The Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002 vs Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002 at 39,0 ft versus Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 at 36,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 tips the scales at 20 943 lbs — 7 274 lbs less than the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002 at 13 669 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 has a 232-hp advantage over the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002's 18-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 carries 316 gallons versus 66 gallons in the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 displaces 20 943 lbs — a 7 274-lb difference over the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002 at 13 669 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002 draws 3,7 ft, compared to 2,6 ft for the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023. That 1,1-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 Lavezzi 40 2002 uses fractional_rig_sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 carries a 250-hp engine against 18 hp on the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 2002 carries 147 gallons versus 92 gallons on the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S 2023 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.