Experience and reputation
Fountaine Pajot is a world leader in technological innovation with over 30 years of experience in the construction, design and research of maximum performance. The shipyard was founded in 1976, and is still led by the same management team. The company is listed on the Alternex market of the NYSE EURONEXT: this ensures financial transparency examined by regulatory authorities. Equity was doubled in 2007 to 14 million euros. Fountaine Pajot is the only shipyard in the world to offer two wide ranges of catamarans with excellent resale value. Its international distribution network, which includes the VOLVO PENTA circuit, guarantees reliable customer service.
Fountaine Pajot has built today 2100 boats. The company has developed and perfected the "sandwich" construction technology: all the catamarans in the range have a core of vacuum laminated PVC foam and external laminated wood coverings, glass fiber applied manually with isophthalic polyester resin. The sandwich core is produced under vacuum, a cross-linking at regular intervals between the two surfaces guarantees a good adhesion. To ensure the protection of their boats against osmostic phenomena, on the hulls and the live work are applied manually and uniformly, using a spray gun, isophthalic gel. Like any other manufacturing phase, the quality of their application is strictly controlled. The glass fiber fabrics and the multidirectional fibers of different weights (in order to optimize the weight and the structure of the boat) originate from CAD design, in collaboration with the supplier Chomarat. In accordance with the quality control process, for each model, an exact sample of each fabric destined for specific areas of the boat is recorded and placed on a trolley.
The choice and composition of the fabrics differs according to the area of orientation of the fibers and takes into account the mechanical stresses to which it will have to resist. For areas subject to lower stresses, lighter fabrics are used compared to areas subject to higher stresses. In this way, weights are optimized in relation to stresses.
RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) Eco and infusion processes:
The choice and composition of the fabrics differs according to the area of orientation of the fibers and takes into account the mechanical stresses to which it will have to resist. For areas subject to lower stresses, lighter fabrics are used compared to areas subject to higher stresses. In this way, weights are optimized in relation to stresses.
RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) Eco and infusion processes:
One of the exclusive technologies that Fountaine Pajot employed in the production of the entire range is the use of RTM or Resin Transfer Molding to produce a bridge and a cab in a single mold. This mold has the advantage of being two-sided, eliminating the need for heavy and complex coatings for the ceilings; the hull is joined with bolts allowing a lighter final product with easy access to deck equipment, etc ...
All catamarans are left in the mold during the installation of bulkheads and other structural components, ensuring very little or no bending of the hull which consequently maintains its perfect shape.
This new RTM Eco process and the Infusion Process technology are the result of many years of cutting-edge research to promote production techniques and improve working conditions. The entire structure of the boat is built in layers of dry vacuum fabric and the resin is able to penetrate into any empty space. Both halves of the mold are sprayed with gelcoat, individually coded sections of glass fiber are positioned, foam is added to closed cells, before the entire mold is sealed, while the mold is rotated, the resin is injected. The foam used in the core sections is closed cells, eliminating the main problems of the bridge / balsa that are found in products of many other brands. This technique also provides buoyancy to comply with strict EC Community standards for unsinkability certification. Fountaine Pajot also places floaty foam well above the deck so a catamaran floats high out of the water in the unlikely event of a reversal. The advantages of this RTM Eco process and the Infusion Process technology are:
The printed bridge and the hull are lowered reaching the upper part of the hull: the lande hook both layers, providing a very strong joint without weak points due to holes. In many manufactured catamarans, the moors are not screwed to the hull, but are instead integrated into the structural composite of the hull making sure that the contact is so strong and that the entire weight of the boat is dumped on them.
Controls and Certification
The construction of a sailing and motorized catamaran provides for controls at every stage of the production process in line with the ISO 9001 V2000 standard. The resistance of the composite is measured after removal from the mold through the "Barcol" process; a test-heat then carried out on samples collected from each hull to check the quality of the gelcoat and the resistance of the laminate to osmosis. The resistance of the bridge to wear and weather is also tested. Once the construction is finished, each boat is placed in a special tank-laboratory for the execution of all the tests and checks: all the equipment and the impermeability of the whole structure are tested.
In anticipation of future developments, the Technical Office of the Site maintains a large file related to each boat built, referring to all materials and products used, as well as to all installed equipment. The exact position of each element is also stored together with samples of the composite. For each unit there is complete traceability: an indispensable aid for future maintenance. Perfectly equipped and tested, the Fountaine Pajot catamaran is ready to sail. As soon as they touch the water they take the sea to join their new environment. Many cross the Atlantic or the Pacific, with every guarantee of reliability and navigability.
Certification of I.C.N.N. All Fountaine Pajot and Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts catamarans have CE certification in compliance with EU directive 94/25.
ISO 9001 V2000 Certification Fountaine Pajot is the first French manufacturer to have obtained the ISO 9001 version 2000 certification for the entire production process of its boats. This certification is an international standard that aims to increase customer satisfaction, forcing the company to constantly improve its products and management processes.
ISO 9001 V2000 - control in all stages of production
Quality check
Final tests