The result is a light-displacement catamaran whose character follows directly from its dimensions and design choices. It measures 34 feet 6 inches overall, with a 15-foot 9-inch beam and a draft of just 3 feet 3 inches.
Design and Construction
What sets the Lagoon 35 apart from later Lagoon cruising cats is its engineering intent. Morrelli and Melvin specified a light-displacement hull, built in the USA by TPI using the SCRIMP resin-infusion process, biaxial glass, and a balsa core.
The underwing surface between the hulls is fair, with no protrusions to snag waves and slow the boat. Unloaded, the underwing clearance is roughly two feet. Jeanneau backed the structure with a 10-year blister warranty and a five-year structural warranty—terms that the period review regarded as among the best in boatbuilding.
Molded-in transom steps make boarding and swimming easier. Forward, a trampoline spans the hulls and remains clear of lines and sails.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The sail plan is compact rather than towering. A single-spreader rig carries 620 square feet of sail, including the roller-furling jib. All halyards, sheets, and reefing lines lead aft to the cockpit. Four self-tailing Lewmar winches are fitted aft; three were standard, while owners added the fourth for extra purchase.
This arrangement makes the boat genuinely suitable for shorthanded sailing. Owners report that the 35 CCC is very simple to sail and operate. Its light hull allows it to ghost along at 6–7 knots in light winds, while one owner logged 12 knots held on the screen in stronger conditions.
Under its twin Yanmar diesel inboards, the boat cruises at 7–8 knots. Larger engines were optional.
Accommodations
Below, the Lagoon 35 trades the performance purism of its deck and hull design for a sociable, split-level “Galley Up” layout. Large saloon windows—a Lagoon signature—bring plenty of light into the main living area. An L-shaped settee wraps around a two-piece dining table, which converts to provide an extra berth.
The galley includes a refrigerator/freezer, a two-burner stove with an oven, and a generous sink. Two large queen berths are located aft, while the starboard hull contains a notably large head. Headroom reaches 6 feet 3 inches, and buyers could choose among four different layouts. The emphasis on space and light makes the interior feel larger than the boat’s 35-foot length suggests.
Known Issue
One operational caveat comes from owner experience rather than a survey. When the boat is heavily loaded, seas can strike the nacelle between the hulls and produce loud banging. This depends on load and sea state rather than indicating a structural defect, but it’s worth knowing for anyone planning to carry a full cruising payload.
Verdict
The Lagoon 35 is a rare, purpose-built expression of Lagoon’s early performance ethos: a light, infusion-built catamaran with unusual sailing and motoring verve for its size, paired with a bright, roomy cruising interior.
With only eleven boats built, the model is scarce. For a sailor who finds one, however, it offers genuine speed, forgiving shallow draft, and a platform well suited to shorthanded sailing.
Pros
- Light-displacement hull and fair underwing deliver high single-digit speeds under sail and 7–8 knots under twin-diesel power
- All lines lead aft to four self-tailing winches for easy shorthanded handling
- Bright, split-level “Galley Up” interior with two aft queen berths, large saloon windows, and 6-foot 3-inch headroom
- Strong factory warranty terms and SCRIMP construction with a balsa core
Cons
- Only eleven were built, limiting availability
- The nacelle can bang loudly between the hulls when the boat is heavily loaded in seas
- The smaller 620-square-foot rig favors manageability over ultimate passage-making power
