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In 2024, Lagoon wants to celebrate its 40th anniversary with you. Throughout the year, there are numerous events waiting to be discovered.

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Lagoon is the world leader in the construction of cruising catamaran sailboats. Lagoon has built more than 6,000 catamarans since 1984 and has never stopped developing its offer with boats ranging from 40 to 78 feet in length. Lagoon’s intent is to offer comfortable and self-sufficient catamarans, produced in a sustainable way, equipped with the latest technologies, all for the satisfaction of today’s sailors.

Generosity and pleasure are our raison d’être. Our passion for open spaces and comfort on board is part of our genetic makeup.

Designed to offer a unique lifestyle on the water, Lagoon catamarans are the result of dreams of voyaging and a desire for freedom.

Lagoon is committed to sailing pleasure through simple and safe sail trimming. We put our know-how to work in the service of user-friendliness.

In 1987, Lagoon invented a new vision of comfort at sea, and thus the Lagoon 55 was born. This year, Lagoon has revisited this iconic model. With more than 30 years between them, these two models are a perfect reflection of their time.

An impeccable combination of innovation and seafaring spirit with attention to detail and creativity. A living space with multiple possibilities. An uncompromising opening to the sea. A model conceived by passionate designers for lovers of the sea in search of freedom.

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World-class Lagoon catamarans: models comparison

As Lagoon catamarans – our sister company under Group Beneteau – celebrates 40 years of delivering one of the world’s top catamaran brands, we’re celebrating with a comparative view of some of the most popular models we have available with our Dream ownership programs. 

We’ll take a closer look at three Lagoon models currently available for sale:  the Lagoon 40 , Lagoon 42 , and Lagoon 46 , all of which are tried and tested, having withstood the test of time with devoted Lagoon owners around the world. They’ve brought together a symphony of talent in creating their luxury catamarans. From Lagoon’s legendary Construction Navale Bordeaux shipyard  to the brilliant collaboration of naval architects, the common motivation is to create comfortable, elegant, and reliable boats.

Read on to learn about some of the specific Lagoon features that owners look at when making their dream yacht purchase decision, from layouts and use of space to performance and interior finishes!

Features that make a Lagoon a Lagoon

There’s a lot to love about the Lagoon lineup of sailing catamarans , and many features are shared among all of the models. Comfort is always optimized in all Lagoon catamarans. You can expect excellent use of space both inside and on deck, as well as spacious cushioned seating areas, well-planned storage, and high quality finishes and equipment.

Also common to all yachts in the Lagoon lineup are the brand’s signature vertical saloon windows, adding a distinctive look for both style and functionality, and making saloon interiors feel large, open, light and bright.

Another recognizable feature of Lagoon sailing catamarans is the traditional foredeck trampoline, allowing for lighter weight as well as air flow and that delightful occasional seaspray that adds to an exhilarating sailing experience.

Finally, and, of utmost importance to owners, Lagoon catamarans are well known for their longevity and reliability.

So, which Lagoon catamaran is right for you?

The Lagoon 40 is the entry offering in the Lagoon lineup of sailing catamarans. Offering a noticeably bright, surprisingly comfortable and easy-to-sail 40-foot vessel, the Lagoon 40 boasts many of the same features of the larger models.

Firstly, its spacious interior layout offers ample living and storage space, making it an ideal choice for extended voyages or shorter vacation charters. The 3-cabin/2-head option provides a spacious port side “owner’s suite”, but there are also layout options for 4-cabins with either two or four heads depending on your needs.

The raised helm station features a bimini for protection from the elements, and is easily accessible from the cockpit and the side deck. And from the two-person seat, all four corners of the boat are visible.

The Lagoon 40 achieves remarkable stability and spacious living areas thanks to the wide 22’-2” beam. Additionally, the Lagoon 40 boasts excellent handling characteristics, largely due to a substantial reduction in weight from previous models – while still maintaining exceptional sea keeping abilities even in rough conditions. It can be easily sailed single-handedly or with a small crew due to its smaller size and smart rigging system.

In conclusion, the Lagoon 40 catamaran truly shines among smaller sailing catamarans with its well-designed spacious living areas, innovative use of space on deck, and a perfect length for easy handling and maintenance, while still large enough for bluewater passages.

Cruising World’s Boat of the Year 2017 is still going strong with good looks, excellent performance and exacting construction standards that make this cruiser a winning choice for day sailors and extended bluewater sailing trips alike.

The Lagoon 42 defies her modest (by today’s standards) size at every turn, with open livable spaces and lounge areas. The Lagoon 42 is available in 2 layouts – the 3-cabin/2-head “owner’s” version has a luxuriously large starboard stateroom with ensuite, while the 4-cabin/4-head layout is perfect for charter operations or larger families.

Thanks to her rig moved further aft, high-aspect mainsail and self-tacking jib, the Lagoon 42 has an enhanced performance and ease of handling that easily adapts to all conditions. And, a focus on weight reduction and optimized weight distribution during design and production further enhances her performance.

The ergonomic, 2-person helm station with optional bimini top, where all control lines converge for easy sailing. From the helm station, the well-designed flow allows for convenient access to the aft cockpit and foredeck – as well as easy communication with those in the aft cockpit.

While the Lagoon 42 is quite similar in layout to the 40, the additional two feet of length affords a noticeable upgrade in lounging area space on the foredeck, aft cockpit and perhaps most notably with the addition of a coachroof cushioned sunbeds – sure to be a favorite for both catching some sun and stargazing at night.

Inside, the salon wraparound dining area offers a bit more space than the 40. But the aft cockpit is a highlight of the Lagoon 42 with space that is unprecedented on a boat of this size, and an additional lounging seat not found on the 40.

Last up in our catamaran comparison is the Lagoon 46 . As you would expect the Lagoon 46 offers a noticeable difference in both interior and deck space, with larger lounging areas and generous storage compartments.

With the upgrade in size to the Lagoon 46 comes a generously sized flybridge boasting sweeping views. While no longer connected to the aft cockpit, passengers can enjoy contact with the helmsman from the seating adjacent to the helm, as well as from the massive cushioned sunbeds just to aft. Once atop the bridge, visibility, handling and comfort underway are optimized by the centered rigging and helm.

Aboard the award-winning Lagoon 46, delight in an interior volume that’s unparalleled in a mid-size catamaran – making this yacht feel much larger than her 46-foot length. The light and bright interior salon volume carries through to the below deck cabins, where layout options include a 3-cabin/3-bath version with an impressive owner’s suite, or a 4-cabin/4-bath version.

Lagoon 46 designers put to work their years of expertise to achieve world-class seaworthiness, ease of sailing, and performance. And the larger sailing plan, shorter boom and a self-tacking jib come together to make sailing the Lagoon 46 a great joy.

Earn more income with Dream Guarantee & Lagoon

Our Dream Guarantee program is the cornerstone of our ownership programs, and is now offering an impressive 10% annual income for up to 3.5 years, with an additional 1% bonus income for Lagoon catamarans only.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to earn 1% more with Lagoon!

As a sister company of Lagoon under Group Beneteau – and in celebration of their successful 40 years as a  top luxury catamaran brand – Dream Yacht is now able to extend the exclusive offer of an additional 1% annual income , for select Lagoon catamaran models.

Ready to get started?

Learn more about the incredibly popular Lagoon brand, and the Lagoon 40 , L42 , L46 or L51 models available with the Dream Guarantee for Lagoon offer .

Contact our expert Sales Consultants to learn more about our flexible options, and for guidance on the purchase process, from choosing a yacht that is right for you, to finding the best financing and more. Get in touch today!

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Lagoon 55 review: new iteration remains quintessential cat

• October 14, 2021

34 years on from the original Lagoon 55, the new iteration shows how much catamaran design has evolved towards loft living with a sea view from the terrace. François Tregouet reports

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

The number 55 holds a special place in the history of Lagoon – it was its inaugural model, launched back in 1987. The 2021 version of the Lagoon 55, still designed by VPLP, is the quintessential modern cruising catamaran according to the world leader in the multihull market. Yachting World was able to hop aboard to measure just how far we’ve come from one millennium to the next.

Legend has it that the first Lagoon 55 was christened Lagoon , and that her owner drew the logo, the now famous palm frond, on a restaurant tablecloth.

After years of sailing on the family’s First 456, she wanted to ‘sail flat and have more space’. Convinced of the advantages of the catamaran, she wanted the silhouette to ‘resemble that of a monohull ’.

Flying a Code 0 kept the Lagoon 55 moving in our light airs trial. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

Thirty-four years later, three design studios were involved in the creation of the brand-new Lagoon 55, including former Renault chief designer Patrick Le Quément on the exterior design. The imposing topsides deliver taut lines, sculpted bows and a pronounced lower chine to maximise interior living space yet minimise wetted surface area.

Article continues below…

A new feature from the Bordeaux-based yard is that the sugarscoop transoms extend beyond the topsides to make access to the boat easier. Once aboard, two steps lead up to the cockpit which is flush-decked with the aft platform. With the mainsheet track now on the bimini the aft beam disappears, freeing up the view and your options for moving around: this is a real terrace on the sea.

Aerial view shows off the new Lagoon 55’s outdoor living areas on foredeck, flying bridge and main deck. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

Such fluidity of circulation is also to be found in the forward cockpit, no longer ‘dug’ into the foredeck but integrated seamlessly on the same level as the trampoline. With its comfortable seating, two options for sun protection and communication with the interior via the opening front window, this is a completely revised living space.

Command station

Higher up, it seems there’s now no longer a question of whether to have a flybridge on a 55ft cat – it’s a mandatory feature. The optional rigid bimini obviously means the boom is quite a lot higher, compelling the crew to undertake some challenging manoeuvres.

A second access to the flybridge on the starboard side deck, an option not fitted on our test boat, will avoid the need for any further acrobatics. Without it, it’s a long way from the helm to the foredeck via the aft cockpit to, for example, set the Code 0.

Forward sun deck continues seamlessly onto the trampoline. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

These couple of reservations aside, the flybridge has a lot going for it. In addition to the forward and aft sunbathing areas and the outdoor galley, the forward-facing flybridge table and seating is very pleasant – in good weather and moderate wind anyway.

From their position to starboard, the person at the helm has a very good 270° view for manoeuvring off the pontoon and leaving harbour. At the foot of the mast, which has been moved aft in keeping with current trends, all sailing manoeuvres are carried out using three winches. The mainsail is hoisted and the self-tacking genoa unfurled with ease, by a single crewmember.

Aft cockpit and lounging areas are protected from the heat of the sun by the flybridge above. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

However, on the day of our test, the Catalan coast was building up a swell, and the wind wasn’t forecast to exceed 9 knots. There was a lack of square metres to our white sails to get the fully-laden 33 tonnes moving forward. So a 154m² Code 0 was quickly unfurled, allowing us to sail at between 5.5 and 6.5 knots with the wind on the beam.

We then bore off under the 272m² asymmetric spinnaker at an average of 5.5 knots before returning upwind (40° to the apparent) at 5 knots. The Lagoon is very easy to handle, and with a little more time – and wind– we might have validated the 8- to 9-knot average speeds claimed by the works crew on their European tour.

Italian influence

The third group to have worked on this version 3.0 of the Lagoon 55 is Nauta Design, who drew the interiors. The joinery and materials are reminiscent of the atmosphere aboard Lagoon’s two big cats, the Sixty 5 and Seventy 7. This illustrates the high-end positioning of the 55, which for the time being tops the manufacturer’s ‘classic’ range.

Loft apartment-style living in the spacious main saloon by Nauta. Photo: Lagoon / Nicolas Claris

While the hulls are available with four, five and even six-cabin versions, the layout in the nacelle remains identical. The L-shaped galley on the starboard side is extended by a nice bar unit.

The large U-shaped bench seat simply invites you to settle in comfortably, still with an unrestricted view of the sea. The telescopic table also adapts to suit the use.

There is plenty of stowage space, from floor hatches to bookshelves. In the four-cabin version we tested, the owner’s cabin, aft on the starboard side, enjoys a privileged amount of space, occupying two-thirds of the hull. That said, the guests in the three other cabins have nothing to complain about, each with an en-suite.

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Some 20 examples of the original 1987 Lagoon 55 were built but, even ahead of the official launch, its namesake from 2021 has already had more orders – confirmation enough that Lagoon excels in understanding the expectations of today’s sailors. The aesthetics may no longer have much to do with that of a monohull, and the displacement inherent with such volumes doesn’t lend itself to pleasure at the helm, but you have to be impressed by the variety of different spaces available inside and out this catamaran, as well as the level of finish. Ultimately, the design team has succeeded in integrating several big innovations, especially on the exterior. In this sense, the Lagoon 55, 2021 version, is a worthy heir to the original. It sets new standards for ‘Crossing the oceans in comfort and serenity’ as was the ambition stated in the sales brochure... from 1987.

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Description

Lagoon launched their first catamaran, the original 55, back in 1987. Fast forward to 2021, and the first new generation Lagoon 55 splashed representing almost 4 decades of development and design evolution from this famous French catamaran manufacturer.

Lagoon celebrated its 6,000th catamaran launch in 2021 since 1987, quite a milestone.

These days, the Lagoon brand is all about maximising comfort and space while maintaining decent performance under sail. On a test sail off Port Ginesta (our home base near Barcelona), we achieved 9.7 knots with the Code 0 up in a moderate breeze of 15 knots on a beam reach (apparent wind angle of 75). Those aren’t the kind of numbers that you’d hit on an Ocean Class from Catana , but still, pretty impressive for such a comfortable, spacious boat.

Photos Credit Nicolas Claris, Lagoon, Katamarans

Looking around this catamaran, they have certainly delivered on the comfort, and we’d say they have delivered on the space too.

The 55 represents a big step up from the 51 with a bigger beam, redesigned aft cockpit and transoms, a full flybridge, saloon skylights and an improved foredeck. Let’s take a look.

Of course, with all of that space comes weight: 27.7 tonnes of it with no kit on.

When the wind heads below 7 knots, your speed will drop away and you will need to motor sail, particularly at tighter angles to the wind. That is your compromise. With a breeze and the Code 0 up, she moves very well.

• Huge living space from the aft platform to the forward cockpit with the flybridge added for good measure
• A step up in quality and design in the interiors compared to smaller models
• Decent performance for the amount of space and weight of this boat.
• You will need good crew to manage this boat in the marina.
• Not much feel on the helm.
• Once you add the options, the price can accelerate.

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Living Area

Nauta Design are responsible for the interior design and overall they have done a great job.

The boat feels like a smaller Sixty 5 rather than a bigger 51, it’s the new generation alright. The L-shaped galley on the starboard side has a bar attached, and the huge sofa will soak up plenty of guests. The saloon table will fit 8-10 people when fully extended.

The overall feel is warm and cosy.

Heading through you arrive in the enormous saloon (27 m² or 290 sq ft) which is linked to the the forward cockpit via a large fully opening front window. Here you have another large sofa area and a deck that is flush with the nets. There is an option for a shade sail on carbon poles.

Helming is done from the flybridge with a rigid bimini that is accessed from the port side deck (there is an option for an additional access to starboard which would make the journey to the trampolines easier). The flybridge has forward and aft sunbathing areas, an outdoor galley / bar area, and forward-facing table and seating.

The mainsail can be hoisted by a single crew member thanks to the electric winches.

During our test sail off Port Ginesta, we hit 7-8 knots in a 15 knot breeze with full mainsail and jib. Once the 154m² Code 0 was unfurled, we accelerated to almost 10 knots with the wind on the beam. Not bad for a boat weighing over 30 tonnes with all the gear on.

You can expect to sail at around 70% of TWS with the bigger sails flying off the bowsprit unless the wind really dies, and then you will need to motor-sail.

With the 272m² asymmetric spinnaker, you will maximise your speed heading on a broad reach as well. Lagoon are reporting 6 knots in only 7 knots of true wind, 8 knots in 10. You are not going to be breaking any speed records on the Lagoon 55, but the performance is nevertheless impressive for such a spacious boat.

There’s plenty of room for sails on this boat, it makes sense to stock the sail locker up with some big ‘uns.

The living space is enormous in the hulls thanks to the pronounced chimes.

The Lagoon 55 is available with four, five and six-cabin versions. In the four-cabin version , the owner’s cabin (17.5 m² or 188 sq. ft.)  is aft in the starboard hull and fills two-thirds of the hull. The other three cabins each have an en-suite.

The Lagoon 55 (2001) is so different from the original model launched 34 years before, and represents how Lagoon’s design philosophy and DNA has changed in over 3 decades of development.

Performance catamaran enthusiasts may prefer the older model, but Lagoon has already sold more new 55s than the total number of original 55s produced. They know their market. The bottom line is that there is more market demand for this kind of package.

For comfort, space, sailing ability and value for money, this cruising catamaran ticks a lot of boxes.

What is the price of a Lagoon 55 (2021)? How much does this catamaran cost? As always, we will qualify this with “it depends on your options”, but to give you an idea, you will start the conversation at around €1.1m and head up to €1.4-1.5m depending on how you kit the boat out.

Technical Specification

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Are Lagoon Catamarans Good? A Complete Review

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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!

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40ft Catamaran Models Comparisons

We compare specifications, dimensions, sail area, and pricing on the most popular 40ft catamarans in 2020.

Since 2016, Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Leopard, Bali, and Nautitech all rolled out new 40 ft catamaran models in a similar price range that are innovative, spacious, well-built, and comfortable. The latest model to be added to this 40ft array in 2020 is the Bali Catspace.

Bali has done away with the Bali 4.1 model and has designed the Bali Catspace with much improved and innovative features while Lagoon updated their popular L400 and redesigned it with the mast further back to accommodate a self-tacking jib, open scoops, and updated interior. The FP Lucia 40, released in 2016, has pretty much stayed the same, as has the Leopard 40. They are both very popular and successful cats. While the Nautitech Open 40 is a nice sporty sailing cat, it has not really taken hold in the US market with the aft helm stations.

These 40ft catamaran models are affordable and easily be handled by a coupled. It also has all the amenities suitable for a cruising boat such as an ice maker, washing machine, bigger fridge/freezer capacity, and big living spaces, which is very attractive for live-aboard cruising couples. 

The 40ft catamaran holds its value because it is in high demand on the used boat market. The 40ft catamaran size range just makes sense.

Read our previous 40ft comparison article for older models:  How Do The Most Popular 40-ft Production Catamarans Compare?

New 2020 40Ft Catamaran Comparison

The five main production catamaran contenders in 2020 for liveaboard couples are:

• BALI Catspace
• FP Lucia 40
• Nautitech 40 Open

40ft Catamaran Models Specifications

40ft catamaran deck & flybridge layout comparison, 40ft catamaran deck & flybridge layout comparisons, 40ft catamaran models sail plan comparisons, 40ft catamaran cabin layouts comparisons, 3-cabin layout, 4-cabin layout, reader's question answered: andy asked: "which cat is the best value and what do you budget for upgrades that deliver an above average sailing and comfort experience" .

The pricing for the different brands are generally in the same range since this a competitive space and the manufacturers have to make sure they are not priced out of the market. There are essentially no “bad catamarans”. Most are all built to recognized and enforced codes such as the European CE standard, so it comes down to personal preference. Some boats have Balsa cores and others have closed cell foam cores. Some have large nets, others have small nets and some have no nets.

All the forward deck designs are acceptable and safe, as we have now conclusively seen over the last five years. The current trend is smaller nets and larger foredeck areas for the most part on cruising cats. Performance cats all have nets and longer bows and are a different category to the production cruisers. Lagoon has the biggest living space, Bali has the best live-ability overall and FP and Leopard are very popular for couples with the semi-raised helm position but that too is a personal preference.

In terms of the extras or additional options, I normally recommend the following:

• The largest engine option available – this is important for your exit strategy especially in the US market and of course it is nice to have the extra power since the modern cats have quite a lot of windage.
• The best winch pack available
• All the cleats offered
• Mostly it is smart to take the code zero pack even if you do not order the sail immediately (Difficult and expensive to retro fit)
• Folding props – I really think that if you are going to do any extended cruising the last thing you want is to be dragging fixed props
• Air Conditioning if you want to have it
• Generator unless you are going to go Lithium with all the inverters and electronics to replace the generator.
• Solar – I normally take the factory option and then add aftermarket to increase the array
• If possible cable throttles and not electronic (If you are struck by lightning at least you can still control the engines if they still run)
• Electrically assisted davits at a minimum – your dinghy is your “car” so one needs to have an efficient handling system (we raise our dinghy every night for security)
• Watermaker is fantastic to have. It really makes life so much easier.
• Estelle will definitely opt for the washing machine – we never had one but since she’s had it onboard our Lagoon 450, she will not go without again.

Which Is Your Favorite 40ft Catamaran?

So many cruisers and liveaboard couples choose their dream boats from this new 40ft catamaran market. Which is your favorite catamaran and why? Leave your comment below!

Contact us for more information, price lists, specifications, and available charter management programs.

Estelle Cockcroft

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10 thoughts on “40ft Catamaran Models Comparisons”

Fabulous article and great comparisons, thank you. How do they sail? Is there any real difference?

HI Chrissy thank you! The performance of the boats are all very similar. They are all cruising cats, so not exactly rocket ships but totally adequate for a an average cruising couple. You could get a little more performance out of any of these boats depending on how aggressively you sail the boat and the type of sails you have. We race our boat and almost always end up in the top three boats.

Thank you for your article, I think we will go for the Catspace

Your welcome! I think you will be very happy with this choice. Only recommendation for any of these models, is upgrade the engines to 40hp.

In your opinion, which Cat is the the best value and what would you budget for upgrades that deliver an above average sailing and comfort experience? Obviously upgrades can be all over the map but you mentioned upgrading engine to 40hp – what else do you feel are almost ‘required’ upgrades? Thanks!

The pricing for the different brands are generally in the same range since this a competitive space and the manufacturers have to make sure they are not priced out of the market. There are essentially no bad catamarans, most are all built to recognized and enforced codes such as CE so it comes down to personal preference. Some boats have Balsa cores and other have closed cell foam cores, others have large nets, some have small nets and some have no nets, all designs are acceptable as we have now conclusively seen over the last five years.The trend is to smaller nets and larger foredeck areas for the most part. Performance boats all have nets and longer bows and are a different category to the production cruisers. Lagoon is good bang for your buck, Bali has the best liveability and space overall and FP and Leopard are very popular for couples because of the helm position.

In terms of the extras or additional options I normally recommend the following: The largest engine option available – this is important for your exit strategy especially in the US market and of course it is nice to have the extra power since the modern cats have quite a bot of windage. the best winch pack available All the cleats offered Mostly it is smart to take the code zero pack even if you do not order the sail immediately (Difficult and expensive to retro fit) Folding props – I really think that if you are going to do any extended cruising the last thing you want is to be dragging fixed props Air Conditioning if you want to have it Generator unless you are going to go Lithium with all the inverters and electronics to replace the generator. Solar – I normally take the factory option and then add aftermarket to increase the array If possible cable throttles and not electronic (If you are struck by lightning at least you can still control the engines if they still run) Electrically assisted davits at a minimum – your dinghy is your car so one needs to have an efficient handling system (we raise our dinghy every night for security) Watermaker is fantastic to have. It really makes life so much easier. Estelle will definitely opt for the washing machine – we never had one but since she’s ahd it onboard our Lagoon 450, she will not go without again.

This is a big subject and there are many opinions, I would be happy to discuss further -Stephen

We have a 2020 Leopard 40 Owners version. We love it. Just wish it carried a bit more fuel.

Hi Eugene, yes! The Leopards are very popular and we sell many of them. They are definitely a great bang for your buck. Thank you for your input!

The 40 Open has the longest WL, Largest Sail Area and has the lightest displacement… indicating it ‘should’ sail better than the others. Other than the helm position, what are the other differences (drawbacks?) you have observed or can comment on (if any)? It appears to be trying to straddle the ‘performance / cruiser’ designation… would you say it is successful?

Doug, yes you are correct however it is a displacement hull, just like the other cats in this category and while it may be a little lighter and have a bigger sailplan, it sails marginally faster, so that is not too much of a factor. In general they are nice boats but the living space is small and just like the new Excess range from Lagoon, the biggest drawback of these cats in our market is the helm position. The aft helm station have just never caught on, which is the reason that Catana and Outremer also moved their helm stations to the bulkhead rather than on the sterns.

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