Lagoon 500 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Lagoon 500 entered production in 2005 and continued its successful run until 2012, with approximately 150 units built before being succeeded by the Lagoon 52. Its creation during this period aligned with Lagoon's established manufacturing ethos, which emphasized translating the benefits of multihull design—stability, speed, and expansive living spaces—into production cruising yachts. Lagoon, as a specialized arm of Jeanneau Technologies Avancées (JTA) and later flourishing under the Beneteau Group, consistently prioritizes comfort, volume, and safety in its designs, making them ideal for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The enduring collaboration with VPLP Design has been instrumental in shaping the aesthetics and hydrodynamic efficiency of Lagoon models, including the 500, ensuring a consistent and recognizable design language. The core design philosophy behind the Lagoon 500 was to maximize living space, aiming to make the boat as much like a house as possible, thereby catering to the needs of full-time cruisers and those seeking extensive onboard comfort. Throughout its production, the Lagoon 500 was offered with three distinct interior layouts, providing flexibility for owners, though the port hull arrangement typically remained consistent across these versions. Options included a three-cabin owner's version and a five-cabin layout that incorporated bunk beds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

At 51 feet in length overall with a substantial beam of 28 feet, the Lagoon 500 is a large catamaran designed for comfortable passage making. With a reported sail area of 1,193 square feet and a displacement of 38,808 pounds, she is equipped for capable sailing performance for a vessel of her size and purpose. All controls are centralized and led back to the fly-bridge, a design choice that enhances visibility for the helmsman over the itinerary and sails, contributing to a sophisticated and manageable handling experience. While she is noted for sailing remarkably well in lighter winds, some owners have observed that she can be challenging to tack. Despite her substantial size and focus on comfort, the Lagoon 500 offers above-average performance for a cruising catamaran, capable of easily maintaining five knots of boat speed under sail. Her impressive hull speed is calculated at 9.38 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Lagoon 500 is a significant highlight, reflecting its design premise as a spacious liveaboard platform. The boat is renowned for its "gorgeously large salon area," which features extensive windows providing panoramic views and ample natural light. The interior design typically showcases quality wooden finishes, often utilizing reconstituted wood from sustainable sources, complemented by features like a professional-grade kitchen equipped with a freezer and stainless steel worktops, and a generously sized saloon table.

The Lagoon 500 was available in multiple configurations to suit different owner needs. A common layout features a three-cabin owner's version, which dedicates an entire hull to a spacious owner's suite. Other layouts included a five-cabin version. Across all configurations, the port hull generally featured a broad staircase leading down to a passageway accessing forward and aft staterooms. While specific maximum headroom figures are not consistently detailed in typical specifications, the design emphasizes maximizing interior volume and comfort, providing ample space for living and entertaining.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Lagoon 500 for its exceptional space, comfort, and capabilities for adventure and long-distance cruising. Many have embraced the vessel as a full-time home, successfully undertaking extensive voyages across oceans. The generous proportions, particularly the wide beam and voluminous interior, contribute significantly to a comfortable onboard experience, whether at anchor or underway. One recurring point noted by owners, typical for large catamarans of this size, is that the boat can require assistance when docking. To mitigate this, some models were delivered with backup cameras.