Lagoon 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Lagoon 39’s performance is its rig geometry. By moving the mast toward the stern, VPLP created a high-aspect-ratio mainsail and a larger area for headsails. According to an editorial review by Sail Magazine, this configuration helps centralize weight, which significantly reduces pitching in a seaway. The boat’s performance is characterized more by its stability and ease of use than raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 25,000 lbs, it is a substantial vessel for its length, and it requires a decent breeze—typically 12 knots or more—to truly wake up.

On the water, the self-tacking jib makes the boat exceptionally easy to handle for solo sailors or couples. However, the trade-off for this convenience is a smaller jib area compared to traditional overlapping genoas. To compensate in light wind, many owners opt for a Code 0 or a gennaker flown from the optional bowsprit. In a sea trial conducted by Cruising World, the vessel demonstrated a balanced helm and a predictable motion, though like many production cats with high freeboard and a relatively short waterline, its upwind pointing ability is limited compared to performance-oriented multihulls. The vertical bows and beveled hulls are designed to pierce waves rather than ride over them, which provides a drier ride in choppy conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Lagoon 39, designed by Nauta Design, emphasizes the use of vertical windows to maximize natural light and internal volume while minimizing the "greenhouse effect" of sloped glazing. The salon provides 360-degree visibility and houses a compact L-shaped galley and a navigation station. The transition between the cockpit and the salon is nearly seamless, utilizing a large sliding glass door that facilitates the "indoor-outdoor" living style common in tropical cruising.

Lagoon offered the 39 in several distinct configurations to suit different markets. The "Owner" version features a three-cabin layout, where the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite including a desk, a large queen berth, and an expansive forward head with a separate shower stall. The "Charter" or family version offers a four-cabin, four-head layout, which maximizes guest capacity but significantly reduces the storage and floor space in the hulls. A rarer two-cabin version was also produced, offering symmetry and massive storage for long-term liveaboards. Sibling models built during this era, such as the Lagoon 400 S2, utilized more traditional mast placements, whereas the Lagoon 52 shared the 39's aft-rigged DNA, serving as its much larger structural counterpart.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Lagoon 39 is generally regarded as a robust production cat, prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas during survey:

• Rig Tension and Compression: Because the mast is stepped further aft than on previous designs, the compression loads on the coachroof and the tension on the forestay are significant. Buyers should inspect the mast step and the structural "seagull striker" under the bridgedeck for any signs of stress cracking or deflection.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: The 39 is typically powered by twin Yanmar engines with SD60 saildrives. It is critical to check the age of the rubber diaphragms; manufacturers generally recommend replacement every seven years, a milestone many Lagoon 39s have now passed.
• Gelcoat Crazing: Like many high-volume production boats of the early 2010s, some 39s exhibit spider-web crazing in the gelcoat, particularly around high-stress areas like the stanchion bases and the cockpit coamings. While usually cosmetic, these can indicate underlying flex.
• Bulkhead Integrity: While the "bulkhead issues" that affected some larger Lagoon models are less frequently reported on the 39, a thorough inspection of the secondary bonding where the bulkheads meet the hull in the forward cabins and engine rooms is essential, especially on boats that have seen heavy offshore use or charter service.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Lagoon 39 are supported by a vast global network. The most prominent resource is the official Club Lagoon, which provides technical documentation and a community platform for owners. Additionally, the Lagoon Owners Group (a large, independent collective) offers a wealth of shared knowledge regarding DIY maintenance and modifications specifically for the VPLP-designed generation of boats.

The Verdict

The Lagoon 39 is a thoughtfully engineered cruising catamaran that prioritizes safety and ergonomic comfort over exhilarating speed. It is an ideal platform for coastal hopping or Caribbean cruising where ease of handling is paramount.

Pros:

• Exceptional ease of handling thanks to the aft mast position and self-tacking jib.
• Modern, light-filled interior with excellent 360-degree visibility.
• Vertical bows and refined hull shape provide a comfortable motion in a chop.
• Strong resale value and a massive support network of parts and service centers.

Cons:

• Underpowered in light winds without the addition of a Code 0 or specialized downwind sails.
• Bridgedeck clearance can lead to "slamming" in heavy head seas.
• Upwind performance is modest due to the stubby keels and high windage.