Lagoon 46 Information, Review, Specs

The Lagoon 46 began production in 2019, stepping into the formidable shoes of the Lagoon 450, a model that had become a favorite among luxury cruising catamarans. Lagoon Catamaran, established in 1984 as a specialized division of Jeanneau Technologies Avancées (JTA), has a foundational commitment to innovation and engineering excellence, drawing from expertise in high-performance racing craft. This heritage is reflected in the Lagoon 46's design, which aims to translate the benefits of multihull design—stability, speed, and expansive living—into a production cruising yacht.

Under the umbrella of the Groupe Beneteau since 1995, Lagoon has flourished, and its design philosophy, consistently shaped by collaborations with VPLP Design and Nauta Design, emphasizes maximizing living space and creating harmony between interior and exterior areas., 1, 5, 14, 17] The Lagoon 46 introduced the new "ICONIC" style, a bold and contemporary visual signature developed in collaboration with Garage Yacht Design. While the vessel primarily focuses on comfortable cruising, it offers optional features such as a furling boom system for easier sail handling and can be equipped with twin 57 HP Yanmar engines for enhanced power., 21]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lagoon 46, with a length overall of 45.9 feet and a generous beam of 26.12 feet, is designed for stable and comfortable cruising. Its twin-keel hull type and a maximum draft of 4.43 feet contribute to its stability and ability to access shallower anchorages common in cruising grounds. With a reported total sail area of 1323.96 square feet, the Lagoon 46 offers responsive sailing characteristics and is capable of maintaining good average speeds under sail while cruising. [1, 7,

While known for its comfort, the Lagoon 46 is a substantial vessel with a displacement of 34,767 pounds, which can make it heavy in light winds, potentially requiring the use of its standard Yanmar engine or optional twin 57 HP engines. [6, Owners and reviewers frequently note its excellent seaworthiness and balanced handling, performing commendably in mixed conditions and able to sail close-hauled. The design includes a flybridge with double access, where the helm station and all boat controls are consolidated, enabling observation and control of sail handling operations with ease. This centralization of controls makes the Lagoon 46 manageable even with a small crew.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Lagoon 46 is celebrated for its refined, elegant, and functional style, maximizing both the volume and the attractiveness of the living spaces. With a generous maximum headroom of 6.5 feet, the saloon and galley are situated on the same level as the cockpit, fostering a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. [9, Lagoon's design philosophy emphasizes creating panoramic salons, large cockpits, and ample deck areas, consistent with their focus on maximizing living space.

Typical layouts for the Lagoon 46 often feature an owner's cabin that occupies an entire hull, such as the starboard hull, providing a private and spacious retreat. The boat is commonly available in a three-cabin layout, catering to both private ownership and charter markets. The interior benefits from noble materials, ergonomic design, and increased storage areas throughout, providing comfort and practicality for extended cruising. Newer models, or those with specific upgrades, may feature direct access to the water from the forward cockpit, enhancing connection with the marine environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Lagoon 46 for its exceptional comfort, spaciousness, and overall performance, describing it as offering "a whole new level of freedom." Many appreciate the improved hardtop bimini on the flybridge, which is seen as a significant enhancement over its predecessor, the Lagoon 450. The catamaran's design is frequently highlighted for its ability to provide a comfortable motion in a seaway, making long passages more enjoyable.

However, some owners note that due to its considerable weight, the Lagoon 46 may require engine assistance in very light wind conditions. Visibility to the aft corners from the flybridge has also been mentioned as an area for potential improvement. While generally well-regarded for its build quality, a few owners have reported minor issues on new boats after their initial crossings, which is not uncommon for complex vessels of this size, though the brand emphasizes relying on experienced professionals and dealer support for maintenance.