The Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat, officially known as the MY 6 in the shipbuilder’s lineup, represents a defining moment in the evolution of power catamarans. Blending innovation with timeless elegance, this 44-foot luxury motor catamaran is crafted by one of the world’s most renowned multihull manufacturers—Fountaine Pajot, a French yacht-building giant with a legacy of excellence dating back to 1976.
Unlike typical monohull powerboats, the 44 Powercat offers unrivaled fuel efficiency, stability, and expansive living spaces—features that American boaters, from coastal cruisers to liveaboard adventurers, increasingly demand. Whether you’re navigating Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, exploring the Pacific Northwest, or island-hopping in the Caribbean, the 44 Powercat offers a perfect balance of performance and comfort.
Design and Performance
The Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat is engineered for both performance and aesthetic appeal. Its naval architecture is optimized for long-range cruising, stability in rough seas, and efficient fuel consumption. The dual-hull design reduces drag and enhances buoyancy, giving the boat a remarkably smooth and quiet ride—ideal for families and seasoned cruisers alike.
Hull Design
The 44 Powercat’s semi-displacement hulls are fine-tuned to minimize resistance, improving performance while reducing fuel usage. This design allows for planing speeds up to 24 knots while also cruising economically at 15–17 knots.
Twin Engines
Powered by Volvo Penta IPS 500 or IPS 600 systems, the 44 Powercat offers joystick control for seamless docking, superior maneuverability, and enhanced fuel efficiency. IPS propulsion also frees up valuable interior space due to its compact engine footprint.
Performance at Sea
Tested in a variety of sea conditions, the 44 Powercat maintains excellent directional stability, handles crosswinds with ease, and glides comfortably over swells. Its low center of gravity and wide beam give it a planted feel, drastically reducing the rolling motion common in monohull yachts.
Versatile Configurations
The 44 Powercat offers customization to suit different boating lifestyles. Fountaine Pajot provides flexible layouts that adapt to various purposes—whether you’re a family of four looking for weekend getaways or a couple planning to cruise full-time.
Flybridge Edition
The flybridge is a major selling point. It’s large enough for a full dining area, wet bar, sun loungers, and helm station, turning this space into a second outdoor salon. With a hardtop optional upgrade, the flybridge is usable rain or shine.
Cockpit and Foredeck Choices
From the shaded aft cockpit with L-shaped seating to the expansive bow with reclining sun pads, the deck layout emphasizes relaxation and socialization. The cockpit can be enclosed with clears for year-round comfort, while the bow area becomes a private lounging zone with panoramic views.
Interior Layouts
The Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat isn’t just a boat—it’s a floating condo with all the comforts of home. The interior is marked by modern French design, high-end finishes, and intelligent use of space.
Maestro Version (Owner’s Layout)
The Maestro layout features a full-length master suite on the starboard hull. It includes a walk-around queen bed, writing desk, ample storage, and a private ensuite with a large shower and electric toilet.
Quatuor Version (Charter or Family Layout)
In the Quatuor configuration, both hulls are mirrored and feature two cabins each—ideal for accommodating guests or running a charter operation. Each stateroom has generous headroom, natural lighting, and ventilation.
Galley and Salon
Located in the saloon, the galley is designed for cooking underway or at anchor, complete with ample countertop space, a full-size refrigerator, a gas stove, microwave, and twin sinks. The adjoining dining area seats 6–8 people and includes panoramic windows that flood the space with light.
On-Deck Experience
The deck spaces on the 44 Powercat are arguably its standout feature. The design encourages outdoor living, whether you’re anchoring in a quiet cove or entertaining dockside.
Flybridge Features
The spacious flybridge offers 360-degree views and is furnished like an outdoor lounge. The helm provides excellent visibility for navigation, and the open-air galley makes this spot a perfect entertaining hub.
Cockpit and Swim Platform
The aft cockpit opens up directly to the salon, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. An optional hydraulic swim platform can lift a tender or Jet Ski, making water access effortless.
Foredeck Comfort
The forward deck is more than just a wind-catching zone. Padded loungers and cup holders turn it into a resort-like chill area. Ideal for sunbathing or sipping cocktails at sunset.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Fountaine Pajot MY 6 (44 Powercat) |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 44 feet (13.4 meters) |
| Beam | 21.7 feet (6.61 meters) |
| Draft | 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) |
| Displacement | ~16.3 tons (fully loaded) |
| Engines | Twin Volvo IPS 500 or IPS 600 |
| Top Speed | 24 knots |
| Cruising Speed | 15–17 knots |
| Fuel Capacity | 528 gallons (2,000 liters) |
| Water Capacity | 198 gallons (750 liters) |
| Cabins | 3 or 4 |
| Bathrooms (Heads) | 3 |
| Flybridge Area | 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. meters) |
| Fresh Water Maker (Opt.) | Yes |
| Air Conditioning (Opt.) | Yes |
Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat Price
The base price for a new Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat starts at approximately $1.1 million USD. However, this price can increase based on selected options, including:
- Engine upgrades (IPS 600)
- Generator and air conditioning
- Watermaker
- Custom upholstery and wood finishes
- Electronics packages (Garmin, Raymarine, etc.)
- Dinghy and hydraulic swim platform
A fully outfitted version can reach $1.4 to $1.6 million, depending on preferences. Pre-owned models from recent years often start at around $900,000 to $1.1 million, reflecting the vessel’s strong resale value.
Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat Review
Strengths
Unmatched Space: With its wide beam and multilevel design, the 44 Powercat offers living areas comparable to a 60-foot monohull.
Fuel Efficiency: Twin-hull design and IPS drives allow for up to 40% better fuel efficiency than comparable monohulls.
Smooth Ride: Catamaran stability means less roll at anchor and underway.
Flexible Layouts: Whether owner-operated or charter-oriented, the MY 6 adapts easily.
Excellent Build Quality: Fountaine Pajot’s heritage and quality control make this one of the most trusted names in catamaran construction.
Weaknesses
Beam Size: At 21.7 feet, the beam can make finding slips in some marinas more difficult, especially in North America.
Initial Cost: More expensive than traditional monohulls of similar length.
Learning Curve: Docking and handling require adjustment if you’re coming from monohull powerboats.
Conclusion
The Fountaine Pajot 44 Powercat—or MY 6—is not just a yacht; it’s a statement of elevated living on the water. With its impeccable design, luxurious interiors, and seaworthy performance, this power catamaran stands as a serious contender in the mid-size yacht market. Whether you’re a family dreaming of long weekends on the Chesapeake Bay or an adventurous couple planning a trip through the Bahamas, the 44 Powercat delivers freedom, comfort, and performance in equal measure.
