Why is this Catamaran So CHEAP? - Ep 365 - Lady K Sailing

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:00:59 +0000

Why is this catamaran so cheap? 🤔⛵
Today we’re taking a deep, honest look at a Fountaine Pajot Mahé 36 Evolution, a real cruising catamaran that can sometimes be found for a shockingly low price compared to newer multihulls.

Fountaine Pajot is one of the most respected catamaran builders in the world, known for strong construction, smart layouts, and boats that actually sail well. So how does a proven French cruising cat end up listed for monohull money?

In this video, we break down the true story of the Mahé 36 Evolution, using magazine reviews, sea trials, and real-world market trends to explain:

Why this catamaran costs so much less than newer models

The real pros and cons of the Mahé 36 design

How the Evolution version improved sailing, comfort, and helm ergonomics

What the used catamaran market gets wrong about “small” cruising cats

Why many buyers overlook 36-foot catamarans entirely

The hidden costs and upgrades you should expect when buying an older cruising cat

Who this boat is actually perfect for…and who should walk away

We’ll also talk honestly about things like tankage, systems, engines, layout tradeoffs, charter reputation, and why the catamaran market has shifted toward much larger boats over the last decade.

If you’re thinking about buying a used catamaran, shopping for a budget liveaboard cat, or wondering whether a smaller cruising cat makes sense for real-world sailing, this is a video you don’t want to miss.

⛵ Is the Mahé 36 a hidden gem… or is it cheap for a reason? Let’s find out.

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Lady K Sailing

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