Lagoon 43 Launch Review: Redefining Space and Versatility in Sailing

Imagine a catamaran that can transform its dining area to seat 12 people, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The Lagoon 43 does just that, and so much more. This revolutionary new model from Lagoon Catamarans is set to make waves in the sailing world, offering a perfect blend of innovation, comfort, and performance.

The 12 person dining experience on the new Lagoon 43.

Introduction

The sailing world is talking with excitement about Lagoon unveiling its latest masterpiece – the Lagoon 43. Designed to replace the wildly successful Lagoon 42, this new model isn't just an incremental upgrade; it's a complete reimagining of what a mid-size catamaran can be. With over 1,000 units of the Lagoon 42 sold, the bar was set incredibly high.

The all new Lagoon 43 replaces the best selling 42.

As someone who's spent countless hours reviewing catamarans, I can confidently say that the Lagoon 43 is poised to redefine the mid-size catamaran market. It combines cutting-edge design with enhanced comfort and versatility, making it a true game-changer for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.

Key Features of the Lagoon 43

1. Transformable Dining Area: The pièce de résistance of the Lagoon 43 is undoubtedly its innovative dining setup. By connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces, you can create a single dining area that comfortably seats up to 12 people. It's perfect for those memorable family dinners or lively gatherings with friends under the stars.

2. Unique Hull-Side Access Points: Lagoon has ingeniously cut out sections of the hull sides aft, creating easy access points for boarding. This feature is a first in its class and dramatically improves the flow between boat and dock.

3. Mini Flybridge Lounge: Elevate your relaxation (literally!) with the mini flybridge lounge. It's the perfect spot for sunbathing, enjoying a sundowner, or taking in panoramic views of your surroundings.

4. Forward Cockpit Sofa: The addition of a forward cockpit sofa with a table expands your outdoor living options. It's an ideal spot for morning coffee or intimate conversations away from the main cockpit.

5. Redesigned Hull Shape: VPLP Design has worked their magic once again, creating a hull shape that significantly increases interior volume without compromising on performance. It's a win-win that you'll appreciate every day you're on board.

Sofa with an ocean view anyone?

Walkthrough

Rig and Sails

The Lagoon 43 features a significant change in its sail plan compared to its predecessor. The mast has been moved forward, eliminating the need for a self-tacking jib. Instead, you'll find a larger sail area with an overlapping genoa, providing improved performance and easier handling in a variety of wind conditions.

The mainsail boasts a generous 68 square meters, while the genoa adds another 37 square meters, totaling an impressive 105 square meters of sail area. This increased canvas allows for better light wind performance without overwhelming the boat in stronger breezes.

Helm and Steering

Positioned on the port side, the raised helm station offers excellent visibility and easy access to sail controls. What's more, a few steps up from the helm leads you to the flybridge lounge – a feature typically found on much larger catamarans. This elevated position not only provides a commanding view for navigation but also serves as a fantastic social area when at anchor.

Coachroof helm with mini flybridge a lounge area.

Winches and Controls

Lagoon has strategically placed winches and controls to facilitate efficient sail handling. This setup is particularly beneficial for short-handed sailing, allowing a small crew or even a solo sailor to manage the boat with ease. The proximity of essential controls to the helm station means you can adjust sails quickly without leaving the steering position – a real boon when conditions change rapidly.

Daggerboards/Keels

The Lagoon 43 opts for fixed keels rather than daggerboards. While this might slightly reduce upwind performance compared to daggerboard versions, it offers several advantages. Fixed keels provide excellent stability, reduce maintenance requirements, and allow for more interior space – a trade-off many cruisers are happy to make.

Deck and Exterior Features

The deck layout of the Lagoon 43 is where this catamaran really shines. The innovative hull cutouts for boarding are a game-changer, making it incredibly easy to step aboard from a marina berth. Gone are the days of awkward climbs over guardwails!

The new easy access hull side opening is great.

The expandable cockpit-saloon dining area is nothing short of revolutionary. By connecting the indoor and outdoor tables, you can create a massive dining space that's perfect for entertaining large groups. It's a feature that truly sets the Lagoon 43 apart from its competitors.

Up top, the flybridge lounge offers a spacious area for relaxation, complete with a sunpad. There's also the option to install solar panels here, perfect for those looking to extend their time off-grid.

At the bow, you'll find an integrated foredeck seating area – a cozy spot to enjoy the sunset or keep an eye out for dolphins on the horizon.

Clever backrest switches the aft bench from being used from the cockpit to faceing out over the water.

Interior Design and Layout

Step inside the Lagoon 43, and you'll be immediately struck by the sense of space and light. The saloon offers almost a 360-degree views, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that brings the outside in.

12 person dining table for entertaining your neighbour boats at anchorage.

The open L-shaped galley in the forward port corner is a chef's dream, offering ample counter space and storage while keeping the cook connected to the social areas. Multiple cabin configurations are available to suit different needs, from family cruising to charter operations.

What's truly impressive is the unprecedented living space Lagoon has managed to create within a 43-foot catamaran. The new hull design allows for larger berths and more generous dimensions in every cabin, rivaling the space you'd expect to find in much larger boats.

Engine and Power

The Lagoon 43 is equipped with twin 57 HP diesel engines, providing excellent maneuverability and fuel efficiency. This power setup offers more than enough oomph to handle most conditions, whether you're navigating tight marinas or motoring through calm seas.

Comparison

Lagoon 43 vs. Lagoon 42

While the Lagoon 42 was a beloved model, the 43 takes everything great about its predecessor and kicks it up a notch. The most noticeable improvements are:

1. Increased interior volume and berth sizes, thanks to the redesigned hull shape.

2. A reimagined sail plan with a larger sail area, offering improved performance.

3. Innovative boarding and dining arrangements that significantly enhance the livability of the boat.

   
   

Lagoon 43 vs. Similar Competitor Models

To give you a broader perspective, let's compare the Lagoon 43 to two of its main competitors in the 42-43 foot range: the Fountaine Pajot 42 Astrea and the Leopard 42.

Lagoon 43 vs. Fountaine Pajot 42 Astrea

1. Exterior Design: Both catamarans feature modern, sleek designs, but the Lagoon 43's innovative hull cutouts for easy boarding give it a unique edge. The Astrea, however, boasts a larger cockpit area.

2. Sailing Performance: The Lagoon 43's larger sail area (105 m² vs. Astrea's 101 m²) may provide slightly better light wind performance. However, the Astrea's lighter displacement (11.5T vs. Lagoon's 13.3T) could make it more responsive in certain conditions.

3. Interior Layout: The Lagoon 43's transformable dining area is a standout feature not found on the Astrea. However, the Astrea offers a slightly larger owner's suite in its three-cabin version.

4. Flybridge: Both boats feature a flybridge, but the Lagoon 43's is more spacious and better integrated into the overall design.

5. Price: The Lagoon 43 is generally priced slightly higher than the Astrea, reflecting its newer design and innovative features.

   
   

Lagoon 43 vs. Leopard 42

1. Exterior Design: The Leopard 42 features the brand's signature forward cockpit, which offers additional outdoor living space. The Lagoon 43 counters with its innovative hull cutouts and expandable dining area.

2. Sailing Performance: The Lagoon 43 has a larger sail area (105 m² vs. Leopard's 95 m²), potentially offering better performance, especially in light winds.

3. Interior Layout: The Leopard 42's forward cockpit allows for a unique interior flow, with a door leading directly from the saloon to the foredeck. The Lagoon 43, however, offers more flexibility with its transformable dining area.

4. Helm Position: The Leopard 42 features a single starboard helm station, while the Lagoon 43 has a raised port helm with easier access to the flybridge.

5. Construction: Both catamarans are built to high standards, but the Lagoon 43's more recent design may incorporate the latest advancements in materials and techniques.

   
   

In conclusion, while all three models offer excellent features, the Lagoon 43 stands out with its innovative dining area, easy boarding access, and spacious flybridge. The Fountaine Pajot 42 Astrea may appeal to those prioritizing a larger cockpit and owner's suite, while the Leopard 42 offers a unique forward cockpit design. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs, sailing style, and personal preferences.

Quality and Construction

When it comes to build quality, Lagoon's reputation speaks for itself. With over 40 years of experience in catamaran production, Lagoon has honed its craft. The Lagoon 43 is constructed in France, adhering to high European standards of craftsmanship and materials.

The hull is built using a vacuum-infusion process, ensuring a consistent, high-quality laminate that's both strong and lightweight. This construction technique not only enhances the boat's durability but also contributes to its impressive performance characteristics.

While it's still early days for the Lagoon 43, initial feedback from industry experts has been overwhelmingly positive. As with any new model, it will be important to keep an eye out for any recurring issues as more units hit the water, but Lagoon's track record suggests that any teething problems will be quickly addressed.

Conclusions Lagoon 43 Review

The Lagoon 43 is more than just a new model – it's a statement of intent from one of the world's leading catamaran manufacturers. It sets a new standard for mid-size catamarans, offering exceptional versatility and comfort for various sailing styles.

A small but functional saloon fully closed off.

What impresses me most about the Lagoon 43 is how it manages to balance performance and livability. It's a boat that's just as comfortable crossing oceans as it is hosting a dinner party at anchor. The innovative features, particularly the transformable dining area and easy-access hull cutouts, solve real problems that catamaran owners have grappled with for years.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Lagoon has managed to pack all these improvements into a package that's priced competitively with its predecessor. With a starting price of €518,700 for the three-cabin version and €529,000 for the four-cabin layout, the Lagoon 43 offers exceptional value for money in its class.

Thanks to its wide hulls the beds are generous.

Whether you're a family looking for your next cruising home, a couple planning to sail off into the sunset, or a charter operator seeking to impress your clients, the Lagoon 43 deserves a spot at the top of your consideration list. It's not just a great catamaran – it's a glimpse into the future of multihull design. Happy sailing!