Mahe vs Lavezzi

[Budawang]

I've sailed extensively on a Fontaine Pajot Lavezzi but never set foot on a Mahe. I'm considering making an offer on a Mahe on the other side of the world. Apart from being smaller, can any tell me what distinguishes these two catamarans? Are there any pros of a Mahe (other than cost) compared to the Lavezzi? Thanks.

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by Budawang

I've sailed extensively on a Fontaine Pajot Lavezzi but never set foot on a Mahe. I'm considering making an offer on a Mahe on the other side of the world. Apart from being smaller, can any tell me what distinguishes these two catamarans? Are there any pros of a Mahe (other than cost) compared to the Lavezzi? Thanks.

For me its the other way round. I sailed a Mahe for three years but only briefly checked out a Lavezzi a few years ago.


Overall the Mahe has much less space, especially in the cockpit. But the space that is there is well layed out. No curved salon settee like the older FPs.
Mahe has a very simple but nice interior with gelcoat headliner. Saloon roof for example is just one large fibreglass part with gelcoat finish inside and out. No vinyl liners, but impossible to route new wires for solar panels etc.

The Mahe is very quick footed but does hobbyhorse more than the Lagoon 380 due to finer hulls & sterns. I guess the Lavezzi is more like the 380 in this regard

Overall we loved the Mahe!

If you want drop me a PM which Mahe you are interested in. Maybe I know that boat.

[Budawang]

Originally Posted by rabbi

For me its the other way round. I sailed a Mahe for three years but only briefly checked out a Lavezzi a few years ago.


Overall the Mahe has much less space, especially in the cockpit. But the space that is there is well layed out. No curved salon settee like the older FPs.
Mahe has a very simple but nice interior with gelcoat headliner. Saloon roof for example is just one large fibreglass part with gelcoat finish inside and out. No vinyl liners, but impossible to route new wires for solar panels etc.

The Mahe is very quick footed but does hobbyhorse more than the Lagoon 380 due to finer hulls & sterns. I guess the Lavezzi is more like the 380 in this regard

Overall we loved the Mahe!

If you want drop me a PM which Mahe you are interested in. Maybe I know that boat.

Thanks Rabbi. That's exactly the kind of response I was hoping for. We are looking for a liveaboard for a couple initially in the Med but would like the option of eventually sailing back to Oz. I know it might be a bit on the small side for big ocean crossings, but on downwind trade wind sailing hobby horsing shouldn't be much of an issue and a water-maker would help keep weight down.

We really liked the Lavezzi which has just been sold here in Oz. They sail better and look better than most cats. Some negatives though are poor anchoring system (not enough space in the chain locker); props very far aft always felt a bit dangerous; tight engine compartments; squeaky underway; and not enough deck grip when wet. Osmosis wasn't an issue as our boat had been treated under warranty. I would be interested to know whether the Mahe is better or worse in regards to the above. I think it was a newer design so hopefully FP addressed some of the issues.

I will PM you about the specific boat I'm interested in.

[Budawang]

Originally Posted by rabbi

For me its the other way round. I sailed a Mahe for three years but only briefly checked out a Lavezzi a few years ago.


Overall the Mahe has much less space, especially in the cockpit. But the space that is there is well layed out. No curved salon settee like the older FPs.
Mahe has a very simple but nice interior with gelcoat headliner. Saloon roof for example is just one large fibreglass part with gelcoat finish inside and out. No vinyl liners, but impossible to route new wires for solar panels etc.

The Mahe is very quick footed but does hobbyhorse more than the Lagoon 380 due to finer hulls & sterns. I guess the Lavezzi is more like the 380 in this regard

Overall we loved the Mahe!

If you want drop me a PM which Mahe you are interested in. Maybe I know that boat.

Hi Rabbi, I have pm'd you.

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by Budawang

Thanks Rabbi. That's exactly the kind of response I was hoping for. We are looking for a liveaboard for a couple initially in the Med but would like the option of eventually sailing back to Oz. I know it might be a bit on the small side for big ocean crossings, but on downwind trade wind sailing hobby horsing shouldn't be much of an issue and a water-maker would help keep weight down.

We really liked the Lavezzi which has just been sold here in Oz. They sail better and look better than most cats. Some negatives though are poor anchoring system (not enough space in the chain locker); props very far aft always felt a bit dangerous; tight engine compartments; squeaky underway; and not enough deck grip when wet. Osmosis wasn't an issue as our boat had been treated under warranty. I would be interested to know whether the Mahe is better or worse in regards to the above. I think it was a newer design so hopefully FP addressed some of the issues.

I will PM you about the specific boat I'm interested in.

We sold her due to the limited payload for a long trip with a family of 4. And then plans changed
For two she would be OK, but on the small & light side. Personally I'd consider the Mahe large enough for a downwind crossing but wouldn't want to do the other direction.

I don't remember the anchoring system of the Lavezzi, but looking from the outside the Mahe has a similar setup. Too small chainlocker and the chain exits from under the bridgedeck. PITA for singlehandling but otherwise OK. The buyer of our Mahe bought thinner high strength chain to get a smaller pile.

Engine rooms are OK for me, and I'm not skinny. Deck grip was OK, but not excellent. Much easier to clean compared to the Lagoon nonskid. Interior of the Mahe is as sqeaky underway as all FP and Lagoon I have been on.

Our Mahe received a peel & rebuild at age 3 and I know several other were treated, too. Whatever you make of this information (I'd just make sure the one I buy has been treated).
Overall a nice little cat.

Will get back to you regarding the PM.