SAIL Magazine noted its resemblance to the larger Lagoon 50, particularly the angular transoms and sloping hardtop that rises at the aft end. Yet the 46 is nearly 12,000 pounds lighter than its 50-foot sibling, which helps explain its nimble feel under power.
Design and Construction
Lagoon built the 46 in Belleville-sur-Vie, France, using vacuum-infused balsa coring above the waterline to reduce weight while retaining structure. VPLP gave the hulls pronounced chines that flare outward just above the waterline. These add considerable living space inside each hull without disturbing the narrow underwater form.
The wraparound vertical windows appear continuous but consist of separate glazed panels. Rectangular hull ports, larger than those on the 450, bring plenty of light into the guest cabins. Below the sole, the blackwater tanks for all heads are mounted there rather than on the hull sides, lowering the center of gravity.
A handhold is molded directly into the GRP coachroof in place of stainless-steel rails. The engine-room hatches open aft for access. In the saloon and cabins, reconstituted Alpi wood is available in three finishes, including a darker brown, with optional leather accents.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The mast is stepped relatively far aft to reduce hobbyhorsing. This arrangement allows a shorter, more manageable boom, while the higher-aspect rig reaches winds aloft. A self-tacking jib on its own track works with the square-top mainsail, and an optional 105-square-meter Code 0 broadens the boat’s range off the wind.
The visible furling boom allows the crew to monitor reefing and furling directly instead of guessing what’s happening behind a cover. A recessed electric Harken winch operates the continuous main traveler, while winches offset to port bring all sail-control lines to the skipper.
On the flybridge, the wheel is also offset to port. The hardtop’s two aft supports double as ladders leading to the mainsail bag, although testers found them as awkward and slick as those on the Lagoon 50.
In 15 knots of true wind on the beam and minimal chop, the Lagoon 46 can be expected to make 9 to 10 knots. With the Code 0 set in 18 knots, 11 to 12 knots is possible. Twin 57 hp Yanmar diesels with saildrives pushed the test boat to 8.5 knots at wide-open throttle and a comfortable 7 knots at 2,200 rpm.
Cockpit, Saloon, and Flybridge
The cockpit provides an exceptional view of the horizon and works as a modular living area. It has generous storage, sliding bench seating, and an exterior galley to starboard with a sink, fridge, and bottle cutouts. The space can seat as many as twelve people.
A folding table to port suits either a quick breakfast or dinner for eight. Sliding the forward seat reveals steps to the port side deck.
The saloon and galley are on the same level. A central forward window slides down to open the interior toward the foredeck, and the navigation desk sits to port.
The flybridge can be arranged as a sundeck or a full helm station. It includes a long bench for the skipper and three companions, a triple-wide sun pad, and an angled dash carrying the MFD, wind instruments, autopilot, and windlass remote.
Accommodation Layouts
In the three-cabin owner’s layout, the starboard hull contains a queen island berth aft, an elongated settee and desk amidships, and a forward head large enough for two. The toilet has its own separate compartment.
A four-cabin, four-head charter layout is also available, with separate showers. Across the available four- to six-cabin arrangements, the boat has berths for six to twelve people.
Known Issues
The aft hardtop supports double as ladders, but testers found them awkward and slick. That creates a handling hazard when the crew needs to manage the mainsail at sea.
The Lagoon 46 has a mast height of 76 feet, so it cannot transit the ICW. That’s a hard limit for inland passage.
The Verdict
The Lagoon 46 refines the successful 450 formula with lower weight, an aft-stepped rig, and extra hull volume created by its flared chines. It sails and motors with poise that is rare in the class, although its mast height rules out inland passage and the flybridge ladder design needs care.
For owners seeking charter-grade space and easy shorthanded operation, it is a benchmark coastal and bluewater cruiser.
Pros
- Flared chines add meaningful living space without a drag penalty
- Visible furling boom gives the crew better control of sail handling
- Aft-stepped mast and shorter boom tame hobbyhorsing
- Twin 57 hp Yanmar diesels deliver 8.5 knots at wide-open throttle
- Three- and four-cabin layouts suit both private ownership and charter use
Cons
- The 76-foot mast prevents ICW transit
- Hardtop ladder supports are awkward and slick
- Light-ship figures differ between sources
