1996 Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42

FOR SALE: “SANDY K” — 1996 Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42
Location: New Bern, North Carolina, USA

Overview

Presenting SANDY K, a well-cared-for 1996 Fountaine Pajot Venezia 42 cruising catamaran, now for sale in New Bern, NC. With a reinforced, heavy-build structure, low engine hours, and new bottom paint (2025), she represents an exceptionally affordable entry into serious catamaran cruising. This vessel is ideal for sailors seeking a solid, comfortable platform for coastal and offshore passages without paying “new-boat” prices.

Highlights

• New bottom paint (2025), professionally applied — ready to splash

• Heavy, robust build typical of 1990s Fountaine Pajot designs

• Low engine hours on dual Yanmar diesels (detailed below)

• Great value in the used cruising catamaran market

• Comfortable layout, solid seaworthiness, and classic styling

• Located in New Bern, NC — easy to inspect

Design & Reputation

The Venezia 42 was one of Fountaine Pajot’s signature models in the 1990s, combining modern features like the coachroof sun-visor (protecting windows from sun) and sloping bows with a reliable, proven hull design. - Multihulls Design

Its sailing performance is well suited for cruising: reviewers report comfortable speeds of ~6 knots under power and good behavior under sail, with the benefit of minimal heeling and twin engines allowing tight maneuvering in harbors. 

Accommodations & Interior

• Traditional layout providing comfortable accommodation in two hulls

• Ample saloon volume and light from cabin windows

• Galley with stove / oven, sink, refrigerator, freezer (in pantry)  and good counter space

• Multiple stowage lockers, deck hatch ventilation

• Heads / showers in each hull

Deck & Sailing Gear

• Fully battened mainsail, furling genoa

• Running & standing rigging in sound condition (inspected)

• Winches, reefing systems, sail control lines led aft

• Coachroof sun visor over foredeck windows (protects glazing, a design innovation of the model)

• Trampolines, sturdy pulpit and lifelines, deck hardware

Power & Systems

• Twin Yanmar diesel engines (low hours) — excellent redundancy and maneuverability

• Fuel & water tanks as listed

• Electrical system (12 V / house batteries, charging)

• Solar Power, panels and controller

• Wind Generator

• Navigation instrumentation, VHF, depth, wind, speed, etc. (to be itemized)

• Upgraded to Composting Heads

Recent Upgrades & Maintenance

• New bottom paint applied 2025, ready for season

• Regular maintenance on engines, rigging, systems

• Fresh antifouling, zincs, seacocks serviced

• Interior and exterior surfaces refurbished as needed

• The hulls are solid, with no known structural issues — typical of Fountaine Pajot’s robust build

• Engine hours are low for the age, about 1100 hours each side.

• Rigging and sails are in good usable condition; some replacement sails and spares included

• Survey and sea trial recommended; buyer may bring own surveyor

• All equipment works; minor cosmetic updates may be desired

SANDY K is a rare opportunity to own a classic, well-built cruise-ready catamaran without the premium price of newer models. With its new bottom paint, heavy structural build, low engine hours, and classic design, she is ideal for sailors who value durability, comfort, and practicality. The Venezia 42 has a respected reputation among multihull enthusiasts, and SANDY K delivers strong potential to her next owner as a true cruising platform.

Contact us to schedule a showing, request full inventory and equipment list, photos, or arrange a survey.

"Loaded with Value – Newer Electronics, Spacious Layout & Smart Storage!"

"SANDY K stands out with brand-new Raymarine wind, depth, and speed instruments—reliable tech that adds real cruising confidence. Her well-thought-out layout includes two queen cabins, a double cabin, dual heads, and a dedicated workshop/storage area with a second fridge—ideal for extended voyages or liveaboard life."