Lagoon 40 Catamaran – Complete Entry-Level Buyer Review & Guide

The Lagoon 40: Why Entry-Level Buyers Choose This Catamaran

The Lagoon 40 catamaran has become a benchmark in the entry-level sailing market since its introduction in 2017. Designed by the renowned naval architects at VPLP Design (with interior design by Nauta Design), this 11.74-meter twin-hull cruiser combines approachable performance with genuine comfort—making it an increasingly popular choice for first-time catamaran buyers exploring Mediterranean waters and beyond.

Whether you’re considering purchase or charter, understanding the Lagoon 40’s capabilities, layout, and practical advantages will help you make an informed decision. This guide walks through what makes this vessel special and why it deserves serious consideration.

Core Specifications & Design Philosophy

The Lagoon 40 measures 38 feet 6 inches overall with a generous beam of 22 feet 2 inches—a width that translates directly into stable, spacious living areas both above and below deck. The shallow draft of just 4 feet 5 inches (1.35 meters) is particularly valuable for Mediterranean cruising, where anchorages often demand low-draft vessels.

Key technical details include:

• Hull Type: Catamaran with twin keels, vacuum-infused polyester with balsa core construction
• Displacement: 10,885 kilograms (23,997 pounds)—notably lighter than comparable models
• Sail Area: Approximately 828 square feet (77 square meters), with optional Code 0 for downwind performance
• Engine: Twin Yanmar 3YM30 diesel engines, 29 HP each (90 HP combined)
• Cruising Speed: Approximately 10 knots under power; responsive performance under sail

A standout design feature is the centered mast position, borrowed from sports catamarans and trimarans. This placement increases sail area, improves weight distribution, and enhances responsiveness—giving the Lagoon 40 characteristics more typically found in performance-oriented yachts.

Accommodations & Interior Layout

The Lagoon 40 is available in three-cabin or four-cabin configurations, accommodating between 6 and 12 guests depending on layout choice. Both versions feature a spacious master cabin, with the distinction lying in guest cabin count and bathroom (head) configuration.

Comfort specifications:

• Headroom: 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) throughout—sufficient for most sailors
• Water Capacity: 79 gallons (300 liters) standard, with optional additional tank bringing capacity to 158 gallons (600 liters)
• Fuel Capacity: Twin 56-gallon tanks (400 liters total), delivering excellent range for extended Mediterranean passages
• Interior Design: Emphasis on lightweight furnishings and strategically chosen galley and cabin equipment

The interior prioritizes ergonomics and uncluttered living spaces. Weight reduction—a design priority—was achieved without sacrificing comfort, resulting in a yacht that feels both spacious and easy to maintain.

Cockpit, Helm & Sailing Characteristics

The raised helm station features an adjustable two-person seat with optional bimini top for weather protection. From this elevated position, the helmsman enjoys full visibility of all four corners of the boat—critical for safe single-handed or short-crew operation. All control lines, engine controls, and navigation displays (typically a Garmin or B&G chartplotter) converge at the helm panel, minimizing movement during sail changes.

The cockpit design emphasizes communication between crew members. The forward sunbathing area and spacious aft cockpit allow passengers and crew to remain in visual and auditory contact with the helm—a practical benefit for family sailing and entertaining.

Rigging includes self-tacking jib (364 square feet) and optional square-top mainsail (511 square feet), with an optional Code 0 (706 square feet) for light-air performance. This setup allows single-handed or small-crew operation without excessive physical demand, making the Lagoon 40 accessible to sailors with varying experience levels.

Performance characteristics favor ease of handling over pure speed. The yacht achieves remarkable stability thanks to its wide beam, while responsive hydraulic steering and intelligent weight distribution deliver predictable behavior in varying sea states. Mediterranean sailors particularly appreciate the shallow draft and stable platform for cruising passage work.

Systems, Equipment & Practical Features

Standard systems on newer models typically include:

• Electronic engine controls with bow thruster for tight anchorage maneuvering
• Solar panels and 2,000-watt inverter for extended cruising autonomy
• Teak deck in saloon and cabin finishes
• Bathing ladder with outside shower—essential for Mediterranean cruising
• Loungers on saloon roof for social gathering and sunbathing
• Quality sound system with speakers in main saloon and cockpit

The CE Certification rating (Class A: 10, Class B: 12, Class C: 16, Class D: 20) confirms the Lagoon 40’s ocean-capable design, though its moderate size and design intent align primarily with extended cruising rather than blue-water expedition sailing.

Pricing & Entry-Level Value Proposition

New Lagoon 40 yachts are priced in the range of approximately €444,000–€550,000 USD equivalent depending on configuration and optional equipment. This positions the Lagoon 40 in the accessible entry-level catamaran market—significantly less expensive than larger Lagoon models (42, 46) while retaining essential cruising features.

Used models (typically 2017–2023 build years) trade between €250,000–€400,000 depending on condition, hours, upgrades, and survey history. This secondary market availability provides substantial opportunity for budget-conscious buyers seeking proven reliability.

For charter clients in the Mediterranean, weekly rates typically range from €2,500–€4,000 depending on season and charter company, making the Lagoon 40 a cost-competitive option for group sailing vacations.

Mediterranean Cruising Suitability

The Lagoon 40 is particularly well-suited to Mediterranean conditions:

• Shallow Draft: Access to Balearic anchorages, Croatian islands, and Greek protected waters where deeper-drafted monohulls face limitations
• Beam & Stability: Comfortable motion in typical Mediterranean chop; wide saloon spaces feel less confining during extended anchorage time
• Performance in Moderate Winds: The yacht’s moderate sail plan and centered mast deliver reliable performance in 10–20 knot Mediterranean winds typical of summer cruising
• Fuel Efficiency: Twin modest engines consume fuel economically, important for long passages between Mediterranean charter bases
• Charter Friendliness: Layout and intuitive handling make the Lagoon 40 suitable for flotilla sailing and yacht charter provisioning

Considerations for Buyers

Prospective owners should evaluate:

• Resale Market: Lagoon 40s have demonstrated strong secondary-market demand; verify service history and survey findings carefully
• Engine Hours: Used models may show 2,000–5,000+ engine hours; prioritize recent service records and zincs
• Structural Condition: Inspect polyester/balsa construction for osmotic blistering; request moisture meter readings of hull sandwich
• Systems Age: Electronics, plumbing, and electrical systems on 2017–2019 models may require selective upgrades
• Moorage Costs: Wide beam (22 feet) may incur premium Mediterranean moorage fees; budget accordingly

The Lagoon 40’s reputation for accessibility should not mask the importance of thorough pre-purchase survey and sea trial, particularly for used yachts.

The Verdict: Ideal Entry-Level Catamaran

The Lagoon 40 catamaran succeeds because it balances affordability, practical comfort, and proven performance without overwhelming first-time catamaran owners with excessive complexity or expense. For Mediterranean cruising, its shallow draft and wide beam deliver tangible operational advantages. Its design emphasizes single-handed capability, reducing crew demands—an increasingly valued feature among modern sailors.

Whether purchased for personal cruising or evaluated for charter operation, the Lagoon 40 offers measurable value, strong market recognition, and the backing of Lagoon’s established production and support infrastructure.

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