To be honest, choosing a catamaran isn't nearly as complicated as people make it out to be online.
Don’t listen to those salespeople blowing things out of proportion.
Things like “a floating villa at sea.”
Or “the ultimate sailing experience.”
It’s all nonsense.
I just want to talk about the Lagoon brand.
Among amateur boaters in Europe and the U.S., it’s very similar to the Toyota Corolla: sales figures are quite impressive, and the number of boats still in service is enormous—but that also means there are a lot of hidden issues.
I’ve been sailing a Lagoon 42 for five years, and now I’ve got my eye on the 50.
Along the way, I’ve had the engine replaced, repaired the sail lines, and even nearly ran aground due to operator error.
These hard-learned lessons are more useful than any official manual.
Today, I’m not going to talk about specs.
Let’s talk about human nature.
Let’s talk about what’s really going through your mind when you’re sitting at the helm, looking out at the sea before you.
First, let’s face a harsh truth:
Many people think catamarans are stable.
They are, indeed.
But when the waves get really big, that feeling of the deck being as flat as a floor can make people seasick, leading to vomiting—and even causing them to question the meaning of life.
Monohulls do rock, but it’s a gentle sway.
Catamarans, on the other hand, experience a jarring, hard-hitting bounce.
This is especially true of the older models from Lagoon’s early days, which had mediocre shock absorption.
Lagoon 42: A “Sweet Trap” for Beginners
This is the best-selling model.
It’s also the one I most regret buying.
Why?
Because it’s so comfortable—so comfortable that you forget you’re actually sailing.
The cabins are spacious.
The master bedroom is on the port side and has a private bathroom.
On a monohull? Don’t even think about it.
But for beginners, this is a huge pitfall.
The space is so vast that it makes you feel like you don’t need a captain.
You might even dare to steer with just one hand.
And what happened?
On my first attempt at docking, I scraped right up against the pier pilings.
It scraped off a layer of paint.
It broke my heart.
Plus, although the Model 42 has a shallow draft and can run wild in shallow waters,
its center of gravity is quite high.
When there’s a strong crosswind, that rolling motion really makes your knees go weak.
I’ve seen way too many people buy a 42 only to discover it’s completely unsuitable for long-distance cruising.
They’re only suitable for drifting in calm bays.
This is what’s called a “sweet trap.”
It looks great, but it’s a disaster to use.
Lagoon 50: A Compromise for Adults
If your budget allows, don’t hesitate.
Go straight for the 50.
Or the 52.
Don’t listen to people who say the 50 is too big and hard to handle.
That’s because you haven’t experienced how helpless the 42 is in wind and waves.
The 50 model offers better visibility from the helm.
Because the hull is taller.
You can see the wave crests in the distance.
You can anticipate what’s coming.
That’s crucial.
At sea, anticipation is a matter of life and death.
My friend bought a used 50, and the first thing he did when he got home was upgrade the autopilot.
He said that with this, he finally had time to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Instead of staring intently at the compass.
The 50’s twin-engine layout also makes turning around in tight harbors exceptionally easy.
Even if there’s only one person on shore helping to throw the lines.
That’s something the 42 can’t do.
The 42 usually requires two people working together to dock perfectly.
Just one person?
That’s a nightmare.
Data doesn’t lie, but it can be misleading
Take a look at this table.
| Model | Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Displacement (metric tons) | Suitable Scenarios | Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagoon 42 | 42.5 | 22.5 | ~16.5 | Inshore leisure, short-distance | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lagoon 46 | 46.0 | 23.6 | ~19.0 | Mediterranean cruising | ⭐⭐ |
| Lagoon 50 | 50.0 | 25.5 | ~23.0 | Ocean-going, long-term family living | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lagoon 52 | 52.0 | 25.5 | ~24.5 | High-end charter, luxury yachts | ⭐⭐ |
Note the displacement.
The Type 42 is just over 16 metric tons.
The 50-type is already 23 metric tons.
What does this mean?
It means the inertia is different.
The braking distance is different.
The turning radius is different.
Many beginners think a lighter boat is easier to handle.
Wrong.
A lighter boat is more susceptible to wind.
A sudden crosswind could push the Type 42 directly off course.
Although the Type 50 is heavier, it’s more stable and better able to withstand such sudden disturbances.
That’s why experienced sailors prefer larger boats.
It’s not about prestige.
It’s for the sense of security.
Don’t overlook maintenance costs
This is the point most easily overlooked.
Maintenance costs for catamarans are typically 1.5 times those of monohulls of the same size.
Why?
Because there are two hulls.
Two engines.
More rigging.
More plywood joints.
I’ve seen a Lagoon 42 that was ten years old with severe blistering on the deck.
Repair costs can run as high as 20,000 euros.
In contrast, a 46-foot monohull sailboat from the same year might only cost a few thousand yuan.
This is because catamarans have a more complex structure with more stress points.
This is especially true for the sections connecting the decks.
If there are flaws in the design or manufacturing, repairs later on are extremely difficult.
Therefore, when buying a used Lagoon, be sure to hire a knowledgeable surveyor.
Don’t skimp on this expense.
Otherwise, what you’re buying isn’t a boat.
It’ll be a bottomless pit.
My advice
If you just want to head to the coast for a weekend getaway,
42 is enough.
But if you want to stay overnight or take your family somewhere farther away—
Even if it’s just to the neighboring island,
Go with the 50.
Seriously.
Don’t try to save money only to end up spending more on stress and repairs.
Sailing is about freedom.
Not about fixing the boat.
Q: Is the Lagoon 42 really hard to sail? A: It’s not hard. But sailing it well is. Especially in narrow harbors, you’ll need to practice many times to get the hang of it.Q: Is a used Lagoon worth buying? A: It’s worth it, but only if you know how to choose one. Be sure to check for aging adhesive at the joints between the deck and the hull. Q: What license is required for the 50 model? A: In most European countries, boats over 15 meters or with engine power exceeding a certain threshold require a special license.The Model 50 usually falls right on the threshold, so it’s advisable to check with your local maritime authority in advance. Q: Are catamarans really more stable than monohulls? A: Yes, when at a standstill. But in rough seas, catamarans roll more frequently, which can actually make some people more prone to seasickness.Q: Where can I find a reliable used Lagoon? A: Southern France and the Caribbean are the main hubs. However, keep in mind that boats from the south may have been exposed to intense sunlight, while those from the north may have suffered from salt spray corrosion. Each has its pros and cons.
Author’s Note: This article was written by a seasoned boat owner with 10 years of experience chartering and personally sailing catamarans. Having personally participated in numerous offshore rescues and major catamaran repair projects, the author aims to provide purchasing advice based on real-world challenges.