Design and Construction
The 39 retains Lagoon’s familiar appearance, including the marque’s signature vertical windows. Naval architects Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost, however, moved the mast and the hulls’ center of buoyancy much farther aft. Combined with very fine plumb bows intended to maximize waterline length, this arrangement creates a very large foretriangle reminiscent of an ocean-racing trimaran.
There’s no bulkhead beneath the mast. Instead, Lagoon fitted an unobtrusive compression post at the edge of a galley counter. The post lands on a husky bridgedeck built as a strong composite beam, with stringers carrying rig loads into the hulls. The grid also ties into the forward and aft bulkheads, forming a square, stiff structure.
Above the waterline, the fiberglass layup uses vacuum-infused balsa core, with solid glass below. The deck is also balsa cored—a conventional modern construction schedule. The foredeck consists mostly of netting, reducing weight and slamming in rough water. A central longitudinal beam carries the anchor chain out between the bows, while two large, deep lockers hold fenders and lines.
Rig and Handling
The tall spar carries an efficient, high-aspect mainsail. The test boat had the optional square-top main, which further improves efficiency. Its double-spreader fractional rig is set well aft to maximize power and minimize pitching. The resulting large foretriangle and relatively small main allow owners to choose among several foresails, including a self-tacking jib.
Testers found the mainsail easier to manage than those on many large multihulls. All halyards and sheets lead conveniently to the raised helm station, which sits in a cutout in the targa top and has a line-tail bag beside the wheel.
Under sail, the Lagoon 39 proved fast and dry. In 18 knots of wind and short, steep 5-to-7-foot seas, one reviewer recorded 7 knots to windward, touching 7.5 knots. The sharp hulls sliced through the waves without pounding, and off the wind the boat accelerated easily past 8 knots.
Cruising World’s tester recorded 6.1 to 6.4 knots hard on the wind under jib and reefed main in stronger air. With the wind on the aft quarter, speed climbed to 8 knots. The tester also called the helm response exceptional for a catamaran.
Under power, the twin 29-PS diesels could perform the “cat pirouette” within the boat’s own length by using opposite rotation. They also held 7.5 knots at 3,000 rpm, with a modest 68 dBA sound level.
Cockpit and Interior
The large, uncluttered cockpit connects easily with the saloon, and there’s seating for a sizable party beneath the targa top. Inside, blond Alpi wood laminate and light fabrics help make the saloon bright and airy. The large vertical windows sit low enough to see through while seated, and there are no head-knocking overhangs. Tall sailors will appreciate the headroom.
The galley is to port, with the navigation station forward. Its forward-facing desk has space for electronics and a standard chart book. The large dinette table seats five comfortably.
The owner’s version sailed by reviewers had a large double berth aft in each hull, along with a dressing table and large head. Cruising World described the starboard hull as a full owner’s suite, with a king berth, a midship vanity, and a separate shower forward; this arrangement was mirrored in the port hull. Other layouts provide three or four cabins and accommodate up to eight people.
Sliding doors give access to the private quarters. Lockers are plentiful and fitted with sturdy positive catches. Countertop fiddles and a mid-cabin post provide useful grab points in rough weather.
Systems and Ownership
The plumbing and wiring are first-class: everything is labeled, bundled, and properly clamped. That organization should simplify later system upgrades. The open space at the navigation station leaves room for an owner’s choice of electronics, while the flexible rig makes it straightforward to add a self-tacking jib or downwind sails.
CE certification is A:10 / B:12 / C:16 / D:20, confirming offshore capability for a couple or small family.
Known Issues
One practical shortcoming noted in review is the awkward climb from the foredeck to the cabintop. The netted foredeck and lack of molded steps make this transition difficult, so buyers and inspectors should not regard foredeck-to-coachroof access as hazard-free.
The Verdict
The Lagoon 39 is a thoughtfully reworked entry-level cruising catamaran. It trades some foredeck convenience for genuine sailing ability and a stiff, light structure. For a cruising couple or small family, it offers bright, roomy accommodations and precise helm feedback rarely found in the class.
Pros
- Aft-shifted rig and fine plumb bows provide real windward performance and easier mainsail handling
- Stiff bridgedeck grid, without an under-mast bulkhead, keeps the structure square and strong
- Excellent flow between cockpit and saloon, with panoramic low windows and generous headroom
- Labeled, properly clamped systems simplify ownership and refitting
Cons
- Awkward access from the foredeck to the cabintop limits convenient access to sail controls
- Netted foredeck and fine bows favor performance over traditional foredeck utility
