wheelhouse and compensate for the too small size of the side windows.
The MY4.S is offered in two versions, one with three cabins called Maestro and one with four cabins, called Quatuor. On the Maestro, which is the one we tested, the port hull is entirely dedicated to the owner who thus has a suite.
The rear is occupied by a berth with a view of the sea, installed lengthwise, and the forward end receives a beautiful bathroom with separate shower.
Between the two, the owner enjoys a small sofa and plenty of storage space for his personal belongings. The headroom in the hulls is 1.95 metres.
The starboard one has two double cabins, separated by a bathroom with WC/shower, a little dark for our taste and not well ventilated given the small size of the opening porthole.
Wheelhouse and cockpit on the same level
The central nacelle therefore accommodates the helm station, the galley, installed lengthways to port and well equipped with storage, and a lounge area to starboard with a bench seat lengthwise and a three-leaf table that can be positioned in a low or high position.
This saloon is on the same level as the cockpit and when the glass door, which separates these two areas, is fully open, the feeling of space and volume is impressive.
Especially since, as an option, the cockpit can be fully closed with flexible side windows which, once in place, give the impression of having an additional "room" on board.
The cockpit has a beautiful central bench seat 2.60 meters long whose backrest tilts to turn into a sundeck. On starboard, a space is reserved for the installation of a barbecue, available on the long list of options.
Access to the engines is easily done through two large openings on the sides (one in each hull). Before lifting the cowlings of these engine holds, it will be necessary to remember to close the two gates which ensure the separation between the cockpit and the large aft swim platform.
Fixed as standard, this bathing platform can, as an option, be immersed and covered with natural or synthetic teak as desired. Moving forward is done in complete safety by 44 centimeter side walkways well defended by high balconies.
The bow of the boat accommodates a large sundeck measuring 1.92 by 2.52 meters, the central part of which conceals a very deep hold. The roller and the windlass, flat on the deck, are assisted by a solid cleat.
The cockpit, located under the windshield in the wheelhouse, has two comfortable seats at the lifting end for piloting in a half-sitting, mid-standing position. On its right, a small bench seat allows a passenger to sit down and chat with the skipper while sailing.
Visibility is perfect due to the very forward position of this helm station. The driver benefits from a footrest and a large dashboard with easy-to-read instrumentation. A small flat however on the size, too small for our taste, of the single wiper which will have difficulty in cleaning the part of the windshield in front of the pilot.
The MY4.S in our test was equipped with two 250 hp Yanmars
Offered as standard with two 150 hp Yanmars in the shaft line, the MY4.S in our test was equipped with its "optional" engine, namely two Yanmar blocks of 250 horsepower each.
Thus motorized, the MY4.S displays 21.3 knots at a maximum speed of 3,400 rpm but its most economical speed is at 2,600 rpm, the speed at which it sails at a speed of 14 knots for consumption of 37.5 litres/hour. By comparison, the MY 37 with 2 x 220 Volvo horsepower had a top speed of 20 knots.
The passage at sea is comfortable, and as always on board a catamaran, we particularly appreciate the stability of the unit both on and off.
When sailing, from the cockpit, the two Yanmars are a bit noisy and would require the sound insulation of the engine compartments to be further improved.
Conclusion on the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S
The MY4.S plays its entry-level role perfectly in Fountaine Pajot's Motor Yacht series. The absence of a flybridge allows her to be more compact and more modern and to tackle a younger clientele and the very fashionable Express Cruiser market with a big advantage… Volume and space on board !
Characteristics of the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S
Overall length 11 m
Hull length 11 m
Width 5.10m
Weight 9,500 kg
Draft 0.80 m
Air draft 3.78 m
Power. recommended 2 x 150 hp
Maximum power 2 x 250 hp
Water capacity 350 l
Carb capacity 2 x 600 l
Cat. B/8 pers.
Shaft line transmission
Constructor Fountaine Pajot
Network distributor
2 year warranty
Cabinetwork in Alpi, sliding saloon door, curtain on cockpit entrance door, LED spot lighting, galley with worktop, double stainless steel sink, trash can with vertical access, pressurized hot and cold water by mixer, hob stainless steel cooker with 2 gas burners, fridge-freezer, 5 + 2-seater bench seat, cabinetwork coffee table, windscreen wiper with washer, 2 manual marine toilets, cockpit bench seat convertible into a sundeck, underfloor storage locker, ladder shower, cold water shower, large forward locker, windlass and anchor locker, large skylight on the Sport Top...
OPTIONS
Exclusive version (€19,800): 2 rope cutters, additional windlass control, cockpit cushions, saloon curtains in pleated blinds, port electric toilet, 220 V 50 Hz network with socket cabin, additional battery, Fusion Bluetooth 2 HP square audio pack.
Gold version (€31,200): Exclusive version + exterior cushions in the forward saloon, exterior and interior courtesy lighting, hot/cold water for a hand shower, 12 V socket at the helm station, 2,000 W/220 converter charger V. Platinum version (€58,800): Gold version + blue underwater lighting, two induction burners, 8 kW 220 V 50 Hz generator, Bose square audio video pack and cockpit.
Other: 2 Yanmar engines (€16,320), 80 kg bow thruster (€13,291), electric sunroof and blinds (€29,040), foredeck shade cloth (€2,640), cockpit table (€942), handrails on side decks (€295), hull exterior decoration (€7,392), natural teak on skirts and cockpit (€12,600), Kenyon 220 V electric grill in cockpit (€1,265 €), fresh water cockpit and locker socket (€501), electric saloon coffee table convertible into a dining table (€5,976), Garmin 1 pack (€15,600), hydraulic aft platform and natural teak (€31,637), …
€474,000 with 2 x 150 hp Yanmar in Maestro version
€476,400 with 2 x 150 hp Yanmar in Quartet version
€490,320 with 2 x 250 hp Yanmar in Maestro version
€492,720 with 2 x 250 hp Yanmar in Quartet version
The performance of the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S
The budget of the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S
Our assessments of the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S
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