where are lagoon catamarans built

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The anchor locker is deep and wide, which stops chain from piling up and jamming the windlass. It comes with 170ft of oversized 1/2inch chain (a little overkill but it is great for sleeping soundly at night). The boat easily carries the weight. it’s stowed right in the chest under the mast and we have plenty of buoyancy up forward. We did replace the anchor with a 74-pound Rocna anchor . We keep the other one as our secondary anchor. It would have been nice to have a second bow roller to leave the second anchor in place but because of the way the anchor is situated in the chest, it is not possible.

Electrical & Plumbing  

The electrical panel is adequate and user-friendly. The system is well protected with breakers at every critical juncture. It has easy access to all wire and technical spaces. Access to the circuit breakers (general and engine) is easy and protected in a housing with a hinged cover at the foot of the berth in the aft cabin. The plumbing is easily accessible everywhere and everything is high quality.

Two of the breakers are in very awkward spaces and were hard to find at first.

Engine Power & Generator  

We chose to upgrade to the 57 HP Yanmar engines with Flexofold props and we’re glad we did. They give us lots of power when we need it. The engine rooms are accessed from the scoops and have a lot of space. There is plenty of space inside the compartment to be able to work on an engine with ease if necessary. There is also a convenient storage shelf over the engine compartment. We use three big storage bins so it’s easy to unpack if necessary. The Cummins 13KW generator in the chest of the boat has great access and is remarkably quiet.

We replaced the manufacturer’s fuel filter units fitted by the factory with two Racor 500’s. The manufacturer’s units were just too complicated. Stephen likes to be able to change the Racor filter cartridges quickly in the event of a blocked filter and the Racor filters, which he knows well, do the job best. Under engine we do a comfortable 7.5 knots at 2,500 rpm & 8.9 at 3,200; both cruising speed and top speed are satisfactory.

Scoops / Aft Boarding Steps  

The steps in the “scoops” are a little steep and the bottom step is not deep enough. This is a big negative for fishermen!! On our Island Spirit the scoops were huge, wide and shallow. It’s a great place to land the fish and then immediately cut up and clean it. Because of the size of the scoops, it is safe and has plenty of space to work even in big sea. Not so on the Lagoon 450S. We will probably rig a fishing table on the stern. Even so, the steps are easy to board from a dinghy and providea nice swim platform. On the positive side the high steps and angle are great to reduce noise when underway which, believe it or not is quite loud. The other advantage of the scoops on the L450 is that when you have big seas from astern the boat remains dry and it is very unlikely that you will be pooped.

Dinghy Davits  

They are sturdy and easy to operate. They are rated at 450-pounds per side and easily accommodate our Walkerbay 12ft deluxe super tender and Honda 20HP outboard engine. We had our dinghy and the engine hauled up and secured during passages and even with big seas the dinghy stayed steady and in place. The dinghy is fitted with a bridle and is easy to hoist. We have an electric winch right at the base of the davits and is easy to handle.

Boat Owner Manuals

The owner manuals are fantastic. It is very precise with pictures to show the various systems, plumbing, electrics, etc., both in English and in French. The English version is not a “direct” translation from French, so you don’t have to guess what they are trying to convey. Each individual piece of equipment on board has a user manual and separate warranties.

Overall, we are very satisfied with our choice of catamaran. We fitted a rub rail with stainless insert, a satellite TV, Iridium, and some other equipment after market. But we pretty much had a finished boat when we accepted delivery. In general, the quality of the important equipment from the factory is good and you can see that this is a fully evolved product. All warranty issues (we only had a couple of things) were dealt with promptly. If we were building the boat ourselves, it would be tough to do much better. This Lagoon 450S is a really good, comfortable live-aboard blue-water cruiser. Our biggest pleasant surprise is her sailing ability and comfort at sea.

Price & Specifications

>>Part Two of the Lagoon 450S Review: Interior Living Space and Forward and Aft Cockpits!

Estelle Cockcroft

Join our community.

Get the latest on catamaran news, sailing events, buying and selling tips, community happenings, webinars & seminars, and much more!

8 thoughts on “Lagoon 450S Catamaran Review: Design, Construction, & Performance”

Thanks for the review, Its very hard to find objective and thorough evaluations! I look forward to part 2.

I also look forward to you getting a better video camera, 🙂

Best of Luck.

Very nice review, I can’t wait for part two.

The audio was a bit rough due to the wind noise picked up by mic, but I’d rather have that than no video at all!

Having been a monohull purist for a long time, I’ve only sailed Lagoon cats, and although I’ve loved the 38, 40 & 42s I’ve chartered, the 2014 39 we had going from St. Vincent to Grenada over 2 weeks this Spring was a dog. It was the slowest, most difficult and uncontrollable sailboat I’ve ever skippered. I learned from the captain we handed her over to at the end of the trip that they have a bad reputation, which had me concerned about other, newer Lagoons. So I was thrilled to read that you’re so happy with your 450S. Thanks for the great review and I’ll be looking for a 450S for our next charter.

Thanks for the great summary

Did you compare performance, internal room against Leopard 44?

No max displacement number. What cruiser doesn’t want to know that?

Monohull owner here. I have spoken with a few lagoon 45 owners. I have been invited on board a couple different year ones. Their boats are all newer 2015 and up. Why are they all experiencing bulkhead de-lamination ? If l am not mistaken, 2010 was the first year for the lagoon 450. To date well over 1,000 hulls have been built. Lagoon is well aware of this problem. What year did the hull problems begin ? What year did lagoon correct the problem ? What have they done to remedy this default in manufacturing ? Not meaning to insult you. But your review reads like an advertisement for Lagoon. I thought your job is to be unbiassed. You did not find one fault. That tells me you are not a trustworthy person. Your job means more to you than your integrity. That makes you a boat salesperson, not a boat review person.

Hi Matthew (monohull owner) MY ANSWERS IN BLUE CAPS Not meaning to insult you. YOU JUST DID. WITHOUT GETTING ANY CONTEXT AT ALL AND YOU CERTAINLY DON’T KNOW US. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE DO. IF YOU DID, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT WE DON’T PROMOTE ONE BRAND OVER ANOTHER. THIS REVIEW WAS DONE IN 2016 WHEN WE PURCHASED OUR BOAT (HULL #5). I STRESS “PURCHASED” BECAUSE WE DID NOT GET SPONSORED AND WE DID NOT GET IT FOR FREE. WE BOUGHT THE BOAT OUT RIGHT BECAUSE WE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS, AT THE TIME, THE BEST BOAT FOR US. WE STILL HAPPEN TO LOVE THE BOAT AND ONCE THE BULKHEAD ISSUES ARE TAKEN CARE OF, IT IS STILL A VERY DESIRABLE BOAT. WE SOLD OUR BOAT (LAST YEAR WHEN WE UPGRADED) TO CLOSE FRIENDS OF OURS WHO LIVE IN THE SAME MARINA AS WE DO AND THEY NOW LOVE THE BOAT AS MUCH AS WE DID. But your review reads like an advertisement for Lagoon. WE HAVE NO AFFILIATION WITH LAGOON WHATSOEVER. WE ARE FREE TO SELL ANY BOAT WE WANT TO, INCL. FOUNTAINE PAJOT, NAUTITECH, BALI, LEOPARD, XQUISITE ETC. (ALL OF WHICH HAVE THEIR OWN SETS OF ISSUES). SO, WE ARE NOT IN THE TANK FOR ONE PARTICULAR BRAND AT ALL. I thought your job is to be unbiassed. You did not find one fault. YOU MUST HAVE MISSED OUR NEGATIVES ON THE BOAT IN THIS POST. THERE ARE SEVERAL NEGATIVES THAT WE POINTED OUT. WE DID THE REVIEW AND IT WAS OUR OPINION AT THE TIME. YOU ARE FREE TO TAKE FROM IT WHAT YOU WILL. That tells me you are not a trustworthy person. Your job means more to you than your integrity. That makes you a boat salesperson, not a boat review person. WHILE YOU SAY YOU DON’T WANT TO BE INSULTING, YOU ARE MAKING PRETTY STRONG AND INSULTING ACCUSATIONS BUT THEN, THIS IS WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA ALLOWS. WE DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND CANNOT HAVE A FACE TO FACE WITH YOU. I have spoken with a few lagoon 45 owners. I have been invited on board a couple different year ones. Their boats are all newer 2015 and up. Why are they all experiencing bulkhead de-lamination ? If l am not mistaken, 2010 was the first year for the lagoon 450. To date well over 1,000 hulls have been built. Lagoon is well aware of this problem. What year did the hull problems begin? What year did lagoon correct the problem? What have they done to remedy this default in manufacturing? REGARDING THE BULKHEAD ISSUE: THIS CAME TO LIGHT TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR (YEARS AFTER THIS POST WAS WRITTEN) WHEN A CRUISER DISCOVERED THE ISSUE AND MADE OTHERS AWARE OF IT. WE HAVE NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AND LAGOON HAS CERTAINLY NEVER SHARED THIS WITH US PRIOR. NOR WOULD THEY, AS WE HAVE NO AFFILIATION WITH THEM. WE, LIKE THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY ARE WATING TO HEAR THE OUTCOME OF THIS ISSUE FROM LAGOON. PLEASE DIRECT ALL YOUR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO LAGOON WHO ARE MOST QUALIFIED TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. AS YOU KNOW, SOCIAL MEDIA IS ABUZZ REGARDING THIS SUBJECT AND YOU WILL GET VARYING OPINIONS FROM ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED. WE RECOMMEND TO OUR CLIENTS AND EVERY LAGOON OWNER TO LODGE THEIR CLAIMS WITH LAGOON. I BELIEVE THAT THE FACEBOOK GROUP HAS PUT OUT A BULLETIN ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS. AGAIN, FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL US ANY TIME TO DISCUSS TEL: 804-815-5054. [email protected] OR [email protected] .

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Annapolis Boat Show 2024

Meet with our team!    Want to learn more about the Bali and Catana

Exploring the Catana OC 50 Catamaran: A Comprehensive Overview

The Catana OC 50 Catamaran, the latest addition to the Catana Ocean Class series,

Lessons Learned from Selling our Catana 50 OC

Stephen and I are in the process of selling our Catana OC 50 Catamaran.

How is Your Yacht Brokerage Adapting to the Digital Age?

You may have noticed that we have a lot more catamarans for sale in

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

• Stephen & Estelle
• Testimonials

Get Started

• Yacht Sales
• Used Yachts
• Charter Management
• Boat as Business Programs
• Seminars & Events

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources

The Lagoon 55: Built for the Long Haul

• By Mark Pillsbury
• September 6, 2022

In February, French boat builder Lagoon brought Hull No. 2 of its 55-foot luxury catamaran to the Miami International Boat Show. I can easily see this long-legged bluewater cruiser finding a niche among its siblings that range in length from 40 to 77 feet.

The 55, designed by VPLP, has an interior by Nauta and exterior styling by Patrick le Quément. Given its size and systems, the 55 will likely be a boat that many private ­owners will staff with a captain and mate, though it’s well-laid-out for a shorthanded crew, and certainly would be suitable for an owner-skipper who is up for the job of maintenance. 

And in charter , where ­Lagoons have long been popular? Well, let’s count the ways the 55 could be enjoyed.

First, there’s the flybridge, where the helm is located. Steps to either side ensure a good flow of traffic. The wheel is offset to starboard. Just forward of it, close at hand, three electric winches handle all the sail-control lines except for the traveler; that’s adjusted using an electric continuous-line winch whose push-button controls are mounted ­nearby. Abaft the helm, there’s a sink and fridge alongside a U-shaped seating area that surrounds a low cocktail ­table—a lovely place to sit.

Below, in the cockpit, are two more tables to starboard with tops that unfold to seat a crowd. There are also multiple cushioned lounges, all facing aft to take in the view astern. When raised, the swim platform/tender storage area provides a balcony over the water. Lowered, it’s a place to sit and hang feet in the water.

Directly forward of the cabin house, there’s another U-shaped seating area, and the center window in the saloon opens so refreshments can be passed out to anyone sitting there. The 55 has a self-tacking jib, with a sheet that’s led to a track on the coachroof just ahead of the mast, keeping lines out of the way on the foredeck. There is also a sprit with an electric furler for a code zero. During the show, the boat was rigged with a cloth sunshade over the forward ­seating area, held aloft by a pair of ­removable carbon-fiber poles. 

The boat in Miami carried a price tag of $2.2 million. That included options such as teak soles on the flybridge, in the cockpit and on the transoms; air conditioning; extra refrigeration; a washer and dryer ­amidships in the port hull; a pair of upgraded 115 hp Nanni engines with saildrives (80 hp diesels are standard); and a suite of B&G electronics.

Lagoon offers a number of interior layouts. This boat had four staterooms. The ­owner’s en suite stateroom was aft in the starboard hull, with a smaller guest stateroom forward. On the port side, two additional guest staterooms sat fore and aft, with a crew cabin (with its own head and shower) in the forepeak. The interior volume in the hulls ­allowed all the guest berths to be laid out athwartships. 

Five- and six-stateroom ­layouts are also available, and an owner can choose to have the galley up or down. All told, the 55 could have berths for 16 people.

Throughout the interior, ports and hatches abound, ­letting in lots of light and providing views of the world ­outside. In my notes, I jotted down “elegant” to describe the boat’s look and feel. 

Under power at a cruising rpm of 2,000, we saw readings of about 9 knots on the GPS. The steering seemed a bit sluggish both motoring and under sail, but the boat had arrived just prior to the show, and I’d suspected that it just needed an adjustment. 

The breeze barely broke 10 knots on our sea trial, and we weren’t able to fly the code-­zero sail due to missing gear, but with the self-tacker set, we moved along closehauled at about 6 knots, and gained ­another knot and a half by bearing off to a beam reach.

It was a comfortable ride. Sailing along, it didn’t take me long to find my sweet spot on the 55: the seat ­incorporated ­into the far forward ­lifeline stanchion, where I hung one arm over the wire and sat watching the bows slice through the waves. Believe me when I say that I could have stayed there all day.

Mark Pillsbury is a CW ­editor-at-large.

• More: catamaran , Charter , lagoon , lagoon 55 , Lagoon Catamarans , print 2022 july , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

For Sale: 2015 Catalina 355

For Sale: 1998 Hinckley 51

Sailboat Review: HH Catamarans HH44

Sailboat Preview: 2 Sportboats We Love

A Dream Takes Flight

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Lagoon Catamarans

“catamaran innovators since 1984”.

Starting life as a spin-off from monohull manufacturers, Jeanneau in Bellville Sur Vie, France, Lagoon Catamarans was inspired by a request to produce the futurised trimarans for the 1984 film “Waterworld”.

Lagoon is today the most prolific builder of catamarans in the world, having built over 7,000 boats since its beginning; the lion’s share has been produced following the merger with CNB/Groupe Beneteau.  The modern, technically advanced, powerful and luxurious designs we see coming through in today’s volume production runs are the result of the company driving forward the introduction of affordable catamarans into the mainstream charter market to compete with the monohulls.

High-volume production results in tight cost control and quality monitoring throughout the build process.  With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Lagoon Catamarans continues to set new standards in the industry, making them a popular choice for those seeking a large cruising catamaran.

Today’s Ethos/Values

Lagoon continues its tradition as a premier sail and power catamaran manufacturer, employing industry-leading 3D modelling and customisation techniques to constantly redefine what a catamaran is.  They continue to lead the way in layout advancements.  The designers point out that “Lagoon gives priority to life on board”; the focus is on convivial living spaces and comfortable cabins, and the inclusion of modern conveniences, blurring the lines between life on land and life on the water.  Domestic-style equipment must often be shoe-horned into tight spaces whilst also meeting building regulations.

The company values sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring that its catamarans are built with the latest eco-friendly technologies and materials.  Hulls and decks are balsa-cored and vacuum moulded to reduce weight and leave a lighter environmental footprint; reconstituted wood is used for the interior panels.  Efforts are made to source components which do not have programmed obsolescence.  Their first hybrid-electric model, the 420, was prototyped in 2008.

Lagoon promotes its business as a “family” and prioritises customer satisfaction, offering personalised service and support throughout the ownership journey.  

Evolution of the Lagoon Brand

Designers Vincent Lauriot-Prévost and Marc Van Peteghem (VPLP) graduated from Southampton University in 1983 and won a design award for a 55’ catamaran a year later.  Four were sold on the architectural plans alone, and the Lagoon shipyard was born.  VPLP Design remains the exclusive architect for Lagoon, having continued their multihull design success with the record-breaking trimaran BMW Oracle.

Following the merger with Groupe Beneteau in 1995, production, geared to the charter market, snowballed.  Smaller catamarans, up to 45’ in length, continue to be manufactured in Belleville Sur Vie, whilst the larger models are built at the 100,000 m² CNB shipyard in the heart of Bordeau.

Exchanges between VPLP Design and interior designers, Nauta, have resulted in the introduction of the gull-wing shaped nacelle to reduce slamming in a big sea and the positioning of the mast further back to allow the use of a larger genoa, more easily control a smaller mainsail and to reduce pitching.  All new vessels over 12m now incorporate the forward seating area.

Production Timeline

Boat Reports

Lagoon 400 S2 (2012-2017)

Overview Designed by Lagoon’s sole architects, Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost (VPLP), who have been involved with some of …

Lagoon 46 (2019-Date)

Overview The Lagoon 46 was launched in 2019 to replace the incredibly popular Lagoon 450 which had almost 1,000 hulls built.  …

Company Profile

Lagoon Catamarans is one of nine boat brands under the Groupe Beneteau Company , which is publicly listed.  Individual performance figures are not publicly available for Lagoon on their own.

In 2021, the group bailed out Dream Yacht Charter, which struggled during the pandemic, giving them control of the largest peer-to-peer boat rental website, samboat.fr . It also acquired shares in other charter businesses and boat clubs offering weekly and day rentals.  Not only does the company manufacture a large chunk of the charter boat market, it has increased its finger on the rental of these same boats with a base of approximately 1,000 in over 50 countries (through controlling shares in Moorings/Sunsail and Dream Yacht Charter).

During 2022, Beneteau Group also pushed forward their Boat Club business, opening up 10 new bases in the USA.  This model offers members the use of a range of small motor and sailing boats (up to 9m) from a local club base for a fixed monthly membership fee starting at €252 per month.

The introduction of SEANAPPS black box monitoring into 2,000 production boats allows constant monitoring of boat usage and performance, primarily aimed at owners for scheduling maintenance tasks, but no doubt with data feedback to the Group.

Beneteau Group employs 7,900 people at its various sites in Europe and turned over €1,250.0 million in revenue from its 128 current boat models in 2022.  The Annual Report is available here .  The company focuses on four main boating markets:

• Day boating
• Real estate on the water (power catamarans)
• Monohull sailing
• Catamaran sailing

According to their 2022 Financial Report, the future focus is on improved profitability and sustainability, achieved by the “premiumization” of their boat products to make them more profitable and the incorporation of alternative propulsion from 2030, together with the use of bio-sourced, recycled and recyclable materials in boat building.

Buying a Boat

Boat Ownership

Selling Your Boat

Sailing Holidays

Yacht Surveys

Professional Skippering

Consultancy

Phone: +590 690 688855

SIRET: 881 391 445 00015

Address: 75 Rue de Sandy Ground Marigot St Martin 97150 French West Indies

© 2021 Capitaine Sam

Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service

• € 0.00 0 items

Lagoon Catamarans

Check out our Lagoon Catamarans For Charter page which we run with our partner Globesailor if you are looking to rent a Lagoon for a vacation or test sail.

Back in the early days, Lagoon wanted to inject some performance into the catamaran market which was at that time dominated by cruising cats such as Prout , the UK manufacturer and world leader at the time.

Yes, Lagoon Made Fast Cats And so was born the legendary offshore cruising range: the 55, 47, 57, 67 and 67S. In 1995, Lagoon was purchased by Beneteau, one of the leaders in the cruising production monohull market, and the brand’s direction took a turn. They took over the Jeanneau shipyard and handed over the development of the Lagoon range to CNB (Construction Navale Bordeaux).

More Comfort and Space The design brief now became one of more comfort and space while developing innovative construction methods. From 1997 to 2003, Lagoon Catamarans launched a flurry of new designs: the 380, 410, 440, 470, 500 and 570: yachts that remain popular and in demand today. Innovations included the vertical saloon windows on the 410 to maximise living space.

World Leaders It was during this period that Lagoon cemented its position as the market leader in catamaran production, taking over from Prout in the UK which had drifted into financial difficulties.

Commercial Success In 2004, Lagoon launched the legendary 440 with its chunky nacelle (an idea inspired by Prout). This was the first catamaran under 45 feet to be fitted with a flybridge and remains one of Lagoon´s most successful models with 423 hulls produced.

Going Large In 2009, Lagoon started to think big with the launch of the 620 and in 2010 they launched the 450 – their most successful model to date after the 380 and 400 (in terms of units sold). In terms of profit, the 450 probably hit the top spot.

The Fourth Generation In 2012, Lagoon launched the 52 which set the design philosophy going forward. With the mast stepped further back to help short-handed sailing (another Prout trick), she is easy to sail with a small crew despite her size: the self-tacking jib takes care of itself and the mainsail is relatively easy to manage for a 50-foot boat (especially with an electric winch).

They followed this in 2016 with the Lagoon 42 and a whole range of sizes on either side (40, 46, 50).

The Fifth Generation In 2017, they took another design leap with the launch of the Seventy 7, followed by the Lagoon 65 (SIXTY 5) and the 55 in 2021. Then came the 51, the 60 and the 43.

Lagoon celebrated the launch of its 7,000th catamaran in 2024. This compares to Fountaine Pajot, with around 4,000 units since 1976, and South Leopard, with about 2,500 built over the past two decades.

The History of Lagoon Catamarans

More details on the boats are provided below this timeline. They have launched a lot of boats!

• 1984 Lagoon was founded as an arm of Jeanneau: JTA – Jeanneau Techniques Avancées
• 1987-1995 1st Generation Lagoons: 55, 57. The First 55 was called “Lagoon”.
• 1991 Lagoon 42 TPI
• 1992 Lagoon 37 TPI
• 1992 Lagoon 47
• 1995 Lagoon 67 and 67S
• 1995 Lagoon purchased by Beneteau.
• 1996 Lagoon 35 launched
• 1997- 2005 2nd Generation Lagoons, 380, 410, 470 and 570.
• 2004 440, the first 3rd Generation with flybridge launched
• 2005 Lagoon 500
• 2006, Lagoon 420
• 2009 Lagoon launched their flagship: the 620. The 400 is launched: another very successful model in terms of sales. The 421 upgrade hits the market.
• 2010 450F launched, one of their most successful models to date.
• 2011 Lagoon 560
• 2012 the first 4th Generation model, the 52F was splashed.
• 2013 Lagoon 39
• 2015 The Sport model, 52S with bulkhead helm hit the market. Also the 450S
• 2016 Lagoon 42
• 2017 5th Generation design launched with the Seventy 7 flagship. Lagoon 50 launched
• 2017 Lagoon 40. The shipyard builds 400 boats a year.
• 2019 Lagoon 46
• 2020 Lagoon Sixty 5 (5th Gen.)
• 2021 The new Lagoon 55 launches. 6,000th catamaran launched.
• 2022 The Lagoon 51 follows the following year.
• 2024 The Lagoon 60 launches in Bordeaux

Lagoon – All of the Catamarans

Lagoon 55, 57, Lagoon 57S (1984)

The 55 was Lagoon’s original design and what a way to launch a brand! They later offered an extended version: the 57. Along with the 47 and the 67, these yachts remain very popular – classic performance catamarans from Lagoon’s early days. Lagoon built 20 55s and 14 57s I believe.

The Very First 55 was Called “Lagoon” And do you where Lagoon got their brand name from? Well, the first 55 the company built was called “Lagoon”.

The fledgling catamaran manufacturer decided to develop develop a brand, but they needed a name. One name that kept coming back to them was the name that their first customer gave to her 55: “Lagoon”.

They signed an agreement on the corner of the table in a restaurant, a contract on a napkin to provide royalties if they managed to sell any more boats. Luckily (for Lagoon), they set a time limit of 10 years. The rest is history!”

The 57S evolved as a Sport version built with carbon and Kevlar reinforcements making them more rigid. At 16.9 m long and 9.2m wide they are very stable and seaworthy. Lightweight is 17 tonnes.

They don’t make them like this anymore!

Lagoon 55 Brochure Lagoon 57 Brochure

Lagoon 42 (1991)

The smallest of the older performance designs from pre-Beneteau days, the Lagoon 42 was launched with the 37 to appeal to buyers with more modest budgets. They were built in the USA by the shipyard Tillotson Pearson Inc. She was a real success for Lagoon thanks to her ample living space and seaworthiness.

An example is OZ, a 1995 L42 TPI hull #49.

Lagoon built 51 of the cats I believe.

Lagoon 42 Brochure

Lagoon 37 (1991)

Following the Lagoon 55 and 57, Lagoon moved to make their catamarans more accessible to a wider market:  the Lagoon 42 and Lagoon 37 were launched in the nineties and 41 were built in the USA by Tillotson Pearson Inc. Composite, a pioneer in the composite infusion process. The Moorings rebranded the Lagoon 37 as the Moorings 3700.

The Lagoon 37 was launched at the end of 1992. With a powerful sail plan for its size, this comfortable catamaran is pretty nippy. 43 Lagoon 37 hulls were built by TPI in the States. Following that, production moved to France. They built 8 in France I believe before they they launched the 410 and  470. The French-built 37s have smaller windows in the saloon and aluminum toe rails.

An example is: Mai Tai, 1995 L37 TPI hull #38

Lagoon 37 Brochure (in French)

Lagoon 47 (1992)

One of the Lagoon catamarans with a turn of speed from Jenneau days, the 47 is still sought after on the second-hand market. This boat is now seen as something of a classic (along with her larger sisters, the 57 and 67). With her twin aft helms and ample living space, this was a very successful model from the early Lagoon days.

Lagoon 35 (1995)

Along with the 37 and 42, the 35 was built by TPI in the US. This was the least successful model of the range with only eleven units built. She was designed by Morrelli and Melvin who later went on to design the early Gunboats.

Lagoon 67, 67S (1995)

If you have been following Katamarans for a while, you’ll know that the Lagoon 67 is one of our favourite catamaran designs of all time. How did they design such a perfect boat so early on? We struggle to think of a prettier-looking catamaran.

The 67 was launched in 1995 as a semi-custom catamaran. One “sporty 67S” was built: with a bigger rig, taller carbon mast, carbon bridge deck, and structural bulkheads in carbon.

Examples include La Perla and Marmot (below).

Lagoon 410 (1997)

The Lagoon 410 was the first in the new series of designs after the brand was bought by Beneteau and they veered towards comfort over performance.

Compared to the sportier Lagoon 42, VPLP made this boat roomier inside and put the saloon on a level with the cockpit (pretty innovative at the time). The keels were made fuller, with more volume on the ends of the hulls to reduce pitching. The 410 was made wider to improve lateral stability, safety and volume. They reduced the size of the main and increased the size of the jib with the same overall sail area.

Now a classic catamaran, with a legion of fans and still very popular on the second-hand market. They built 283 of them, a very successful model.

Read our full Lagoon 410 Review .

Lagoon 410 S2 Brochure (2005)

Lagoon 470 (1998)

The 470 was VPLP’s updated design of the 47 after the company veered more towards comfort. But in these early days, they didn’t stray too far from the performance heritage of the brand, so the 470 moves well too with a powerful sail plan. The big change to the profile was those vertical saloon windows that opened up the space inside.

At 10 knots displacement, she will still get moving in lighter air if you get the gennaker up.

The early 470s into 2000 were built on a 47 hull with the newer 470 cabins. In later years, the hulls became beamier and a foot longer with more freeboard. Thanks to the Lagoon Owner’s Group on Facebook for the information. In total, 51 were built.

Lagoon 380 (1999)

One of the most successful Lagoon catamaran models of all time in terms of sales, no question. Read our full Lagoon 380 review for the full low down on why this is such a great little boat. It just hits the sweet spot on so many levels for its price point and size and remains a strong seller on the second-hand market. It´s the Prout Snowgoose of the Noughties, a classic catamaran.

Lagoon 380 Brochure

Lagoon 570 (2000)

The 570 is to the 57 what the 470 is to the 47, if you catch my drift. This was the updated design of the performance classic following the purchase of Lagoon by Beneteau, and while VPLP moved the design dial towards more space and comfort with the now trademark vertical saloon windows, for example, they didn´t move it that far. You get a nice balance with this boat.

This is not a boat that is that easy to sail short-handed though. Lagoon has made this easier and easier on their more recent larger boat designs, but this was still pretty early days for the company.

Lagoon 440 (2004)

The Lagoon 440 has the trademark vertical panoramic saloon windows with a centered flybridge which positions the helm up high. This was a brave step in 2004 and a precursor to the 450- one of Lagoon´s most successful models.

The hulls are voluminous with mid-sized keels. Like many Lagoons, the hulls and cabin below the waterline are solid epoxy laminate while the topsides are a composite cored sandwich of fiberglass, epoxy, and balsa.

With all that space freed up with the flybridge helm, she delivers on space down below. Another innovation that has proved to be very popular is the foredeck lounge area for those Sundowners at anchor. The Lagoon 440 is still very popular on the second-hand market. They built 423 of them.

Lagoon 500 (2005)

If Lagoon invented the cruising cat flybridge concept on the 440, the 500 maxed it to the full. This cat handles chop well and powers along in a reach in a breeze, but visibility forward can be difficult from that helm up top when you have the big jib set. Lagoon built 150 of this model.

Lagoon 420 (2006), 421 (2009)

The 420 was unashamedly built for comfort with its bulky coachroof and high freeboard. It was a gamble that paid off, as this was a successful seller. The Market research was correct in this case, and 179 hulls were built.

In 2009, they updated the model into the 421 with more sail area: these are the ones to look out for if you are snooping around the second-hand market. The original boat was sluggish under 12 knots of wind- the 421 improved its performance in this regard. 96 hulls were produced.

The overall hull height was lowered and the sail area increased by around 4sqm. Changes were made to the hulls aft below the waterline to ‘improve hydro dynamic efficiency’. Source: Thks to noshoes-resoled .

The Lagoon 420 and 421 offer big comfort for their size thanks to the volume in the nacelle and spacious cabins. A dependable long-term comfortable cruising boat. Check out our Lagoon 421 For Sale page if you are looking for one of these cruising catamarans on the second-hand market.

Lagoon 620 (2009)

With the 620, we are getting to the Big Lagoon Catamarans and this means plenty of options for customisation. At 62 feet, you can go for as many as five double cabins with island berths or as few as three. The galley can be up or down which again gives you plenty of scope to develop an individual design.

Head upstairs onto the flybridge, and you´ll notice that she has 2 helms and the aft cabins have direct access to the exterior.

Lagoon 400 (2009)

With a square-topped mainsail to boost the sail area, the 400 is a very competent sailor as long as you don’t try and pinch her too close to the wind, and she tacks well. The basic structure consists of a solid laminate under the waterline with a balsa core above, including the decks.

The hulls and decks are infused with polyester, and Lagoon layers vinylester resin onto the hulls to protect against osmosis.

In 2012 Lagoon launched a refreshed design (interior upgrade mostly) called the Lagoon 400 S2.

I have heard from the Lagoon Owner’s Facebook Group that the 400 is probably #2 in terms of units sold behind the 380 with almost 1000 produced. Makes sense. I think the 40 and 42 are catching up fast.

An example of one of these popular boats is Ocean Fox, Hull #233, which was built in 2012.

Read our full Lagoon 400 Review.

Lagoon 450 (2010)

One of Lagoon’s most successful models to date, with over 800 units sold. Only the 380 beats that, and in terms of profit, the 450 is probably their number 1 boat I would guess.

Shown is Colin’s 450 from Parlay Revival .

The Lagoon 450 came in two flavours: the 450F Flybridge and the 450S Sport (bulkhead helm). The Sport version has a lower boom. You will seem more flybridge examples about.

Read our full Lagoon 450 review for the full details on this popular yacht.

View the Lagoon 450F Brochure

Lagoon 560 (2010)

A top-selling 50-footer. In 2017, Lagoon announced the #100 hull.

Lagoon 52F (2012) and 52S (2015)

The Lagoon 52 came in Sport Top version (52S) and Flybridge (52F). This is “only” a 52-footer, but inside it feels huge. If you go for the flybridge option, even more so, she’s luxury at anchor at its best.

The new look is more angular and muscly with a mast position that has been positioned aft bringing benefits in both performance and handling. The high aspect mainsail keeps the canvas high where the breeze is most steady and the shorter boom is easier to control when short-handed. With her large self-tacking genoa she moves nicely.

On the flybridge, the Lagoon 52F has oodles of space with a central helm that pivots to port or starboard to improve visibility when sailing or docking.

Lagoon 39 (2013)

Well, we all thought that the 39 was going to take over from the 380, didn’t we? But it never really happened. I am not sure why because this is a good-looking boat that performs reasonably well and is easy to sail, but everyone just kept continuing to order the 380 and it never took off.

She carries about the same sail area as the 380 but is significantly heavier at 11.6 tonnes. That’s probably the main reason.

Lagoon 42 (2016)

The Lagoon 42 overtook the 380 in 2023 and become Lagoon’s most successful model to date. In October 2023 they delivered the 1000th Lagoon to French owners who joined them to celebrate in Cannes.

They seem to have nailed the performance/comfort equation with this boat. As well as having plenty of living space, she moves well.

Upwind, like most Lagoons, she will be happiest sitting at around 60 to true. You might just squeeze in some 110-degree tacks, but she should shunt along at 7 knots or so in a breeze heading upwind. The 42 is a solid cruising catamaran. This is a large 42-footer!

Read our Full Lagoon 42 Review

Lagoon 50 (2017)

This design was developed from the bottom up by VPLP and Patrick Le Quement. She continues with the current trend of setting the mast further aft for a shorter boom and mainsail that is easier to handle.

The deck plan has been completely rethought versus her predecessors and she feels spacious.

Lagoon Seventy 7 (2017)

This is the flagship of the Lagoon range, and what a flagship she is. Read our full Lagoon Seventy 7 Review here.

The WOW factors keep coming with this boat with its balcony off the master suite, jacuzzi on the flybridge and the new sleek profile. If you want to live the high life, there are worse ways of doing it than on a Lagoon Seventy 7.

Lagoon 40 (2018)

The Lagoon 40 is the current entry-level model for the French manufacturer since they stopped production of the 380.

This is a worthy successor to the 400 that incorporates many of the features that you will see on the 42, albeit in a smaller package. The 40 will undoubtedly become one of Lagoon’s top-selling models.

The mast is further aft than the 400 (in keeping with all of the newer designs), so you have a more powerful jib and a mainsail that is easier to handle. She’s a neat-looking catamaran. At 10 tonnes, she is no lightweight, but Lagoon knows its market, and that means decent enough sailing performance and maximum comfort for her length.

She’s a great evolution of the 410 and 400. You can read our full Lagoon 40 Review here.

Lagoon 46 (2019)

This pretty 46-footer, launched in 2019, replaces the 450: pretty big shoes to fill! You can read our full Lagoon 46 review here. It´s a great evolution from the popular 440 and 450 models.

In August 2023 they delivered the 500th 46 to Australian customers.

Lagoon 46 Brochure

Lagoon Sixty 5 (2020)

The Sixty 5 is not quite the Lagoon flagship, but she’s almost! This is another foray into the Supercat market which Sunreef dominates. Lagoon is starting to snap at their heels with these Big Cats.

With 32 feet or 10m of beam, the Sixty 5 has about 1,500 square feet of living, deck and bridge space. The cockpit is enormous, the saloon as well, the galley looks straight out of a Manhattan apartment and the flybridge area tops it all off for cocktails or even a dinner party (when you´re not sailing). Add the lounging area at the front of the boat and you have a serious entertainment platform.

Choose between five or six cabins. The fully battened mainsail and furling genoa, add up to 268m2, which will power the Lagoon Sixty5’s 40 tonnes of light displacement. Along with her bigger sister, the Sixty 5 has a new sleek profile while retaining all of those trademark Lagoon features like the vertical windows. You can see these design cues will filter down to the smaller boats in time.

Lagoon Sixty 5 Brochure

Lagoon 55 (2021)

The Lagoon 55 was the first model that Lagoon launched in 1984.

37 years later, we have the new Lagoon 55 which is somewhat different! This boat represents almost 4 decades of development and design evolution from this famous French catamaran manufacturer.

Read our full Lagoon 55 Review here .

Lagoon 55 Brochure

Lagoon 51 (2022)

The flybridge takes up 80% of the roof space on this comfortable cat with 2 big sun loungers forward of the helm and a huge C-shaped sofa behind.

The central table telescopes down to create another large sunbathing area. Aft, the Lagoon 51 has large and wide transoms for ease of access at the dock and with the “Tenderlift” platform, the whole area converts into a large balcony or bathing platform on the sea.

There is an option to install up to 3,400W of solar on this cruising catamaran.

Lagoon 51 Brochure

Lagoon 60 (2024)

Lagoon announced a new model at the Cannes International Yachting Festival in 2023, the 60. The aft terraces open out, opening up the access from shore and increasing the living space at anchor.

More History

If you enjoyed this history of Lagoon Catamarans, you might also like the following articles exploring the story of other catamaran manufacturers:

Balance Bali Catana Catamarans Dazcat Fountaine Pajot Gunboat HH Kinetic Leopard Marsaudon Nautitech Outremer Privilege Prout Catamarans Sunreef Yachts

Showing 1–8 of 13 results

Lagoon 65 (Sixty FIVE)

• Lagoon Sea Trials
• Excess 11 Special Offer June, July 2024
• How Do You Break the World Speed Sailing Record? SP80 Team.
• Lagoon Teams Up with Uvoji for Purified Water
• Excess Catamarans Starlink Offer May 24
• Cure 55 Catamaran Build Update
• Webcam – Club Marítimo Castelldefels
• Lagoon World Escapade 2024
• First Vaan Yacht in “Vivid Alu”
• Lagoon Announce New 43 Sailing Catamaran

Browse, search and find your perfect catamaran!

Privacy Overview

• Custom Cats
• Performance Cats
• Cruising Cats
• Luxury Cats
• Owner Reviews
• YT Channels

CatamaranReviews.com

Lagoon catamarans.

Lagoon catamarans are known for their spacious accommodations, innovative design and better than average sailing capabilities. They are popular with both live aboard sailors and catamaran charters. Lagoons catamaran models range in size from 38 feet to 78 feet in length. They are also the builders of the Lagoon 380 , the most popular catamaran model in history. Currently, 14 models are offered by Lagoon with a variety of configurations, floor plans and accessories. 

Lagoon was founded in 1984 by Jeanneau , a high volume monohull sailboat  builder that was eventually purchased by Beneteau . The catamarans are designed by internationally renowned architects Lauriot Prevost and Van Peteghem of VPLP and built in X, France. With more than 4,700 Lagoon catamarans built to date, Lagoon is the largest producer of multihulls in the world. 

For a sailor looking for a spacious live aboard catamaran a Lagoon is a great option. However, this space comes at the cost a significantly heavier catamaran than more performance oriented models.

Lagoon Models

The successor of the Lagoon 42, the Lagoon 410 catamaran is quite different in terms of the massive bridge deck saloon, saloon leveling, and the genoa jib it offers. It is wider which means it offers more lateral stability, safety, and volume. DESIGN – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR ACCOMMODATIONS The Lagoon 410 offers four large double cabins with a bathroom in each or one large washroom and a study in the starboard hull. The aft and the forward cabins are spacious, and can easily accommodate a family of 8 onboard, although the forward cabins are slightly narrower than the aft cabins. There is also headspace in not only the cabins but also the passageway to make movement easy and fluid. The

Winner of The Multihull of The Year Award 2018, the British Yachting Awards 2018, and the Sail’s Best Boat of The Year Award of 2019, the Lagoon 50 catamaran offers some thoughtful and innovative features. Some parts of the catamaran – such as the cockpit and the saloon – have been completely redesigned. DESIGN – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR The interior design of the Lagoon 50 is a product of the Nauta Design while Patrick Le Quement and VPLP Design gave shape to its exterior. The Lagoon 50 catamaran, with its rich and dark Alpi Walnut plywood construction and UV varnish finishing, comes with three, four, and even six cabin layouts and provides a generous amount of volume and space. DECK

Winner of the Adriatic Boat of The Year and the Asian Award, the 23.3 metres tall Lagoon 77 catamaran is the largest Lagoon ever built in the world. Remarkably spacious yet also very luxuriously built, the Lagoon 77 catamaran is a product of exterior design from Patrick Le Quement and Italian Nauta Design. DESIGN – EXTERIOR & INTERIOR The Lagoon 77 has many different layouts such as 3-cabins, 4-cabins and 5-cabins. There is also an option between forward galley and aft galley layout. DECK The side-decks of Lagoon 77 are not only wide and spacious, but also have fine teak finishing which gives the catamaran an elegant look. The side-decks lead to two large grey nylon mesh springy trampolines at

Launched in 2004, the Lagoon 440 catamaran was the first catamaran under 45 feet to boast a fly bridge and an unprecedented nacelle in the shape of a gull’s wing. With the production of 432 units, the Lagoon 440 catamaran broke world records for the under-45 feet range of catamaran. DESIGN – EXTERIOR & INTERIOR Designed by shipyard Jeanneau, the main designing objective of the Lagoon 440 was enhanced speed and reduced pitching. ACCOMODATIONS Accessed by a sliding door, the Lagoon 440 has a large saloon which can easily be populated by 8 people. The pale wooden finishing of the light interior has a calming effecting, pronounced by the air conditioning system which can be controlled separately. The vertical windows

From stealing the spotlight in the Sydney International Boat Show to bagging four awards within one year of its launch, the Lagoon 42 catamaran is famous for its almost oxymoronic quality of being remarkably spacious yet compact enough to be easy to navigate.  DESIGN – EXTERIOR & INTERIOR The Lagoon 42 catamaran is a powerful yet graceful product of Patrick Le Quement’s exterior designing combined with France’s VPLP Design. The interior has been designed by Italy’s Nauta Design and the Lagoon 42 boasts a generous space not only in the cockpit but also the helm and the saloon, thanks to the unique uniform cockpit to saloon leveling.  HELM The Lagoon 42 catamaran’s helm station easily fulfills the need for a

The Lagoon 380 is the smallest catamaran built by Lagoon at 38 feet and is known as the most successful cruising catamaran model. Introduced in 2000,  it was built to be a workhouse for the charter industry and an entry level-cruiser. It is a great entry level cruising catamaran that sails better than many other cats and provides lots of living space for the money. Despite the small size the Lagoon 380 combines spacious accommodations normally reserved for much larger catamarans while still retaining decent performance. Charter versions of the Lagoon 380 have four staterooms and two heads. Owner versions have a master suite in the starboard hull that has a spacious bathroom with shower and head, in addition to

Catamaran Makes

New reviews, most popular.

Are Lagoon Catamarans Good? A Complete Review

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Lagoon is a leading catamaran manufacturer famous for its luxury products and state-of-the-art boats. However, if you’re considering purchasing a cruising catamaran, you may get overwhelmed by the vast selection of boats on the market, and you might be left to wonder if Lagoon catamarans are worth the money, especially after the big “bulkhead-issues” debate started by Youtube channel Parlay Revival.

Lagoon catamarans are great if you’re looking for spacious interiors and exteriors and have a large family to consider. They’re perfect for parties, and the sturdy construction and luxurious looks are favorable. However, they are known for having bulkhead issues (L450) and are sometimes critiqued for poor build quality.

In this article, I will explore the pros and cons of Lagoon catamarans, describe the most popular Lagoon cats’ features in detail, and offer some useful tips on choosing the right cat for your needs.

Table of Contents

The Pros of Lagoon Catamarans

Lagoon has been building catamarans for almost 40 years , and with nearly 6,000 vessels under their belt, it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. They have nine different sailing models, meaning you have even more choice than ever. 

Let’s take a look at what sets Lagoon apart from the rest. 

They’re Spacious 

Lagoon catamarans are famous for being large and spacious , making them a perfect choice for big families and gatherings. Most Lagoon models have 3 or 4 cabins with lots of storage space and roomy sleeping arrangements.

The galleys feature under-counter fridges and nestled microwave ovens, creating a safe and even more spacious accommodation. Dining tables, freezers, and bench seats easily fit in the big galleys to create a homey feel.

Most models also feature large flybridges with enough room to offer navigation and relaxation at the same time.

Lagoon cats’ saloons and cabins are famous for being friendly to tall sailors. Most of them feature double-berth accommodations with individual showers and head compartments.

They Are Bulit Strong (Most…)

One of the biggest advantages of Lagoon cats is their sturdy construction. Made of balsa wood covered with fiberglass layers through vacuum infusion molding, the furniture in the interior and exterior constructions are strong and lightweight. 

Plus, all parts of the boats are well-finished with vinyl ester resin to avoid osmosis.

The interior is also a combination of luxury and long service life with core-mat sandwich or solid glass and Alpi wood laminates.

They use dry layering instead of wet layering, leading to more resistance and precise positioning. Plus, the dry technology allows for the use of less resin, making the designs more lightweight.

Every corner has perfect seals to avoid any leakage or cracks, and the infusion technology makes sure the construction is soundproof, durable, and rigid.

BUT! And this is a big but, there have been some issues with the Lagoon 450 bulkheads, the issue involves some very poorly constructed main bulkheads which tends to break and once broken it will transfer the loads to other smaller bulkheads. This starts a chain reaction that in the end weakens the boat’s structural integrity to the point where I would question its seaworthiness.

If you are buying an Lagoon 450 it is a MUST to check the bulkheads for cracks! Gabo

If you want to better understand this problem I suggest you check out this video from parlay revival.

They Boast Spacious and Clean Decks

Another strength of Lagoon cats is their exterior spaces. Like the interiors, the decks are spacious and wide, with many storage compartments and lockers with trampolines and sunbathing areas.

There are sliding doors between the exterior and interior spaces that can provide extra room for big gatherings, and all parts on the flybridges are easily accessible.

In some models, the stairs directly go to the cockpit, leading to more safety, too.

A few weeks ago a went on a day trip on a Lagoon 380, the boat is quite small with its 38ft, but Lagoon really utilize every centimeter and the boat feels huge.

Lagoon Has a Huge Owners Community

Since there are so many Lagoons sailing around the world, getting an experienced sailor to answer your model-specific questions is never hard. This, I believe, is one of the largest benefits of having a Lagoon, since sooner or later you will have to do repairs, it is a comfort to know there will be people around you that can help you out.

They’re Luxurious

Luxury is the word intended to come to mind when thinking of Lagoon catamarans. All the sturdiness, rigidness, and durability come wrapped under a rich layer of anti-UV finishes.

The interiors are very well-lit, with big windows at eye level offering panoramic views, making it seem like an exclusive hotel room rather than a boat’s cockpit. 

Most of the boats have U-shaped seating areas and pleasant furnishing, and the Alpi wood finish gives everything a sleek, elegant look, combining comfort and sophistication.

They’re Safe

Lagoon cats are all well thought out for safety considerations, with handrails all over the place for safe movements even in bad weather conditions. The decks are wide and clutter-free, and the running rigging is suitable for short-handed sailing.

They all conform to the Conformitè Europëenne ( CE ) standards for the unsinkability of multihulls. Everything in the living space is waterproof, and all the wiring is high quality and reliable.

If you are looking for some serious offshore cruising, there will be things you will have to change on every boat so that it fits your specific needs, if you want to know more about offshore cruising, I suggest you read some other articles I wrote called:

• What is the best-size catamaran for offshore sailing
• 9 best cats for circumnavigation and why

Cons of Lagoon Catamarans

As with any product on the market, nothing is perfect. Lagoon catamarans may exceed in luxury and safety, but there are some areas that customers find they are lacking. 

Below are some of the areas that may leave you opting for another catamaran manufacturer.

They’re Bulky

Although Lagoon has tried hard to reduce weight, some experts still consider them to be bulky. For example, some models, like the Lagoon 440, are among one of the heaviest models on the market. Some call it a “condomaran” to refer to its lowered performance due to its large size.

However, the company has tried to address this issue by making more compact models while allowing for more volume.

They Can Be Costly

Lagoon cats’ high costs are probably the most significant drawback compared to other big names with similar features. Their hefty prices may be a real turn-off for some sailing enthusiasts. But with their large selection of boats from different models and specs, they have a boat for every budget.

Expect to pay a little bit more just because of the name.

They’re Not Very Fast 

These wide spacious catamarans come at the cost of speed. However, newer models have addressed the issue and perform reasonably well both upwind and downwind. 

Lagoon catamarans will never be Gunboat or an outremer so if your looking for exciting and fast sailing this is probably not the right boat for you.

But, If you don’t have much sailing skill and want to make sure you have some extra margins of safety Lagoon cats might be the best choice for you.

The Tall Rig Can Be an Issue in Ports and under Bridges

Some models, such as Lagoon 52, have tall rigs to increase windward efficiency and improve the performance in the wind. However, the tall rig can be a problem under bridges.

Popular Lagoon Models

Lagoon has constantly been trying to address its most common issues with newer models and beat their previous models, even if they were wildly popular. 

This sense of competition has led to plenty of innovations. For example, it launched its Lagoon 420 in 2006 as the first catamaran in the world with hybrid propulsion.

Below are some of the most popular Lagoon cats in its history, starting with the best seller and working down in terms of units sold. If buying new is not an option, some of these older models may be just what you’re looking for. 

The Lagoon 380 is the top seller catamaran globally, although the company has discontinued it.

As mentioned before, I sailed an L380 just a few weeks ago, and here is a short description of that cat.

The L380 has four cabins with two bathrooms, is 11.5 m (38 ft) long, and has two engines. Its most praised feature is its comfortable, simple, and convenient accommodations with oodles of overhead clearance, spacious galleys, and large cabins.

Although it’s slow, it gets the job done because it’s easy to control and performs well enough in poor water and weather conditions. It’s also easy to dock because of its small size, and the two engines make it highly maneuverable.

The 380 is said to reach up to nine knots in good weather with a decent breeze , (we maxed out at 6kts during my sail) – an acceptable speed for cruising catamarans. It sails up to six knots to windward, which is not impressive but not surprising. Though it hobby horses in medium to high waves, it can be managed by putting the weight in the center of the boat.

It also features Lagoon’s signature vertically-positioned windows that provide maximum space in the cabin while at the same time allowing a lot of light inside.

That said, it’s not lightweight, which shouldn’t come as a surprise given its bulky construction. Below the waterline, it features solid fiberglass and a mix of balsa wood and foam.

Although the interior looks cozy and spacious, the furniture finish wears pretty quickly because it’s not the highest quality. And like other Lagoon’s older models, the top bimini is soft, which you can replace with a hard one if you can’t take care of it.

All in all, the 380 is good value for money and stands up well to frequent, private cruising. It’s a classic catamaran that delivers more than what it promises.  

For a more detailed review of the cat, watch the YouTube video below:

The 400 is another highly successful Lagoon model produced between 2009 and 2017. The 400 S2 was a refresh introduced in 2012.

Like most Lagoon models, the 400 also suffers from being heavy, struggling in lighter airs. It belongs to the company’s third-generation boats that favor comfort over speed and performance.

That said, it’s easy to maneuver and performs well in a breeze. In lighter winds of under ten knots, you can perform well if you fly the larger sails by the bowsprit.

It features a mainsail with a square top that boosts the sail area and makes her tack well. The rig is also easy to handle because all the line sheets come back to the helm with one manual winch.

The deck is clean and clutter-free so that you can get around the boat safely. The flush decks are wide with recessed hashes, and the bow lockers can accommodate all the lines, sails, and fenders.

This model has many different variants on the market in terms of living space. There are three or four cabins with different head configurations, and the refreshed model (the 400 S2) added cupboards aft and made space for a freezer by moving the electrical panel from the galley to the nav station in the saloon.

For a more detailed review of the 400, you can watch the YouTube video below:

The 40 is one of the most reasonably-priced Lagoon cats that combines luxury, comfort, and performance, making it another top seller. Compared to the 400, it’s lighter and has a wider mast. Plus, the company shed 800 kg (1763.7 lb) of its weight compared to its predecessor, the Lagoon 39.

Watch this YouTube video to see more of the Lagoon 39:

Although space isn’t a rarity on lagoon cats, the 40 is the best in its class space-wise. The bigger windows and the more angular look are pretty easy on the eye, with the signature Lagoon look on the inside. However, it has a more streamlined appearance due to its stretched windows.

Its performance is impressive upwind, and the square-top mainsail makes it sail well in a breeze. Still, it needs a bit of wind to get going fast because it doesn’t perform well in light airs. 

It’s also easy to handle short-handed because you can handle all the sheets and lines from the helm. However, the saloon’s roof doesn’t have ventilation, making the area down below stuffy. 

There are three or four-cabin options with two to four heads, and the other parts of the saloon and galley are standard lagoon layouts with plenty of storage space.

Check out this YouTube video for a detailed review of the Lagoon 40:

Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F (F: Flybridge version) is fourth in line in terms of the units sold. It’s one of the two versions of the 450 series, the other one being 450S. Although it doesn’t boast high performance, it sails well upwind.

Compared to its predecessor, the 440, it’s quite an improvement in terms of luxury and comfort. The flybridge is easily accessible from down below, and it has a new basking lounge.

The elegant, luxurious interior is big enough for up to 12 people to sleep in, with four bathrooms, four to six cabins, and eight to 12 berths.

The 450S, which is not even a performance cat, does surprisingly well in different weather conditions, and the boom is lower than the 450F, increasing performance due to reducing the rig inertia. It also prevents the cat from hobby horsing, leading to faster and more stable rides.

One of this model’s winning features is its semi-raised helm station which doesn’t stand out from the rest of the boat. It gives the cat a pleasing look and makes the helm more easily accessible.

This YouTube video shows a walkthrough of this model:

The Lagoon 55 is Lagoon’s latest model, launched in March 2021 with Lagoon’s characteristic sleek look. Generous living space, an outdoor galley, a forward cockpit, and a roomy flybridge featuring a dining table are the new design’s features.

It also has internal overhead windows that take the sky-watching experience to the next level. It comes with several three to five-cabin layouts, and the internal furniture comes with a walnut wood finish.

Check out this YouTube video to get an exclusive look into the new beauty:

Tips for Choosing a Catamaran

Choosing the catamaran that suits your needs can be confusing and overwhelming. After all, you’re putting a considerable amount of money into the purchase, and you want it to be a long-time investment.

Here’s what I consider when looking for a cat, and maybe it will be useful for you as well:

Consider Your Needs, Skills, and Budget

If you’ve chosen a catamaran over a monohull, you know the advantages of the former over the latter. For example, it’s more stable, better for big families, and offers more visibility due to raised helms.

For a deep dive into the differences, I suggest some of my other articles:

• Cats vs. Monos
• Are trimarans faster than catamarans?

But, in choosing the right cat, you should dig deeper. The first thing you should consider is your budget, as a tight budget will significantly narrow down your options. Plus, you should consider additional costs for insurance, taxes, marina fees, and maintenance. Unfortunately, this may take some Lagoon models off the table. 

How much does it cost to live aboard a catamaran ? real numbers from liveaboards!

Although, you could opt for second-hand, well-maintained cats if you’re short on budget. The best-selling Lagoon models described above are all available in used markets, and you should have no problems reselling them in the future because of their popularity.

If you need the catamaran for short-term getaways, your choice will differ from what you need for long-term living aboard. Are you going to sail around the world or spend most of your time at anchor? These factors determine the type of catamaran in terms of performance, space, and comfort.

Want to see some good examples of offshore capable cats ?

Since Lagoon is known for its spacious interiors and luxurious finishes, it might be worth spending a little more if you’re planning on longer journeys. 

If you don’t have great sailing skills (yet), you should opt for a smaller cat setup for solo sailing.

How to learn to sail a cat!

Inspect Everything

Before you buy the boat, inspect every little corner to make sure it’s safe and secure, and pay attention to all structural details such as main and support bulkheads, standing and running rigging, etc.

What are the parts of a catamaran called?

Pro-tip; if you entertain frequently or have a big family, you need to think of both space and privacy. 

What about fixed vs. removable furniture? Is it important for you to move everything outside when entertaining? Even round and square furniture can prove to be a nuisance in different situations.

The amount of light, airflow and ventilation, and ceiling height are also important considerations. If you’re tall, you don’t want to be crouching all the time when you’re inside.

When buying new, you should have no issues getting all the little details your need on your Lagoon catamaran. However, if you purchase second-hand, you may need to compromise on certain amenities to account for the lower cost. 

How Much Weight Can You Carry?

Boats have certain limitations in terms of the allowed payload, and excess weight will affect your catamaran’s performance . With full water and fuel tanks, there’s a fixed amount of gear you can take on board. 

Does the cat offer emergency water or fuel storage on deck? Lightweight cats sometimes have more wiggle room for adding extra gear and provisions.

The galley layout also plays a major role, especially if you travel with your family. Can you live with the current size of the galley, and is there room to add appliances such as a microwave, ice maker, or coffee machine?  

Check out this guide to choosing the right design!

Think about where you’ll be preparing food, putting the dishes to dry, or laying out plates to serve. How much space do you need for cooking?

In general, Lagoon cats are known to offer plenty of room inside , and most of the kitchens come with plenty of optional extras to make your time aboard as stress-free as possible. 

Do Your Homework

Finally, never jump into buying the first catamaran that catches your eye. Shop around online and offline, considering every little detail. Talk to experts and perform “sea trials” if possible. 

Some companies let you try the boat by staying on it for a few days. This way, you’ll get a real feel of what it’s like.

It’s also possible to work with a broker who can help you search for and negotiate when buying new and used catamarans. 

I have put together a few buyers guide that could help you on your journey towards a good buy!

• Catamaran buyers guide
• How to buy a used catamaran
• How much does it cost to liveaboard a catamaran?

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering getting a cruising catamaran, Lagoon is one of the brands I would recommend looking into. It’s famous for its luxuriously spacious interiors, sturdy and safe construction, and easily accessible and manageable decks.

Since there are a lot of Lagoons roaming the planet there is also a huge community and help is never far away.

However, the Lagoon models aren’t the best performers, especially in upwind due to their bulkiness. Although you can find them at various prices, they can be too steep for some budgets. If you don’t mind the lower speed, you can find some used ones at reasonable prices.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

• Go to content
• Go to footer

• Rental operators
• Service centers
• Pre-owned Lagoon catamarans
• The Lagoon Premium Program
• Finance your Lagoon
• Club Lagoon

choose your language

• Lagoon 42 Millenium New
• Lagoon 43 New
• Lagoon 60 New

Lagoon 42 Millenium

The world’s best-selling catamaran.

Length overall

Upwind sail area

Number of berths

The Millennium version of the Lagoon 42 is available at  499 000€ ex VAT.

Contact a dealer

Receive your brochure

Boat of the Year 2017 - Le monde de la croisière

Best Boats 2017 -Multicoque

Sailing Today Awards 2016 - Multicoque

Asia Boating Award 2016 - Meilleur voilier multicoque

A limited edition not to be missed

Available in a four-cabin version and with a unique list of equipment, the Millennium Lagoon 42 has been designed to meet all your cruising needs and preferences. 

Videos are disabled. Authorise video cookies to access content.

Rich and versatile

The connection between the interior and the ocean, the aft cockpit of the Millennium Lagoon 42 features multiple living areas for relaxation.  Its versatility allows for a large table that can accommodate up to ten people while maintaining an easy flow of movement in the cockpit.

Space and fluid movement on board

The cockpit extends onto a large terrace, flush with the saloon, providing a living area that is at once spacious and inviting.  Well sheltered and ventilated, it offers a permanent invitation to relax.

A world of elegance and ease

The interior layout is in perfect harmony with the exterior lines of the catamaran.  In keeping with Lagoon’s standards, the immense saloon features:  a panoramic view of the exterior, attractive lighting, fluid movement on board, and high-quality, sustainable materials.

VIRTUAL VISIT OF THE LAGOON 42 MILLENIUM

Enter the cockpit of the Lagoon 42 from her aft transoms and imagine yourself at sea… 

Your tour begins here.

Interested in this catamaran?

Specifications

• Hull length 12,79 m / 42'
• Length overall 13.32 m / 43’’4’
• Beam Overall 7,68m / 25'2''
• Waterline length 12,50 m / 41’
• Water draft 1,26m / 4'2''
• Air draft 20,6m / 67'7''
• Light displacement (EEC) 12,1 t / 26,681 Lbs
• Upwind sail area 94 m² / 1,011 sq.ft
• Square top mainsail (opt.) 59m² / 635 sq.ft
• Self-tacking jib 35m² / 377 sq.ft
• Code 0 (opt.) 78m² / 839 sq.ft
• Engine power 2 x 57 CV / HP
• Water tank capacity 300 L / 79 US Gal
• Fuel tank capacity 600 L / 159 US Gal
• No. of berths From 6 to 12
• CE approval A : 12 / B : 14 / C : 20 / D : 30

PRESS releases

• 0 No item in your cart
• The magazine

Current issue

• All the issues
• My magazines
• Technical specifications
• Multihull of the Year
• Classified Ads
• Destinations
• Online store
• All the magazines
• Subscriptions
• Accessories

It’s been six years since Lagoon launched a range of sailing yachts (and its powercat variants). The SIXTY 5, with its 67’5” (20.55 m) overall length, now coexists with the SEVENTY 7, which is almost 10 feet (3 m) longer. At the same time, the historic range stopped at the 54’4” (16.56 m) Lagoon 55.

Create a notification for Catamaran

We will keep you posted on new articles on this subject.

Published 18/09/2023

By Emmanuel van Deth

Published: sept. / oct. 2023

Choose the option that suits you best!

Issue #: 191

Published: September / October 2023

• Price per issue - digital : 6.50€ Digital magazine
• Price per issue - print : 9.50€ Print magazine
• Access to Multihulls World digital archives Digital archives

It was therefore only logical for the world’s leading manufacturer of cruising catamarans - 7,000 examples built over the course of almost 40 years - to launch a larger model: the Lagoon 60 was announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Overall, this next model, for which production has just begun, has a silhouette relatively similar to that of the 55, except that the sail plan uses the overlapping genoa of the latest 51. The main innovation concerns the aft cockpit, literally transformed into a beach club by eliminating the traditional bench seat. This enormous surface area is further enlarged by an aft platform and fold-down bulwarks. As for relaxation space, the forward cockpit and huge flybridge, equipped with a full galley, are not to be outdone. The first Lagoon 60 is due to be presented at Bordeaux in March 2024. We’ll be there, of course! Builder: Lagoon Architect: VPLP Design Exterior design: Patrick le Quément Interior design: Nauta Design Length overall: 59’11” (18.27 m) Beam: 32’5” (9.87 m) Draft: 5’5” (1.65 m) Air draft: 98’5” (30 m) Light displacement (CE): 70,560 lbs (32 t) Upwind sail area: 2,572 sq ft (239 m²) Mainsail: 1,603 sq ft (149 m²) Genoa: 968 sq ft (90 m²) Motors: 2 x 150 HP Fuel: 343 US gal (1,300 l) Water: 254 US gal (960 l) Berths: 8 to 14 CE Category: A: 14 / B: 14 / C: 20 / D: 20

www.catamarans-lagoon.com  

Tags : 

• Lagoon , 
• nauta design , 
• patrick le quément , 
• Lagoon 60 , 
• VPLP Design , 
• sailing catamaran

Most-read articles in the same category

Anniversary

Cora Cat 48

What readers think

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Useful links

MW SP#22 - Summer 2024

LibertyKite & Pinball Boat

Astrea 42 Smart Electric

Subscribe now.

The latest news from €3 / month

Video of the month

Our latest YouTube hit!

The Multihull of the Year

The 2024 results

Classified ads

Lerouge Flashcat 52S

Lagoon 500 Owner Version

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris.

Vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..