Hull Design and Construction
The 40's underwater body is vacuum-infused polyester with a balsa core, with solid fiberglass retained below the waterline where osmotic blistering risk is highest. Lagoon also applies an anti-osmotic resin layer to the hulls, bridgedeck, and decks to reinforce long-term blister resistance — a practical acknowledgment of the boat's charter and bluewater ambitions. The beam of 22 feet 2 inches is generous for a 38-foot hull, contributing to stability and interior volume, though the capsize screening number of 3.08 sits firmly in the range typical of cruising cats rather than offshore passage machines. Hull ports are notably long and rectangular, a deliberate styling choice that floods the living space with light while giving the profile a modern, angular identity shared with the larger Lagoon 50. VPLP positioned the mast well aft, a lesson drawn from their racing multihull work, which shrinks the mainsail and eases single-handed sail management.
Rig and Sailing Performance
The 40's rig rewards sailors who invest in the Code 0. In testing off Miami, the optional Code 0 delivered 10 knots of boatspeed in 16 to 18 knots of true wind on a beam reach, and the boat held 7.9 knots even when hardened to 50 degrees apparent — demonstrating that this is not merely a downwind cruiser. Under main and self-tacking jib alone in 15 to 20 knots, closehauled speed ran around 7 knots through boisterous chop, and broad reaching with the optional genoa pushed readings to 9 knots surfing. The large foretriangle created by the aft mast position broadens the selection of downwind sails, and the square-top mainsail option adds meaningful upwind horsepower. An air draft of just over 60 feet makes the 40 ICW-friendly — a genuine asset for East Coast U.S. cruisers who must thread bridge clearances. The helm station earned praise from both test crews: all lines led to the raised helm, making trimming and tacking shorthanded straightforward, and the driver can remain engaged in cockpit conversation even while standing watch.
Cockpit and Deck Ergonomics
The cockpit received meaningful attention in the 40's redesign. Squared-off transoms with two shallow steps lead up from the swim platforms, providing safe and comfortable water access at anchor. The dining table was rotated 90 degrees to open traffic flow, allowing a crowd around the table while others move freely — a significant improvement for charter configurations. The helm station is accessible from both the cockpit and the side deck, and visibility covers all four corners of the boat from the two-person seat. A Bimini with roll-up windows lets the helmsman monitor the sails overhead. One ergonomic compromise noted in testing: from the interior bulkhead step where the bow view is best, the engine throttles are difficult to reach, forcing a choice between visual reference and propulsion control during close-quarters maneuvering. Engine room access was updated to comply with revised CE regulations, with hatches now hinging aft so diesels can be inspected underway without stepping onto the transoms.
Accommodations
The 40's interior presents in two primary configurations: an owners' version with the entire port hull dedicated to a master suite, and a charter layout with two equal hulls, each convertible to two cabins. The port owner's hull carries a queen berth aft, a head with large shower forward, and a desk with settee amidships — a remarkably complete private domain for a 40-footer. Headroom throughout reaches 6 feet 7 inches. Nauta Design replaced the 39's stark white fiberglass aesthetic with dark walnut-colored Alpi woodwork and leather accents on handrails, contrasting against light fabrics on cabin sides and ceilings. Upstairs, the galley in the aft port corner holds an Eno three-burner stove, an under-counter front-loading refrigerator, and generous cookware stowage, while a second Isotherm refrigerator and freezer sits to starboard. Water tankage of 79 US gallons is standard, with an upgrade option that doubles the capacity — worthwhile for extended passages.
Known Limitations
No production cruising cat is without tradeoffs, and the 40's are concentrated in specific areas. The foredeck access ladder — a flip-up unit attached to the forward cabintop — is a challenge to use safely with wet feet on a moving boat. The four-head charter configuration, while available, packs a great deal into 40 feet and is not likely necessary in most circumstances. Standard engine power is 2x29hp Yanmar diesels, with an optional 2x45hp upgrade available, suggesting the base specification leaves some buyers wanting more reserve in adverse conditions. The comfort ratio of 15.7 sits in the lightweight range, reflecting the catamaran type more than any particular design flaw, but prospective bluewater voyagers should manage expectations around motion in steep cross-chop.
The Verdict
The Lagoon 40 is a coherent, purposefully engineered catamaran that earns its position as a viable successor to the storied Lagoon 400. VPLP's aft mast placement, combined with the large foretriangle and optional Code 0, gives it more sailing character than typical charter cats of similar footprint. The interior is genuinely comfortable in the owners' configuration, and the build quality — vacuum-infused hull with balsa coring and anti-osmotic treatment — reflects serious construction discipline. Where it asks for compromise, the compromises are predictable and manageable.
Pros
- VPLP aft-mast rig delivers strong upwind and reaching performance for a cruising cat
- Vacuum-infused balsa-core construction with anti-osmotic protection
- Owners' suite in the port hull is spacious and well-appointed for a 40-footer
- ICW-compatible air draft of just over 60 feet
- Raised helm with all lines led aft enables genuine shorthanded operation
- British Yachting Awards Multihull of the Year recognition
Cons
- Throttle access is awkward when using the interior bow-visibility step during docking
- Foredeck cabintop ladder is difficult to use safely in wet, underway conditions
- Base 2x29hp engine specification leaves many owners upgrading to the 45hp option
- Comfort ratio reflects the lightweight catamaran type; expect lively motion in steep chop
- Four-head charter layout crowds the available space significantly
