The documented problem on used Fountaine Pajots is shared with the other big French catamaran builders: the Goiot escape hatches. The hatches sit low in the inboard sides of the hulls so the crew can get out after a capsize. When the glazing comes out, the hole is close to the water.
The Goiot escape hatch recall
Goiot Systems recalled escape hatches it supplied to four French multihull builders, Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Catana and Bali, and Nautitech, because the glazing could detach from its frame. The recall covers hatches delivered before September 2018. YACHT puts the affected boats at those built from 2007 to 2019.
Jacques Leblais of Goiot told Boat Industry the recall covers two models: the T44 fixed hatch, with tempered glass in an aluminium frame, and the Cristal 49.42 opening hatch, with acrylic glazing in an aluminium frame. Adhesion problems with the bond could lead to loss of the glazing. Other Goiot escape hatch models aren't affected. Goiot first saw isolated failures in early 2018, then added a mechanical fastener to supplement the bond, and later replaced hatches in the thousands.
Catamaran Guru reports the 49.42 opening hatches on the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, possibly on other models too, and says the acrylic lens can pop out because the bond doesn't hold. The old Fountaine Pajot recall page no longer works; owners are directed to Fountaine Pajot customer service.
YACHT reports that a 2013 built Lagoon 39 sank off Canouan after, by its owner's account, an unreplaced Goiot hatch pane came loose. A sister ship's owner believed most owners didn't know about the recall.
Where to look. Every escape hatch: the maker and model on the frame, whether it's original or replaced, and whether there is a mechanical retainer or only adhesive holding the glazing. Press on the glazing for movement and check the bond line for gaps. Ask for the builder's or dealer's record of the recall work for the hull number.
Escape hatches beyond the recall
Lagoon, which used the same supplier, now passes on Goiot's advice to replace affected hatches every 10 years, whether or not a retaining kit was fitted. The hatch is a safety item that lives at the waterline, so record its age even on boats outside the recall.
What to check on a Fountaine Pajot
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Escape hatch make and model | Goiot T44 fixed or Cristal 49.42 opening | Goiot via Boat Industry |
| Recall work | Replacement or retaining kit, with paperwork | Goiot, Cruising World, Noonsite |
| Glazing bond | Gaps, movement, adhesive only | Goiot via Boat Industry; Catamaran Guru |
| Hatch age | Replacement due at 10 years | Goiot advice passed on by Lagoon |
Writing it up
"Escape hatch, port hull inboard side: Goiot opening hatch, original, glazing held by adhesive only with no mechanical retainer, no record of recall work for this hull. Recommend the hatch is replaced or fitted with the manufacturer's retaining kit before the vessel goes to sea, and the hull number referred to Fountaine Pajot." That's an A finding: the failure opens a hole near the waterline.