{"id":158087,"date":"2025-05-21T06:32:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T05:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/?post_type=review&p=158087"},"modified":"2025-05-21T06:33:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T05:33:09","slug":"lagoon-43-review-will-this-voluminous-new-cat-be-the-worlds-most-popular-multihull","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/reviews\/boat-tests\/lagoon-43-review-will-this-voluminous-new-cat-be-the-worlds-most-popular-multihull","title":{"rendered":"Lagoon 43 review: Will this voluminous new cat be the world’s most popular multihull?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Replacing a very successful model is a huge challenge for any boatbuilder. Is it best to take a conservative approach, opting for a similar design to the original with only incremental updates and improvements? Or should they take a much more radical line, introducing innovative features that turn long established thinking on its head?<\/p>\n

The new Lagoon 43 has a very different hull shape to its predecessor, with much broader forward sections above the waterline. Key motivations for this were to create a charter version with four equal double cabins, all with large peninsula beds, and to move the berth in the owner\u2019s suite to the front of the boat in three-cabin layouts, without compromising the size of the bed.<\/p>\n

This moves it as far away as possible from noise in the cockpit, from the engines, and from busy town quays when moored stern to, as well as improving natural ventilation while sleeping. The new boat also has many smaller improvements which represents a big upgrade on the original.<\/p>\n

But how do the changes in hull shape affect handling and performance? As with other Lagoons, I found the boat surprisingly responsive even in light winds, when it could be reliably tacked on the mainsail alone. Of course a catamaran of this size weighing a whopping 13.9 tonnes (it\u2019s 1,800kg heavier than the Lagoon 42) will never have the direct feel of a performance yacht, yet it\u2019s responsive to the helm and easy to point the boat where you want it.<\/p>\n

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The forward sections of each hull are much wider above the waterline, opening up options for better accommodation. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr\/EYOTY<\/p><\/div>\n

Steady sailing<\/h2>\n

Closehauled under full sail in 18-19 knots of true wind we consistently made around 7.5 knots at a true wind angle, while tacking through around 100\u00b0, although as the wind eased upwind speed fell quickly. Nevertheless, bearing away to 100\u00b0 true wind angle and unfurling the Code 0 had us accelerating back to 7-7.5 knots in 12-15 knots of breeze, reducing to 6.2 knots as the true wind dropped to little more than 8 knots.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s noticeable acceleration as the breeze builds, yet also a reassuringly solid feel in stronger gusts. Even though this boat has huge stability Lagoon includes a fuse in the mainsheet that will release around 1m of the line if the boat is at risk of becoming overpowered. It\u2019s a simple idea, yet could be a game changer if caught by a severe and unexpected squall.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to recognise that this is a boat for which the design brief was to maximise accommodation volumes and it\u2019s not one intended to sail at impressive double-digit speeds downwind and reaching in strong winds. Instead, the expectation is to shorten sail early to maintain speeds of around 8 knots, with only occasional faster surfs.<\/p>\n

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The single helm station is typical Lagoon and at eye level with those sitting on the flybridge or in contact with the aft cockpit area. Photo: Ben Scheurer\/EYOTY<\/p><\/div>\n

Nevertheless in early sea trials off Les Sables d\u2019Olonne in 30 knots and 3m waves in March last year the test team reported being able to keep full sail set.<\/p>\n

Waterline beam is the same as for the Lagoon 42, so wetted surface area at lower boat speeds in light airs is more or less unchanged compared to the old model. Unfortunately, in the flat water conditions of my test, it was not possible to get a sense of how much the extra buoyancy above the static waterline forward will impact the boat\u2019s motion when upwind in an uncomfortable sea state.<\/p>\n

Sail area has been increased compared to the 42, but not by enough to offset a big increase in displacement. In lighter airs the boat proved less inspiring and in 10-12 knots of breeze the best tacking angle we could manage was 110\u00b0, with boat speed of little more than a disappointing five knots. In these conditions speed increased and the boat felt more responsive on bearing away a little and deploying the Code 0, but the sheeting angles of our test boat weren\u2019t configured to allow this sail to be used upwind.<\/p>\n

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Reversible rear-facing cockpit seats mean you can look forward into the saloon or aft out to sea. Note bulwark gates for easy boarding\/disembarking. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr\/EYOTY<\/p><\/div>\n

Boat handling<\/h2>\n

The raised helm station is typical Lagoon, with all sail controls at your fingertips, other than sheets and furling lines for reaching sails or asymmetric spinnakers. Visibility is good except when close-hauled on starboard tack and when reaching with a spinnaker or Code 0.<\/p>\n

In common with most that are sold to private owners, our test boat was fitted with optional electric winches and an electric Harken FlatWinder system for the mainsheet traveller, making for very easy push-button sail handling. The traveller is located at the aft end of the bridge deck, keeping the mainsheet well clear of crew and guests, providing they\u2019re not standing up on the flybridge.<\/p>\n

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Leopard 46 Hybrid first look: Combining the benefits of diesel and electric<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Here is another key replacement model after South African yard Robertson and Caine built over 400 of the Leopard 45.…<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t