The 450 succeeded the Lagoon 440 and appeared in two distinct versions. The 450 F has a flybridge, while the 450 S “SporTop” brings the helm closer to the central living area—a useful arrangement for cruising families who prefer that proximity. More than 850 boats were completed before the design gave way to the Lagoon 46 in 2019. The 450 S remained in production until 2021.
Design and Construction
The Lagoon 450 is built predominantly from polyester-fiberglass sandwich, with wood trim. It has slightly raked stems, reverse transoms with swimming platforms, twin fixed fin keels, and two internally mounted spade-type rudders controlled by a wheel. This arrangement gives the boat a predictable footprint, though the skeg keels are a lethal weapon in tidal areas or in coral.
Developing the SporTop required substantial technical and ergonomic changes that affect the boat’s behavior and use. A 2015 remodeling also introduced a rib at the forward end of the hull. Lagoon used the new version to launch a partially restyled interior across both the flybridge and SporTop models.
Rig and Handling
The Lagoon 450 carries a fractional sloop rig with a deck-stepped mast, two sets of swept diamond spreaders, aluminum spars, and 1X19 stainless-steel wire rigging. On the SporTop, the boom sits 70cm lower than on the flybridge version, although the sail area remains the same.
The SporTop was tested on a 117-mile delivery from La Rochelle to Arcachon and later in an autumn gale. Its helm proved practical and comfortable, with excellent feedback and efficient rudders. In challenging conditions, the 450S confirmed the same willingness that the flybridge version had shown in lighter weather. In light airs, the SporTop benefits from a large, overlapping Code 0 in D4 membrane.
A flight of steps leads directly from the helm station to the mast, providing nice, safe access.
Accommodations
The Lagoon 450 sleeps six to eight people in either three- or four-cabin layouts. In the three-cabin owner’s version, the entire starboard hull forms the owner’s suite. It has a double island berth aft, a lounge and storage amidships, and a large head and shower forward. The port hull contains cabins fore and aft, with two private heads between them.
The four-cabin charter layout repeats that two-cabin arrangement in both hulls. These alternatives allow the boat to serve either private owners or charter crews.
In the central saloon, there’s an L-shaped settee and a navigation station. The U-shaped galley sits to port and includes a four-burner stove, refrigerator, freezer, and double sink. The aft cockpit lounge has a U-shaped settee to port. The boat may also be steered from the navigation station using the autopilot.
Known Issues
In March 2021, Lagoon acknowledged a construction weak point in the forward bulkheads that may lead to cracking. Owners were offered a free inspection, with repairs handled case by case according to warranty or vessel history.
Beyond the bulkhead advisory, the skeg keels remain a hazard where tides or coral expose them.
The Verdict
The Lagoon 450 is a spacious cruising catamaran that translated charter practicality into a boat families could own and sail without professional crew. The SporTop variant refined the helm arrangement by moving it closer to the saloon, while the broadly proportioned interior makes life aboard easy.
The forward-bulkhead advisory is a genuine ownership consideration. However, Lagoon’s free inspection program gives buyers a defined way to verify a boat’s condition.
Pros
- SporTop helm is close to the main living area and provides safe mast access
- Efficient rudders and good helm feedback in lively conditions
- Three- and four-cabin layouts suit both private-owner and charter use
- Large U-shaped galley and L-shaped saloon settee
Cons
- Forward bulkheads may crack at a known weak point
- Skeg keels are hazardous in tidal or coral waters
- 450 F production ended in 2019; 450 S production ended in 2021
