Lagoon 50 Information, Review, Specs

The Lagoon 50 commenced production in 2018, representing a new generation of Lagoon catamarans. Her design incorporated a mast step positioned further aft, a direct application of VPLP's extensive experience in competitive sailing, aimed at enhancing the catamaran's performance. While the Lagoon 50 was a modern addition to the fleet, some reports indicate a relatively short production run, being replaced by the Lagoon 51 after approximately two years as the company evolved its design philosophy.

Patrick Le Quément, known for his distinguished career in automotive design, transitioned his visionary approach to naval design, contributing the distinctive exterior lines of the Lagoon 50. Complementing this, Nauta Design brought their philosophy of balance, clean lines, and a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces to the Lagoon 50's accommodations, creating new benchmarks in interior innovation for the brand. Lagoon, as a builder, has consistently focused on delivering spacious, comfortable, and seaworthy multihulls, drawing on an ethos of innovation and engineering excellence inherited from its origins within Jeanneau Technologies Avancées. This commitment to maximizing living space, both indoors and out, remains a hallmark of their design.

The Lagoon 50 offers remarkable flexibility in its interior configurations, with available layouts ranging from three to an impressive six cabins, catering to diverse owner preferences and charter market demands. The vessel was also offered with optional twin 80 HP engines, providing additional power beyond the standard twin 57 HP Yanmar diesels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lagoon 50, with a length overall of 48.39 feet and a waterline length of 46.95 feet, is designed for enjoyable cruising performance. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and twin keels, she boasts a reported sail area of 1550 square feet. The catamaran is engineered for smooth sailing with superior stability at sea.

Under power, the standard twin 57 HP Yanmar diesels provide an efficient cruising speed of around 7.5 knots at 2,200 rpm, capable of reaching a wide-open-throttle speed of 9.5 knots at 3000 rpm. Sailing characteristics indicate respectable performance; for instance, the boat can achieve speeds between 5.6 and 6.2 knots when beating in approximately 15 knots of breeze, and around 7.5 knots on a reach with the genoa unfurled. The Lagoon 50 is known for its ease of handling, with all necessary controls grouped for convenient operation, making it manageable even for a single experienced sailor. An automatic staysail further optimizes control, contributing to its reputation as a well-behaved cruising multihull.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with entertainment and comfortable living as priorities, the Lagoon 50 excels in its interior volume and versatility. With a notable maximum headroom of 8.17 feet, the interior feels exceptionally spacious and airy.

The design allows for an unequalled selection of possible layouts, accommodating various needs from a private owner's version to a charter-focused configuration. Owners can choose from three, four, five, or even six cabins, including options like four double cabins and two convertible cabins. A standout feature for owners is the master suite, typically located in the starboard hull, which spans the entire length of the hull, offering a generously sized private sanctuary.

The interior styling by Nauta Design emphasizes clean lines and a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Extensive glazing throughout the saloon ensures that the living areas are bathed in natural light, maximizing views and enhancing the sense of openness. The galley benefits from ample countertop space, facilitating onboard meal preparation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Lagoon 50 generally praise its capabilities as a comfortable and reliable cruising platform. Many appreciate its ease of handling, even for those new to catamarans, affirming that it allows for safe, easy, and reliable passage-making. The catamaran's emphasis on space and comfort is frequently highlighted, making it an ideal choice for extended voyages or liveaboard lifestyles. The Lagoon 50 also received critical acclaim, winning the "Best Boats 2019" award in the 41 to 50 feet multihulls cruising category.

However, the Lagoon 50's relatively short production run, being superseded by the Lagoon 51, has been noted by some in the sailing community. While individual issues can arise on any vessel, one owner reported a temporary loss of instruments and autopilot due to a blown fuse during a delivery. Despite this, the overall sentiment among owners points to a robust and capable cruising catamaran that delivers on Lagoon's promise of spacious and comfortable sailing.