Faq Sales
Who are Dufour and Fountaine Pajot?
Dufour Yachts is a renowned French shipyard specializing in performance, comfortable sailing yachts. Fountaine Pajot is a leader in the production of sailing and motor catamarans, ideal for cruising and charter.
What are the main differences between the two brands?
Dufour builds monohull sailing yachts. Fountaine Pajot focuses on catamarans, both sail and power. The sailing experiences differ: Dufour offers a more direct, sportier feel; Fountaine Pajot offers greater stability and space.
What is the delivery time for a new boat?
It depends on the model and time of year. On average, lead time ranges from 6 to 18 months. We recommend booking well in advance, especially before boat shows or peak tourist seasons.
Can I customize my boat?
Yes. Both shipyards offer customizable configurations for interior layouts, engines, electronics, materials, and options.
What are the payment terms?
Typically: a deposit upon contract signing plus staged payments based on build progress. The balance is due on delivery.
Do you provide technical assistance and spare parts?
Yes. The dealer provides authorized technical assistance and supports original spare parts, as well as warranty work.
How long is the warranty?
- Hull and structure: 7 years
- Components: 2 years (may vary)
The warranty is international but managed through the local dealer.
Can you help with registration and paperwork?
Yes. We offer registration, flagging, numbering, insurance, and legal advisory services.
Faq Refitting & Personalization
Do you perform refits on used boats?
Yes. Services include systems overhaul, upholstery, painting/varnishing, electronics, and upgrades to recent standards.
Can I upgrade my boat with new options?
In many cases, yes: solar panels, bow thrusters, watermakers, onboard electronics, and more.
Faq Charter & Sea Trials
Can I do a sea trial before purchasing?
Yes, by appointment. During events such as boat shows or dedicated sea trial days, trials are more frequent.
Do you offer charter management or marine leasing?
Yes. Charter management with economic return is available, as well as facilitated marine leasing through partner companies.
Faq Logistic & Delivery
Where is the boat delivered?
- Directly at the shipyard in France
- At the local dealer in Italy, or other agreed ports
Do you provide sea or land transport?
Yes. Delivery by sea with a skipper, or by truck with a specialized carrier.
Faq Documentation & Support
Will I receive manuals and technical documentation?
Yes. Each boat comes with:
- User and maintenance manual
- Technical documentation
- CE certificates and warranty booklets
Can I receive training on how to use the boat?
Certainly. We provide an onboard technical briefing, navigation courses, and—on request—an accompanying skipper for the first days.
Faq Charter
What types of boats do you offer for charter?
- Sailing and power catamarans
- Sailing monohulls
- Motorboats
All available with or without skipper.
Do I need a boating license to charter?
- Yes, for boats with engines over 40 HP or longer than 10 meters.
- No, for small motorboats (where permitted) or if you charter with a skipper.
Faq Skipper & Crew
Can I charter with a skipper?
Yes. You can charter with a professional skipper. Hostess, chef, and sailing instructors are also available on request.
What does the skipper do onboard?
The skipper handles the vessel, plans the route, and ensures safety. They are not responsible for cleaning or cooking unless otherwise agreed.
Faq Bookings & Payments
How can I book a boat?
Online, by email, or by phone. A deposit is required to confirm the booking.
What are the payment terms?
- Deposit: 30–50% upon confirmation
- Balance: due 30 days before departure
- We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and in some cases online payments
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, but penalties apply depending on notice period. We recommend a cancellation insurance policy.
Faq Cost & Security Deposit
What extra costs should I consider?
- Skipper, hostess (if requested)
- Fuel
- Final cleaning
- Moorings away from the base
- Optional extras: outboard engine, SUP, towels, Wi-Fi
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. It covers any damage not covered by insurance. It is refunded at the end of the charter if there is no damage.
Faq Check-in, Check-out & Life Onboard
When are check-in and check-out?
- Check-in: usually Saturday from 17:00
- Check-out: the following Saturday by 09:00 (return to port on Friday evening)
What should I bring?
- Comfortable clothing; white-soled shoes
- Documents (boating license, ID, crew list)
- Personal items (medications, sunscreen, 12V charger)
- Bed linen and towels, if not provided
Faq Itineraries & Weather
Can I plan my own itinerary?
Yes, subject to weather conditions and—if present—the skipper’s judgment. We can provide suggested itineraries on request.
What happens in case of bad weather?
If conditions prevent a safe departure, the start may be delayed or, in extreme cases, rescheduled. Refunds are not provided, but rebooking (date change) may be offered.
Faq Safety & Insurance
Is the boat insured?
Yes. Each boat has:
- Third-party liability insurance
- Hull (Kasko) policy (with deductible covered by the security deposit)
Are safety equipments onboard?
Absolutely. All boats are equipped in compliance with regulations: life jackets, life raft, flares, and navigation instruments.
Faq Families & Accessibility
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. We can provide safety nets, child life jackets, and other safety accessories. Please inform us of minors when booking.
Are there limitations for guests with disabilities?
Contact us: we can offer dedicated solutions on selected boats, subject to the type of disability.
Faq Assistance & Support
What happens in case of a breakdown?
We provide technical assistance during the charter, intervening directly or through a local service network.
Do you offer out-of-hours support?
Yes. A 24/7 emergency number is available for the entire charter period.
Faq Salpancore Pier
Who can moor at the pier?
- Customers with seasonal or annual berths
- Transiting boaters, subject to availability
Is a reservation required?
Yes, strongly recommended in high season. For day transits, we suggest calling in advance.
What services do you offer at the pier?
- Drinking water and shore power (220V/380V)
- Assisted mooring
- Video surveillance and night security
- Showers and restrooms
- Wi-Fi, waste collection, used-oil collection
- Shore shuttle service (if the pier is detached from the quay)
What is the water depth?
From 2.5 to 4 meters, depending on position. Check with staff for deeper drafts.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, on a leash and under control. Owners are responsible for cleaning.
Is fuel available?
If not available at the pier, we can arrange refueling at nearby stations or via mobile service on request.
Can I leave my boat for long periods?
Yes, with tailored rates for monthly, seasonal, or winter stays. Security included.
Can I do maintenance while moored?
Minor maintenance is allowed (light painting, cleaning); invasive work must be approved by management.
Faq Boatyard
What types of boats do you work on?
- Sail and power
- Monohulls, catamarans, RIBs
- Up to about 20–25 meters, depending on facility capacity
What yard services do you offer?
- Haul-out and launching
- Hull work: wash, sanding, antifouling
- Fiberglass or gelcoat repairs
- Interior refit and systems
- Marine engine service (inboard and outboard)
- Onboard electronics and solar panels
- Professional painting and polishing
Is booking required for haul-out or hull work?
Yes, especially in spring and autumn. We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Do you supply spare parts or materials?
We keep stock of original parts, paints, lubricants, and consumables. Special orders on request.
Can I assist or work on my boat during the yard work?
Yes, with authorization and in compliance with safety rules. In some areas, our staff must be present.
Do you provide winter storage?
- Ashore (on cradles in the yard)
- Afloat (guarded mooring)
- Add-ons: covers, battery maintenance, ventilation
Do you work on foreign-flagged boats?
Yes. We support international clients with multilingual staff and can assist with customs and technical documentation.
Do you provide boat transport?
We work with specialized carriers for land transport in Italy and Europe, and can arrange slipway or crane services.
