Lagoon 52 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Lagoon 52 began its production run in 2011, marking a significant evolution in Lagoon's lineup by introducing an aft-stepped mast configuration designed to optimize performance while simplifying handling. Lagoon Catamaran itself emerged in 1984 from Jeanneau Technologies Avancées (JTA), Jeanneau's high-tech racing division, imbuing the brand with a foundational commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. The company's acquisition by the Beneteau Group in 1995 further bolstered its resources, allowing Lagoon to flourish into the world's leading cruising catamaran builder.

The design of the Lagoon 52 is a collaborative effort, combining the naval architecture expertise of VPLP Design with the sophisticated exterior styling and interior design contributions from Nauta Design, alongside Lagoon's in-house design department. This partnership ensures a consistent and recognizable design language that prioritizes "elegance, comfort, and reliability." Lagoon's design philosophy for the 52 emphasizes maximizing both indoor and outdoor living spaces, featuring panoramic salons, expansive cockpits, and generous deck areas. The boat's development also saw the introduction of two distinct versions: the Lagoon 52F with a flybridge and the Lagoon 52S (SporTop) without, catering to different sailor preferences for helm station placement and deck layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a large cruising catamaran with a length overall of 52 feet and a substantial displacement of 57,403 pounds, the Lagoon 52 is engineered for comfortable and stable offshore passages. While traditional monohull performance ratios are not directly applicable to multihulls, the Lagoon 52 boasts a significant sail area, with a reported total of 1679 square feet in its standard configuration, and optional larger square-top mainsails and genoas available for enhanced performance. Its twin keel design contributes to good tracking and reduces draft, making it suitable for exploring shallower anchorages.

Reviews often highlight the Lagoon 52's ease of handling, even for a boat of its size, a key aspect of its design philosophy which aims to simplify life on board. The aft-stepped mast allows for a larger foretriangle, optimizing downwind performance with various sail options, including spinnakers and Code 0 sails. Under power, the Lagoon 52 is noted for being relaxing, achieving an easy 8 knots at 2,400 rpm with low sound levels, contributing to a comfortable cruising experience. Overall, the Lagoon 52 is praised for its exceptional comfort and easy navigation, attributes that stem from its innovative and carefully considered design.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Lagoon 52 is characterized by luxurious comfort, expansive space, and abundant natural light, reflecting an objective to optimize volume and create streamlined living areas. With a wide beam of 28.67 feet, the catamaran offers generous interior and exterior living spaces. Owners can choose from multiple layout options, ranging from three to six cabins, accommodating six to fourteen berths.

The salon is typically bright and airy, often featuring panoramic views, and is seamlessly integrated with the exterior cockpit, a hallmark of Lagoon's design ethos for harmonious indoor-outdoor living. The owner's suite, when configured, is particularly spacious and designed as a serene retreat. The cabins are designed to provide comfortable accommodations for family or charter guests. While specific headroom figures are not always consistently detailed, the overall design aims for optimized volumes, quality materials, and an ergonomic layout throughout the vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Lagoon 52 consistently praise its spaciousness, comfort, and suitability for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The ability to choose between FlyBridge and SporTop versions is appreciated, catering to individual preferences regarding helm position and deck layout. The versatility of cabin configurations, particularly the owner's version, is often highlighted as a significant advantage. The boat is recognized for its robust build quality and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, making it a favored choice for blue water voyages.

However, as with any complex vessel, some owners have noted common considerations. While not universally reported, some discussions mention potential issues that may arise over time, with maintenance and docking considerations being part of ownership for a yacht of this size. Despite these, the collective sentiment emphasizes the Lagoon 52's strong attributes as a capable and luxurious cruising platform.