Lagoon 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Lagoon 42 emerged from a period of innovation for Lagoon Catamaran, which was established in 1984 as a specialized arm of Jeanneau Technologies Avancées (JTA), Jeanneau's high-tech, competition-focused division. This genesis instilled in Lagoon a foundational commitment to engineering excellence and advanced construction techniques, with early models like the Lagoon 42 crafted using advanced composite materials. The company's initial vision for models such as the 42 was to cater to the burgeoning yacht charter market, providing robust and comfortable vessels that were easy to manage.

The Lagoon 42, first built in 1990, continued this ethos during its production run, which concluded in 1994. Its design by VPLP, a long-standing partner of Lagoon, ensured a focus on hydrodynamic efficiency combined with practical liveaboard features. During its production, the Lagoon 42 was also sold under the name Moorings Lagoon 4200 for the yacht charter industry, highlighting its suitability for comfortable and reliable bareboat cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lagoon 42, with a length overall of 42.5 feet and a waterline length of 38.75 feet, is designed for comfortable cruising rather than high-performance racing. Its sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 27.6, indicates a substantial sail plan relative to its displacement, which is typical for a catamaran and contributes to its ability to perform well in lighter wind conditions. While catamarans generally exhibit different sailing characteristics than monohulls, the Lagoon 42 is known for its relatively stress-free sailing with a small crew, prioritizing ease of handling and stability. This aligns with Lagoon's broader design philosophy of delivering "elegance, comfort, and reliability". Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat handles a variety of conditions capably, with many owners appreciating its predictable behavior and the comfort it offers underway.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Lagoon 42 is designed to maximize comfort and living space, a hallmark of Lagoon catamarans. With a maximum headroom of 6.25 feet, the saloon and cabins offer ample vertical space, contributing to an open and airy feel. The design incorporates large panoramic windows, which flood the interior with natural light, creating bright and inviting living areas.

Typically, the Lagoon 42 was configured with either three or four cabins, accompanied by a corresponding number of heads and showers, particularly in its Moorings 4200 charter variant. The saloon is often described as cozy and functional, providing a comfortable gathering space. The layout emphasizes a harmonious flow between the interior and the spacious aft cockpit, which is a key feature for onboard living and entertaining. Overall, the finish quality generally uses fiberglass and composite materials, reflecting Lagoon's building practices during that era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Lagoon 42 generally praise its suitability as a comfortable and spacious cruising platform. The ease of sailing and management, even with a smaller crew, is frequently cited as a significant advantage. The voluminous interior and large outdoor areas are appreciated for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles, aligning with Lagoon's reputation for prioritizing comfort and expansive living spaces. While specific common problems for this older model are less consistently documented in readily available, generalized owner reviews compared to newer models, the general consensus reinforces its role as a solid and reliable catamaran for those who value comfort and stability over outright speed.