Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Lagoon 46

Two near-neighbours in the 38–46 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

Get a Side-by-Side Quote Skip to Verdict

At a Glance

Fountaine Pajot

Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 is a 38-foot 3-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for couples, small family, first time charter. A balanced cruiser that does many things well.

Lagoon

Lagoon 46

The Lagoon 46 is a 46-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2017. Best for family, couples. A proven family-friendly layout.

Quick Comparison

Spec	Lucia 40	Lagoon 46
Length overall	38 ft (11.73 m)	46 ft (13.99 m)
Beam	6.5 m	7.96 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	3 + 1	4 + 2
Max guests	6	8
Year introduced	2017	2017
Best for	couples, small family, first time charter	family, couples
Standout amenity	AC, watermaker	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida	Caribbean, Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida
Indicative price (bareboat low season)	$8,000	$9,500
Indicative price (crewed peak season)	$22,500	$36,000
View full detail	View →	View →

Pricing data drawn from current-season bookings across BVI and Mediterranean bases. Updated quarterly.

Design & Comfort Differences

The two boats feel meaningfully different on board, even within the same nominal size class. Three specific differences worth knowing:

Saloon and deck space. The Lucia 40 has a classic enclosed saloon with a wide aft deck; the Lagoon 46 offers a more conventional enclosed saloon.
Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 3 (Lucia 40) vs 4 (Lagoon 46) guest cabins. If you need 4 equal cabins for a multi-couple charter, the Lagoon 46 is the better fit. Otherwise they're both fine for a single-family layout.
Amenities & kit. Lucia 40 comes with AC, watermaker, dinghy, solar. Lagoon 46 adds generator.

Performance Differences

Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the neither — these are cruising-first boats.

In light air (under 10 knots true wind), the heavier-displacement boat will feel slightly sluggish; in 15–20 knots trade-wind conditions both perform similarly. In big Med Meltemi/Mistral conditions (25+ knots) the Lagoon 46's wider 7.96 m beam will initially feel more stable but pushes more water resistance.

For bareboat charters both behave predictably under sail and under power. We rarely see either one out-sail the other in normal charter conditions.

Price & Value

In current-season data, the Lucia 40 starts at $8,000/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Lagoon 46 starts at $9,500/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Lucia 40 reach $22,500/week and the Lagoon 46 reach $36,000/week.

For most charterers the price difference is small (~$500–$1,500/week) compared to the total trip cost — meaning amenities, layout and your destination matter more than sticker price when choosing between two boats this similar.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're a family with kids

Choose the Lagoon 46. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.

If you want performance / a sailing-feel boat

Neither boat is a true performance catamaran; both are cruiser-first. If sailing feel matters most, look at the Excess 14 or Nautitech 46 Open as alternatives.

If you want luxury / open-space

Both are mainstream cruising layouts. For a true "luxury first" catamaran consider a Bali 5.4 or Sunreef 60 — but at very different price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lucia 40 bigger than the Lagoon 46? ▾

The Lucia 40 is 38 ft (11.73 m) long with a 6.5 m beam, while the Lagoon 46 is 46 ft (13.99 m) with a 7.96 m beam. The Lagoon 46 is the longer boat, but the difference of 8 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Lucia 40 or Lagoon 46? ▾

The Lagoon 46 is the stronger family pick — designed with family / couples in mind, with 4 guest cabins and a layout forgiving for kids new to sailing. The Lucia 40 leans couples / small family — fine for older families with sailing experience.

Which is better value — Lucia 40 or Lagoon 46? ▾

The Lucia 40 is the lower-priced option (starts around $8,000/week bareboat), with the Lagoon 46 starting around $9,500/week. The price difference of ~$1,500/week is usually worth it if you specifically want family; otherwise the Lucia 40 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Lucia 40 and Lagoon 46 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Lucia 40: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida. Lagoon 46: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida. Where they overlap (often the Caribbean + Mediterranean), they're both well-supported by local charter fleets and you can usually get a checkout sail either way.

How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾

Lucia 40: 3 guest cabins + 1 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 6 guests in standard charter config. Lagoon 46: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests. The Lagoon 46 sleeps more; pick that one for larger groups.

Keep Comparing

More 38–46-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Lagoon 42 42 ft vs 38 ft · 4 cabins Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Lagoon 40 40 ft vs 38 ft · same cabins Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 40 ft vs 38 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 47 ft vs 38 ft · same brand Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Lagoon 50 50 ft vs 38 ft · 4 cabins Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 vs Bali 4.2 42 ft vs 38 ft · 4 cabins

→ Lucia 40 detail page → Lagoon 46 detail page → All comparisons

Decide Between Lucia 40 & Lagoon 46

We'll send current quotes and an honest recommendation. Free, takes 24 hours.

Get Both Quotes