The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 vs Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 measures 51,0 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 at 45,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 tips the scales at 39 903 lbs — 8 597 lbs more than the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 at 31 306 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 carries a rated maximum of 75 hp. Engine data for the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 carries 236 gallons versus 212 gallons in the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 could be the deciding factor.
The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 has a documented displacement of 39 903 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 draws 5,2 ft, compared to 3,0 ft for the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008. That 2,2-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 has a documented auxiliary engine of 75 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 carries 237 gallons versus 185 gallons on the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Fountaine Pajot Auro 51 2020 at 51,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 46 2008 at 45,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.