Elba 45 for sale.
The Elba 45 replaced the Helia 44 in 2018 with a new hull (10% lower drag) and a larger fly-lounge. One of FP's strongest-selling sailing catamarans and now offered as an ODSea+ hybrid.
The Elba 45 — family cruiser.
The Elba 45 entered production in 2018 as the replacement for the Helia 44 in Fountaine Pajot's family-cruiser slot. Berret-Racoupeau redrew the hulls for roughly 10% less drag than the Helia 44 — a meaningful improvement in real sailing performance — while keeping the overall length and volume similar. The deck layout introduced FP's 'fly-lounge' concept: a flybridge that's larger than a traditional helm platform but doesn't raise the boom enough to compromise mainsail handling.
The Elba 45 has been one of FP's strongest-selling models since launch. Industry estimates put production at over 250 hulls through 2025 — significant for a model in this size class. The boat sits between the Astrea 42 (smaller, also family-cruiser positioning) and the Tanna 47 (larger, more charter-fleet oriented), and it's become FP's go-to recommendation for couples and small families wanting a 13–14m catamaran.
In 2023, FP added the ODSea+ hybrid drivetrain as an option — alongside the Astrea 42 and Aura 51, the Elba 45 is one of three models offered in this configuration. The hybrid version uses electric motors with a small diesel generator for charging, plus extensive solar arrays. It's still a small fraction of total production but represents the future direction of the FP range.
Elba 45 specs and dimensions.
Dimensions
- Length overall (LOA)
- 44'10" / 13.66 m
- Length waterline (LWL)
- 44'1" / 13.43 m
- Beam
- 24'7" / 7.50 m
- Draft
- 4'4" / 1.32 m
- Air draft (mast top)
- 70'10" / 21.60 m
- Light displacement
- 29,431 lb / 13,350 kg
Sails & rig
- Mainsail
- 678 sq ft / 63 m²
- Genoa
- 474 sq ft / 44 m²
- Total sail area
- 1,152 sq ft / 107 m²
- Optional code 0
- 915 sq ft / 85 m²
- Designer
- Berret-Racoupeau
Engines
- Standard engines
- 2 × Volvo D2-50 (50 hp)
- Optional upgrade
- 2 × Volvo D2-60 (60 hp)
- Saildrives
- Volvo MS25L
- Cruising speed
- 7 to 8 knots under power
- Max speed (engines)
- ~9 knots
Tankage & capacity
- Fuel
- 127 US gal / 480 L
- Fresh water
- 159 US gal / 600 L
- Owner version berths
- 6 (3 cabins + saloon)
- Charter version berths
- 8 to 10 (4–5 cabins + saloon)
- Interior design
- Pierangelo Andreani
Specifications are manufacturer figures for a base specification Elba 45. Individual boats vary based on year, equipment, and owner modifications. Always verify against the specific boat's documentation during survey.
Owner version vs charter version — which Elba 45?
The Elba 45 is offered in multiple layouts. Choosing between them is the most important decision in a Elba 45 purchase, and meaningfully affects price, resale, and how the boat actually lives.
For owner-cruisers
The Maestro 3-cabin layout dedicates the starboard hull to a single owner suite with island queen berth, ensuite head with separate shower, and dedicated workspace. The port hull contains two guest cabins with shared head. Best for couples and small families. Trades at a 12–18% premium to charter version on the used market.
For charter operations
The Quatuor 4-cabin and Quintet 5-cabin layouts split both hulls into multiple cabins. Sleeps 8–10 guests plus crew. Designed for charter operations — popular with Mediterranean charter fleets and on the resale market. The Quintet is the volume layout in original sales.
Wider context on layout choice and resale implications: our charter version vs owner version guide.
Elba 45 prices used and new in 2026.
Indicative 2026 ranges for the Elba 45 across condition, year, and layout. Country of sale also affects pricing — Italian and French inventory typically lists 5 to 15 percent above Spanish or Greek equivalents.
For deeper context on Fountaine Pajot pricing, condition adjustments, and country-of-sale variation, see our complete catamaran prices guide.
See the Elba 45 on board.
Walkthrough video courtesy of ACY Yachts on YouTube. Watch on YouTube →
Elba 45s for sale right now.
1 verified Elba 45 currently listed across the Mediterranean. Showing the 1 most recent.
What to inspect on a used Elba 45.
Volvo saildrive condition
MS25L saildrives need diaphragm and seal replacement at 5–7 years. 2018–2019 Elbas should be on second service interval; verify gear oil and inspect for any saltwater staining.
Hull drag improvements verified
The Elba 45's redesigned hulls were marketed as 10% lower drag vs the Helia 44. The improvement is real but only fully realised with a clean bottom — verify antifouling condition and ask about haul-out and bottom-paint history.
Engine hours by use case
Charter Elba 45s typically show 3,500–5,500 hours by year 5; owner-version typically 800–1,800 hours. Volvo D2-50/D2-60 service records should be complete.
Fly-lounge UV degradation
The fly-lounge cushions and bimini see heavy UV exposure. Replacement cushion sets are €4,000–€8,000 depending on covering. Inspect for fading, mildew, and seam integrity.
ODSea+ hybrid systems (if applicable)
From 2023, some Elba 45s are ODSea+ hybrid. This adds significant complexity — lithium battery banks, electric motors, hybrid controllers, large solar arrays. Documentation from FP-authorised technicians is essential. Verify state of health on lithium banks.
Tankage and watermaker upgrades
Standard 600 litres fresh water is workable but most cruising owners add a watermaker or auxiliary tankage. Verify upgrade quality and documentation. Factory-style watermaker installation is worth €8,000–€15,000 in resale.
Models often compared with the Elba 45.
Elba 45 — frequently asked questions.
How much does an Elba 45 cost?
Used Elba 45 prices typically range from €370k for a 2018–2019 charter-version with high engine hours, up to €780k for a 2023–2024 ODSea+ hybrid Maestro owner-version. New builds start at approximately €620k for base specification, rising to €900k and above with the typical owner's equipment package. Charter-version Elbas trade 12–18% below Maestro equivalents.
Elba 45 vs Helia 44 — which is better?
The Elba 45 is the Helia 44's direct successor (2018 replacement). Berret-Racoupeau redrew the hulls for roughly 10% less drag, the fly-lounge is significantly larger than the Helia's bimini lounge, and the saloon glazing is bigger. The Elba is a meaningfully more modern and capable boat. The Helia trades at a substantial discount on the used market — for budget buyers, it remains a credible alternative.
Is the Elba 45 good for couples?
Yes — the Maestro 3-cabin Elba 45 is widely considered one of the best couple-cruising catamarans in the 14-metre class. The owner suite is genuinely spacious, the fly-lounge gives a second outdoor living space, and the boat is short-handed friendly under sail and at the dock.
What is the ODSea+ hybrid Elba 45?
ODSea+ is Fountaine Pajot's hybrid electric drivetrain, available on the Elba 45 from 2023. It combines electric motors with lithium battery banks, a small diesel generator for charging, and extensive coachroof solar arrays (up to 2kW). Designed for low-emission cruising, particularly in protected anchorages and short coastal hops. ODSea+ Elbas command a meaningful premium on the used market and are still a small fraction of total production.
Can the Elba 45 cross the Atlantic?
Yes — Elba 45s are regularly used for Atlantic crossings, including ARC participation. With 480 litres of fuel and 600 litres of water standard (most owners upgrade), the boat is well-suited to ocean cruising. Diesel-version Elbas are better suited to longer passages than ODSea+ hybrid versions, where range under power is more limited.
Elba 45 vs Lagoon 46 — which is better?
Direct competitors. Lagoon 46 emphasises interior volume and has a deeper parts and service network; Elba 45 emphasises sailing performance and the more compact fly-lounge layout. Used pricing is broadly comparable. Most charter buyers prefer the Lagoon 46 for fleet familiarity; many owner-cruisers prefer the Elba 45 for the chined hull design and sailing dynamics.
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