August 17, 2026
The Fountaine Pajot FP55: When 55 Feet Means Thinking Bigger
The Fountaine Pajot FP55 redefines 55-foot cruising with a true flybridge, three distinct outdoor living zones and walk-through saloon-to-fo…
Read the articleFountaine Pajot FP55
Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 55'9" |
| Beam | 28'10" |
| Draft | 6'1" |
| Displacement | 61,068 lbs (light) |
| Engines | Twin Yanmar 4JH80 (2 x 80 HP) |
| Fuel Capacity | 322 gal |
| Water Capacity | 211 gal |
| Cabins / Heads | 4-6 Cabins / 4-6 Heads + Crew |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Fountaine Pajot.
You want two owner-grade suites aboard and a real flybridge, without committing to a full-time crew. That is the FP55's brief.
Part of the Fountaine Pajot FP Sailing series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- First flybridge catamaran in Fountaine Pajot's cruising range, with a 237 sq ft fly lounge gathering the helm and sail controls up top
- Direct-access door from saloon to forward cockpit opens a walk-through deck plan no earlier model in the range offered
- Double Maestro layout fits two full owner's suites in a 55-footer, and 6,300 W of integrated solar can run the air conditioning at anchor without the generator
Our Take
The FP55 is Fountaine Pajot's most ambitious cruising cat to date, and the flybridge gamble pays off. The Berret-Racoupeau hull design is proven, the 27.7-tonne light displacement—about 61,000 pounds—provides stability without feeling heavy, and the 6,300 watts of integrated solar isn't just marketing. Fountaine Pajot says it will run the air conditioning at anchor without the generator, and that is functional autonomy. The walk-through access from saloon to forward cockpit is the kind of detail that separates thoughtful design from spec-sheet engineering. Build quality follows FP's established standards, which means solid but not superyacht-level fit and finish.
This boat is for owners who've outgrown the 45-48 foot range and want genuine bluewater capability without stepping up to the 60-plus-foot yachts. It's not for buyers chasing speed or light-displacement performance. The flybridge adds windage and weight, and you'll feel that in certain conditions. But if your priority is space, comfort, and the ability to host multiple couples without anyone feeling cramped, the FP55 delivers better than anything else in its class. The Double Maestro layout is particularly smart for owners who cruise with friends and want to avoid the master-suite hierarchy that can create awkward dynamics.
Resale is the open question. The FP55 is new enough that we don't have market data on how flybridge cats hold value compared to traditional layouts in this size range. Fountaine Pajot's brand strength helps, but early buyers are taking on some risk. Maintenance costs will run higher than a comparable 48-footer, especially if you opt for the hybrid system. The boat can be owner-operated, but if you're chartering commercially, the systems complexity and size make professional crew worthwhile. Expect strong interest from Mediterranean and Caribbean charter fleets, which should support resale values if you decide to move on.
Official Fountaine Pajot Premiere: Inside the Fountaine Pajot FP55
Video courtesy of Fountaine Pajot.
Fountaine Pajot FP55 Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Fountaine Pajot.
Fountaine Pajot FP55 Overview
The FP55 is the first flybridge catamaran in Fountaine Pajot's sailing range. The yard lists 55'9" overall on a 28'10" beam and 6'1" draft, with 322 gallons of fuel and 211 gallons of water.
The flybridge is the headline — 237 sq ft of covered upper-deck living with the helm integrated at its forward edge — but the quieter change is a direct door from the interior to the forward cockpit, a circulation path the smaller boats in the range don't have.
Performance & Handling
Fountaine Pajot publishes no speed figures for the FP55, and none are asserted here. Standard auxiliary power is twin 80 hp Yanmar 4JH80 diesels, with a 110 hp upgrade offered for owners who want more authority under power.
A flybridge adds windage and weight on any sailing platform; the FP55 accepts that trade for living space, and buyers should judge it as a comfort-first cruiser rather than a light-displacement performer.
Interior & Accommodations
The signature layout carries two full suites, one in each hull — an arrangement that removes the master-cabin hierarchy when two couples cruise together. Configurations span 4-6 cabins and 4-6 heads, plus crew quarters.
Main-deck living splits across three zones — saloon, aft cockpit and the flybridge — with the forward cockpit reached directly through its own door rather than the side decks.
Market Position
The FP55 opens territory the production yards have mostly left alone: a true flybridge on a sailing catamaran in the mid-fifties. Its bet is that owners stepping up from the high-forties want upper-deck living and suite-grade accommodation more than another knot of pace.
It also marks the top of the sailing catamaran range — above it, the FP Yachts line takes over with the FPY59S and larger crew-run platforms.
Who the FP55 Is For
Buy the FP55 if you have outgrown a 45-48 footer, cruise with another couple or family in rotation, and want flybridge living without moving to a fully crewed yacht. It can be owner-run, with space for professional help when the program calls for it.
Step down to the FP51 for a simpler boat the two of you can manage everywhere. Step up to the FPY59S if crew quarters and yacht-line service belong in the plan from day one.
Fountaine Pajot FP55 Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fountaine Pajot FP55 have a flybridge?
Yes — it is the first true flybridge catamaran in Fountaine Pajot's sailing range: 237 sq ft of covered upper-deck living with the helm integrated at its forward edge. The quieter change is a direct door from the interior to the forward cockpit, a circulation path the smaller boats in the range do not have.
What is the FP55's two-suite layout?
The signature arrangement carries two full suites, one in each hull — removing the master-cabin hierarchy when two couples cruise together. Configurations span 4-6 cabins and 4-6 heads plus crew quarters, so the FP55 can be owner-run with space for professional help when the program calls for it.